It is worth remembering that willow is not only a cheap and ecological fuel, but also a building material for versatile and creative use.Its shoots can be used to make various types of hurdles and trellises, and for children - shelters.We collect the witches from November to the end of February, during winter rest, and store them in a shed until planting in March , garage or attic (shoots should be in a vat with water).
If we do not have willow in the garden, the coming months are worth using to look for this green building material. It is worth asking in the commune and at the neighbors. White willow shoots (other names are silver willow, common willow) Salix alba, flagellum Salix viminalis and purple Salix purpurea are suitable for cuttings. The last species is the popular wicker.
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Podobny do wiklinowego płot can also be made from branches of other types of trees (Photo: Fotolia.com) |
One-year-old shoots are the best for plaiting small elements, they are slender and easy to braid. For weaving baskets, among others, purple willow, often the 'Jagiellonka' variety, and the raw material is obtained from plantations.
The soil for the living fence should be fertilized with compost.If the shoots are to grow at an angle, they need to be tilted during planting, the optimal spacing is approx. 10 cm.A young, unrooted structure can be supported with poles in the first year.
Willow is not demanding, grows well in sunny and semi-shaded positions, tolerates both moist and dry soil. A living fence should be cared for like other garden plants, i.e. it should be fed, watered and trimmed (like a hedge).
Willow should be planted especially in wet and damp places, because it absorbs water and thus dries the area a bit.Live willow fences are best suited to natural gardens, they protect against wind and prying eyes and also collect dust.
Making a wicker fence
A dry fence is to be weaved between wooden stakes driven into the ground (3-4 stakes per meter).
1. Drive the stakes into the ground to a depth of about 30 cm.
2. We alternate the shoots at the front and at the back of the stake. Flabby annual shoots are best for weaving.
3. Ready-made willow picket fence. Practical, aesthetic and, above all, free.
