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Planting
Willow
As Resource |
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Schools and community centres often
have small unused areas of ground that can be developed as willow
beds. Within two to three years enough willow rods will be produced
for classroom art projects and repair work. There will them
be an annual harvest of willow for up to 20 years or more. However
if there is a need, willow beds are easy to remove.
 Willow
cuttings can be purchased from the list of suppliers provided
in section 9, or obtained from schools that have existing willow
structures when they carry out the winter pruning. The cost
of cuttings varies enormously from 30 pence to £1.00 for
a single cutting. Willow cuttings will come from a grower packaged
in polythene to keep them moist. If you cannot plant them immediately
they are best kept in their polythene packing in a cool place
such as the bottom of a refrigerator. This will keep the buds
dormant. If this is impractical, store them in a cold shed or
against a north-facing wall but not for longer than a week.
Immersing cuttings in water for 24-48 hours before planting
will help future growth and survival.
Plant cuttings in well-cultivated ground so that at least three
quarters of the length is buried, and ideally with no more than
2-3cm above the surface. Space the cuttings about 2 foot apart
each way. Try to keep them absolutely weed free for the first
year at least. Planting cuttings through a black plastic membrane
will stop most weed growth. The willow bed will require an annual
harvest carried out in the dormant season (winter to early spring).
Cut back each plant to leave only a small stub of 2 or 3 buds
from the original cutting. |
