Willow, until recently one of the most characteristic elements of the Vistula landscape, is disappearing from the field and roadside trees.It is related to changes in the agricultural economy and the development of road infrastructure. As a result, the number of willow alleys, once common, has significantly decreased.
Planting of willows is to partially rebuild the damaged tree stand and restore these picturesque trees to their rightful place in the Polish flora. By planting willows, we create a new living space for rodents, insects and birds, e.g. the rare owls, little owls and hoopoes. The most persistent in our consciousness is the sight of the head willow, the form obtained as a result of long-term topping of the trunk (usually white willow).Although topping is still carried out, there are many professional voices condemning such actions, recognizing them to be unfounded and devastating.
Either way, the young shoots from the cut are ready cuttings. One-year-old twigs up to 3 cm thick and 50 cm long are the best for reproduction.We cut them at the turn of March and April, before the sap begins to circulate in the trees, and then press them into the ground to a depth of about 15 cm.Of course, we choose the moment when the soil is frozen. Under favorable conditions, the cuttings take only a few days to rooting.
At the beginning of the willow it is worth watering, on difficult soils it is recommended throughout the season. The soil around the seedlings should be mulched.Stems are a very graceful material, suitable for building live fences, gates, tunnels, children's teepee, and after drying - supports for creepers.
Willow support for vines in a pot
This impressive trellis for vines can be made by ourselves from twigs cut in the early spring in the garden.We will need: bucket with soil for flowers, 7-9 straight hazel shoots, copper wire for binding, willow shoots.
1. We make the skeleton of the trellis from hazel shoots stuck in two rows, about 12 cm apart.
2. Attach a crossbar to the vertical shoots, which is to stiffen the frame.
3. We start weaving, starting from the side on which the shoot is thicker. We weave from several to several layers, creating up to several braids along the entire height. Finally, cut the stumps protruding beyond the outline.
4. We plant plants. When it is time to plant, we reach for seedlings of climbing plants. For this type of planting, we can use clematis, honeysuckles, and from climbing annuals, tunbergia and kobe.
