We have been growing willow for basketry since 1994 at Dunbar Gardens, located just west of Mount Vernon, Washington in the Pacific Northwest, USA. As Katherine Lewis became interested in willow basketmaking, she realized she would need to grow her own materials since very little cultivated willow was available to purchase in our area. In addition, it gave her more choice in selecting the size, color, flexibility and other characteristics of the willow she weaves with. As a result, we have tried quite a number of species and varieties of Salix here.
Fortunately, willow is easy to propagate in our alluvial soil. An eight to twelve inch cutting taken from a dormant one year old rod is planted in early Spring. March is an ideal time here in the Skagit Valley to plant. We are still learning what the appropriate spacing is for different varieties in our location. We are now planting using rows spaced 32 inches apart with 9 inches between plants. This spacing allows us to use our walk behind tiller and mower to cultivate between the rows especially when establishing new plantings. Although plastic mulch and ground covers are often recommended for planting willow beds, we do not use them because of the potential problems with voles taking up "residence" underneath as well as potential fungal disease problems exacerbated by the fallen leaf litter on top of the plastic or weed block fabric.
We harvest our willow in the winter by hand with a pair of loppers. We cut the stools close to the ground for most varieties. After harvest, the willow is graded by length, dried in bundles, and then stored in our barn.
Here are photos of some of the willow varieties we are growing.
Willow Cuttings: We take orders for cuttings from December 15 to April 15; orders are shipped starting in January. Please read more about the willow varieties we offer and our willow planting tips by following this page link to willow cuttings. basket sales willow basket gallery basketmaking classes basketry willow willow cuttings basketmaking demos teachers & friends links birds on the farm home page Dunbar Gardens / 16586 Dunbar Road / Mount Vernon, WA 98273 USA ©2008 Steve Lospalluto & Katherine Lewis
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