WILLOW & BASKETRY FAQ

DISCLAIMER: All of our answers are informed by our site-specific experience here in southwest Pennsylvania, Zone 6B. Our results may differ from yours, slightly or greatly, based on the context of your particular climate and landscape conditions. Willow colors and weaving capabilities may also yield different results than ours.

 Growing & Managing Willow

  • Is it possible to grow willow everywhere? Can I plant it in my garden, or a very wet area?

An important consideration when planting willow is its proximity to underground water drainage, supply pipes and/or foundations. The rule of thumb is to plant at least 50 feet from any structures that may have these in their surrounding area. Unfortunately this means most home gardens are unsuitable, as the willow roots may wreak havoc underground in pursuit of water. That being said, it is not recommended to plant them in areas with standing water. Seasonally wet, or intermittently inundated, should be acceptable for plantings.

Willow is a very eager and resilient plant that will grow easily in a variety of environments, but we can only speak to the success in our region of the US. We recommend checking your local area and/or suppliers for specific information.

  • Are your plants weeping willows?

No. We manage our plants as shrubs, and most of them would, if left unmanaged, top out as simply a large shrub. Some of them would grow into massive trees, similar to a weeping willow, but our annual coppicing/pollarding efforts prevent this.

  • Why use landscape fabric? Will you ever remove it?

We would prefer not to use landscape fabric, but it allows us to plant on a large scale without the need for intensive weed management. Without the fabric we’d need to acquire excessive amounts of wood chips, which has not been feasible financially or in terms of supply availability. The ultimate goal is to remove the fabric once the plants are mature enough, as their root systems will have out-competed any other perennial plants, or annual weeds.

  • Do you plant every year or is it perennial? Do you plant from seed?

Willow is a perennial that we propagate through cuttings, which produce genetically identical plants that have ideal traits for specific purposes. All of our willow was planted from cuttings, never from seed. Cross-pollination between different varieties would produce copious amounts of seed, and potentially yield useful varieties for weaving, or other applications. We have not experimented with breeding at this point, but may do so in the future.

  • Any experience/tips using native willow species?

Yes. In terms of growing, we do have particular native species here on our property. What we would caution anyone to look out for is that some native species will send out runners, and spread into places that you may not want them.

In terms of weaving, certain native species are excellent. You would just have to do some research when you’re selecting which varieties you’re interested in, if they have historical data about that particular use. Most of our varieties originally came from Vermont Willow Nursery, and they have an excellent system of categorization that will show you which varieties are best for basketry, and are native.

  • How can I start pollarding my willow? How does one establish willow from cuttings into a short pollard?

Managing willow into pollards can start at either stage - before planting, or after you’ve already started coppicing. If you’re starting out from the planting stage, longer cuttings can be utilized to get your first year plants to the height that you want to start your pollard.

If you’ve already coppiced your plants, and wish to move to a pollard, during the dormant season when you are harvesting, we would recommend selecting two or three rods, cutting them at the height of your desired pollard, and managing them as such in subsequent years. We are currently experimenting with this ourselves, so this is still in the R & D phase.

  • How long does it take for willow plants to be established enough to cut?

Harvesting begins after the first year of planting, and the material from that first year isn’t the best (but usable). If coppicing as a means to create weaving material is the goal, it’s best to start right away, and every year following.

Harvesting begins in the dormant months, for us that’s December - March(ish). In successive years harvests will get better and better until year 5 when they’re producing at maximum potential. We’ve read they will do so for at least 25 years before any noticeable decline.

  • What is your spacing? Why single rows?

We plant 3 feet between rows, and 1 foot between plants within each row. Single rows were done with the intention of ease when accessing to harvest/weed/inspect. We also plant multiple varieties in blocks, so rows allow us to keep each individual variety organized.

For further wisdom on this topic, check out this post from Dunbar Gardens, a portion of which is quoted below:

Spacing of the willow cuttings depends on several factors including how the willow will be harvested, how weeds will be controlled, variety, and soil fertility. We are using a spacing of 6 inches in the row by 36 inches between rows for most of our basket varieties. We have also used 12 inches by 24 inches. Wider spacing is appropriate for producing large rods for garden structures, trellises, or living fences; or when growing in poor soils. Hedges can be planted in a single row spaced from 12 to 24 inches; or a double row planted 24 inches apart with the plants offset.

  • How many varieties do you have planted? Recommended varieties for growing to weave?

We have over 100 varieties planted, all of which serve different purposes beyond just weaving material. This is excessive, but if we had a small plot, and limited opportunities for different varieties, we would start with any of the Dicks selections, and beyond that any S. purpurea varieties are typically good for weaving and would offer a fair amount deer resistance.

Weaving/Basketry

  • How did you get into basketry and learn to weave?

When Dan turned 40 in 2018 he was desperate for a craft to do during the dark Pittsburgh winters, and came across a video of someone making a basket. After that he learned to weave mostly through YouTube videos, then books, and ultimately a few in-person classes with experienced weavers.

  • How long does it take to make a basket?

The short answer would be that most baskets take one day. Some of the more complicated forms will take two days, but typically no more than that. The addition of leather work, or pre-dried frames and forms, all add to the length of time.

  • How do you soak? Can you steam dried willow?

Our soaking setup is detailed on this blog post. You can steam, but we haven’t tried that technique enough to speak on it. We recommend these sources to learn more:

All of the colors in our baskets are the natural bark color, and once our baskets are complete we do not add any coatings whatsoever. We prefer to simply provide proper care instructions to keep the baskets functioning in an ideal condition for as long as possible.

  • Is weaving hard? Can anyone do it?

It really depends on your definition of hard, as everyone will have a different experience. Physically it can be demanding, especially for people with upper body mobility issues, as the sustained tension required to hold and manipulate the rods is above and beyond most daily requirements for our hands and wrists. With persistence, however, techniques will improve along with the weaver’s endurance and strength.

  • Can I commission a custom basket?

Yes. Contact Dan and he will be happy to discuss your ideas.

Opportunities/Resources

  • Do you sell weaving material? Do you sell cuttings?

We only sell cuttings at this time. Here are some other recommendations for sourcing cuttings & weaving material:

We are not open to the public, but have begun taking inquiries from groups to provide on-farm experiences. We are also not currently accepting interns, but are working towards that goal for the future as we build our infrastructure. Passing on what we have learned, and partnering with enthusiastic people is something we’re very excited about. You can find our contact information here to discuss these opportunities further.

  • How can I LEARN FROM you?

Check out our current class listings here, and our willow growing consultation services here.

This page is periodically edited and added to. Last update: March 2024

FOGGY BLOSSOM FIELD NOTES

Follow us on Substack for weekly willow, basketry, art and farm life content.