Living Willow Workshop at High Lodge 10am -2.30pm
Ever wanted a living willow dome, tunnel or fence for your garden? If you would like to learn the skills to create and manage your own structures, this is the workshop for you.
Willow is incredibly versatile and can be grown and woven into different shapes and designs to make tunnels, shelters and fences. It roots quickly from a bare rod, and will start to grow and leaf in its first year. It is great for drying out wet areas of your garden, and for creating shaded areas and spaces for children to play.
Willow sculptor Toni Cross has built many varied living willow structures with schools and groups over a number of years, and will work with you to demonstrate the skills, as well as advising on your own project.
Part of this workshop will involve working outside, adding a willow tunnel to an existing growing dome at High Lodge. During this session Toni will teach the weaving and planting skills to make your own structure at home.
The living willow planting season runs from December to late March-early April so if you would like to plant your own structure at home straight after the workshop we recommend getting your willow organised before or straight after the workshop. If you would like advice on obtaining willow please get in touch.
We will also make a pot grown living willow harlequin tree for you to take home. This can continue to be grown in a pot or planted outside.
There is no age limit but children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.
Willow is a lovely medium to work with and most people find weaving relaxing and therapeutic. However, it can be quite hard on the fingers. We can find ways to alleviate this for most people, but if you have arthritis or other mobility issues you might want to discuss this with Toni first to see what help we can offer.
Tools will be provided but please bring:
Suitable clothes and boots for working outside
A pot for your harlequin tree - a 30-40 litre pot is ideal
An indoor area is available to shelter and warm up and lots of hot drinks provided too. Harlequin trees can be planted inside if the weather is poor.