If you own a pasture, you are probably aware of how much clippings are left behind during maintenance. Willow rods reach enormous lengths. The special thing about the branches is their flexibility. By using these to make something from the willow leftovers, you kill two birds with one stone: on the one hand, there is less waste to be disposed of, and on the other hand, you enrich your garden with impressive decorations.
How can I use willow in my garden?
You can process willow by making branches into natural privacy screens or willow wreaths. Young branches are suitable for climbing aids or privacy screens, while non-sprouting branches are ideal for decorative objects. Use the flexibility of the willow for creative garden decoration.
Material acquisition
If you don't have a pasture in your own garden, you are welcome to use free-standing trees. The branches sprout again quickly so that no damage is caused. Alternatively, you can buy willow trees at a hardware store, tree nursery or online.
When to cut?
Please note, however, that willow trees may only be cut between October and February. Otherwise, breeding birds could destroy your nesting place.
Which type of willow is suitable?
Recommended willow species with particularly flexible branches are
- the wicker
- the white willow
- the purple willow
- or the wicker
Tip
If the pasture rods are already hard and inelastic, it helps to put them in water for a while.
Which branches to use?
Before you cut willow branches, you need to be clear about their intended use. If you want to make decorative objects, you should use branches that no longer sprout. Young branches, on the other hand, are ideal for a climbing aid or a privacy screen. If the rods turn green, a very attractive look is created.
Craft ideas made from willow
Especially as an enrichment in the garden, crafts made from willow serve both a visual and a practical purpose. Here are two ideas on how you can use willow:
Natural privacy screen
- Depending on the length, you will need sturdy sticks that serve as posts (1 meter of privacy screen=3-4 posts)
- point the ends so you can stick them into the ground better
- drive the stakes into the ground about 30-40 cm deep
- Wrap 2-3 meter long willow rods horizontally around the posts
- Different patterns can be designed as desired
- cut off the excess ends
Tip
A low-height privacy screen also serves as a bed border.
Make willow wreaths
- It is best to use rods that are one year old
- braid or twist the rods into a round shape
- wrap a wire around the wreath
- decorate the wreath (for example with beads)
