A living willow fence can serve as an attractive and handy hedge for the garden. Bonnie Gale, owner of English Basketry Willows, shares this how-to.

Tools and Materials

• Planting bar
• Yardstick
• Living willow rods
• Elastic
• Shears (optional)

Note: Quantities and lengths of willow rods will vary depending on the size and shape of the fence.

Living Willow Fence How-To
1. Use planting bar and yardstick to make evenly spaced holes in the ground. Insert tall willow rods (to serve as stakes).

2. Plant an extra rod at each end for structural support.

3. Weave several willow rods horizontally through the planted rods, ensuring that the vertical rods stand sturdily.

4. Make holes between the vertical rods. Plant additional willows in the holes, and weave them diagonally through the vertical rods from left to right, then from right to left. Tie the diagonal rods to vertical rods with elastic.

5. Trim the top of the vertical rods (optional).

6. Water the fence, and continue to water throughout the growing season. Green should appear within one to two weeks. Prune as needed.

Resources
Living willow fence kits, including all necessary materials and detailed instructions, are available from English Basketry Willows.

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