Willow is a versatile and hardy plant, with many uses in the garden, from screens and hedges to creating fun sculptures

WILLOW plays a huge part at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Salix is the Latin name for willow and often confused with bamboo. I can understand why, as its growth habit and leaf texture is very similar.

Willow is a very versatile plant and has many uses, from plant supports, sculptures, living screens or hedge, or even just a bit of fun. Willow can be sculptured and shaped as it very flexible, adding to its versatility.

If you have not visited RHS Garden Harlow Carr before, you will be impressed to see our wide range of uses for willow across the whole garden. It brought a smile to my face when I saw the hares on bicycles or the “Harey Bikers”.

They have been made for the Tour de France Event in aid of Turning Yorkshire Yellow and are sited below the Alpine House.

Depending on your desired theme or design, generally non-living sculptures will last between three to five years.

However don’t be alarmed if shoots start appearing, as this is the reserves in the stems of willow shooting, they can simply be nipped off. It does, however, become brittle after a period of time when exposed to the extreme elements.

To help preserve non-living willow, it is best to apply linseed oil as a protective barrier.

Living willow is, however, very tactile at this time of year, as it puts on fresh young juvenile growth which shimmers in the sunlight and sways gently in the breeze.

At Harlow Carr, we have a living willow screen that provides an attractive alternative to a fence or a hedge.

Living willow is best constructed in the late winter, following the same principles as you would with hard wood cuttings to ensure successful rooting.

Harvest long lengths of willow and push the rods well into the soil and firm them well to avoid any air pockets. This is important to enable the rods to root.

Place about two to three rods per hole, ideally staggering them to create a screen/alternative fence. Use a post driver or metal pole to form the planting holes.

Then weave the rods criss-crossing as this will give strength and stability. Make sure all the stems are weaved in an upwards direction to encourage the sap to rise and buds to burst.

Failure to do so will result in the rods struggling to root and break leaf. You may need to place a few stakes in if it is long to give stability till the roots are firmly developed and anchored. Once rooted, depending on how vigorous the growth is, it will need trimming in early and late summer to keep it in check. This is also a good time to weave in any pieces of willow if you have any gaps or rods which have failed to root before you give it its first haircut!

Willow is attractive in the winter; both living and non living give lovely natural outlines and shapes. However, do be aware that willow is a very vigorous shrub/tree and the roots will search for water, so do not plant near your house, drains or foundations to any buildings.

It is also very “rooty”, so plenty of space is required and it may be difficult to grow other plants nearby.

We have a range of willow courses at the garden, from willow sculptures to basket making, so why not join in with the fun?

To do this week

  • Keep a night time check as slugs and snails WILL munch if it is damp and wet.
  • Keep on top of mowing lawns, edging and weeding as sunshine and showers makes for ideal growing conditions.
  • Have garden fleece handy if night time temperatures fall as tender crops and plants may require protection.