Willow Cuttings
We provide 5 varieties of organically grown basketry willows from January until the end of February.
You can grow a fair amount of willow on a small amount of land. Willow needs to be grown, ideally in damp soil, away from large trees. It is best kept weed free, so we advise you to plant through a membrane, such as cardboard or thick mulch. The willow is coppiced every year between January and March, then stored until dry. Once dry you can re-soak the willow and weave. All these willows need to be soaked for around 2 days per foot in the summer and 3 days per foot in the winter. Being self-sufficient in willow gives the same level of satisfaction as eating your home grown spuds .
We provide 5 varieties of organically grown basketry willows from January until end of February . Cuttings can be posted. Please contact Kirk for planting advice and placing an order.
The images below, show dry willow rods, so the colour the rod would be when woven into your basket. The rods are different colours when freshly cut or 'green' and take 6-8 months to dry before you can use them for basketry.
14” cuttings are now £1.00 each plus postage and packaging. Minimum order 20 cuttings. Contact Kirk on kirk@transitionkingscliffe.org.uk
07415 240944
suekirkwillowbaskets@outlook.com
S. purpurea “Le Bleu”
A long thin rod with a hard bark. Soaks up very slowly. Soaks better in the summer when water is warm.
Colour light blue/green, changes colour along the rod. Great for fine work, such as tying in slaths, weaving between small gaps. Too soft for borders.
S.purpurea “Dark Dicks”
A thin, hard rod, creates warmth in your basket. Beautiful vibrant colours , can be checkered red, green all the way up the rod. Soaks up well and is a versatile rod , one of our students favourites.
S.purpurea “Green Dicks”
A long thin rod with considerable strength. Great for tightly packed borders and holds its curve. Olive green with a shiny bark. Needs soaking for a considerable amount of time, especially in the winter.
S. purpurea x daphnoides “Brittany Blue”
A favourite of our students . A strong rod which soaks up nicely. Colours range from dark bluey purple at the base to a grey mossy blue at the top
S. purpurea “Dicky Meadowes”
A long thin pliable rod.
One of our favourite willows due to it being a good all rounder. A strong rod which soaks up nice and quickly.
Colours range from light green/grey to darker mossy green