14 replies to this topic

[Mountain View]

Ok I fancy trying to grow something and thought of willow. Would love some feed back please?

Who would the willow be sold to?

Is there a market for it?

What sort of maintenance would it require?

Would it grow in clay soil?

Is it harmful to agri animals?

Cheers

MV

[Cornish Gems]

Hi MV - we bought our original stock of willow off eBay and are very pleased with the result. We originally bought it because the clay in our soil meant the soil became very wet at times and we knew that certain varieties of willow were extremely good at seeking out water.

A word of warning though, do not plant it too close to a water mains/pipe/drain as it will manage to find the water running inside it/them, as more than one householder that we know of found out to their dismay.

CG

[brocade]

Ok I fancy trying to grow something and thought of willow. Would love some feed back please?

Who would the willow be sold to?

Is there a market for it?

What sort of maintenance would it require?

Would it grow in clay soil?

Is it harmful to agri animals?

Cheers

MV

We having been growing willow very small scale for a number of years. We have about 5 different varieties. Some gets sold to people just wanting a bunch for decoration, but most for weaving into willow structures in the garden. More recently we sell some to a local basket weaver who runs workshops, and to some landscapers who are making a willow fence. They tell me it is difficult to buy locally. (Suffolk)

Willow likes clay soil - better for retaining moisture. It is very easy to grow - you just stick cuttings into the soil - in winter.

You must keep it weed free; it can't compete with other plants. After 2 or 3 years it will have developed enough that the weeds won't get much of a look in. Or you could plant through a membrane.

The other problem is rabbits, if you don't have rabbit proof fencing they will eat it, especially over winter.

It needs cutting down every winter, though you may get buyers to cut their own!

You get a good crop from a small area, it looks pretty and requires little work once it is established. Can also serve as a screen and shelter belt.

I don't think it is harmful - we keep our alpacas fenced out of the willow, but that is more to protect the willow rather than the animals!

We can sell you some cuttings if you are interested.

[Mountain View]

We having been growing willow very small scale for a number of years. We have about 5 different varieties. Some gets sold to people just wanting a bunch for decoration, but most for weaving into willow structures in the garden. More recently we sell some to a local basket weaver who runs workshops, and to some landscapers who are making a willow fence. They tell me it is difficult to buy locally. (Suffolk)

Willow likes clay soil - better for retaining moisture. It is very easy to grow - you just stick cuttings into the soil - in winter.

You must keep it weed free; it can't compete with other plants. After 2 or 3 years it will have developed enough that the weeds won't get much of a look in. Or you could plant through a membrane.

The other problem is rabbits, if you don't have rabbit proof fencing they will eat it, especially over winter.

It needs cutting down every winter, though you may get buyers to cut their own!

You get a good crop from a small area, it looks pretty and requires little work once it is established. Can also serve as a screen and shelter belt.

I don't think it is harmful - we keep our alpacas fenced out of the willow, but that is more to protect the willow rather than the animals!

We can sell you some cuttings if you are interested.

I would be more than happy to buy some from someone who knows what they are talking about lol Inbox me the details and I will forward your fee.

MV

[Groundhog]

I would be more than happy to buy some from someone who knows what they are talking about lol Inbox me the details and I will forward your fee.

MV

I have bought hybrid willows which are effectivly clones and grow at a fast rate up to 12ft a year from
Bowhayes in East Devon,they also sell clone Poplars good for windbreaks or coppicing

[Mountain View]

I have bought hybrid willows which are effectivly clones and grow at a fast rate up to 12ft a year from
Bowhayes in East Devon,they also sell clone Poplars good for windbreaks or coppicing

That sounds really good! I will have a look, thanks GH xx

[brocade]

Hi, I would be happy to sell you some cuttings from our willows if you wish. The price would be £40 per 100, plus postage. We would be able to prepare them after the leaves have dropped, usually about the end of November.

You are welcome to come and visit to see our willows or collect cuttings if you want.

If you would rather buy from Bowhayes then do go ahead, I shan't be offended!

[che]

Hi, I would be happy to sell you some cuttings from our willows if you wish. The price would be £40 per 100, plus postage. We would be able to prepare them after the leaves have dropped, usually about the end of November.

You are welcome to come and visit to see our willows or collect cuttings if you want.

If you would rather buy from Bowhayes then do go ahead, I shan't be offended!

Hi brocade what lenght are the cuttings and do you have an idea of postage costs?

[greenmeadow]

Hi,
Wish I was an early bird like you.

Greenmeadow

[Mountain View]

Hi Brocade - Same as Che - what are the postage costs likely to be please? You can inbox if you prefer.

MV

[brocade]

I think the standard length is 10 - 12 inches. I've only sold willow before to people collecting, so I don't know the postage.
I could cut a few nearer the time, weigh them and then find out the postage. I would only charge the actual postage cost.
I would cut them to order and wrap them straight away, so that they would stay fresh.

We have different varieties, but I can't find where I wrote down the names! I could take some photos and email to anyone interested.

[Mountain View]

I think the standard length is 10 - 12 inches. I've only sold willow before to people collecting, so I don't know the postage.
I could cut a few nearer the time, weigh them and then find out the postage. I would only charge the actual postage cost.
I would cut them to order and wrap them straight away, so that they would stay fresh.

We have different varieties, but I can't find where I wrote down the names! I could take some photos and email to anyone interested.

Hi Brocade

I have decided I would like to buy from you and start with the £40.00 a 100 initially please. Inbox me the details when required and will forward the fee asap.

Cheers

MV

[mel]

Hi, I would be happy to sell you some cuttings from our willows if you wish. The price would be £40 per 100, plus postage. We would be able to prepare them after the leaves have dropped, usually about the end of November.

You are welcome to come and visit to see our willows or collect cuttings if you want.

If you would rather buy from Bowhayes then do go ahead, I shan't be offended!

Hello sorry for joining your conversation but may I buy 100 off you also for £40+ postage
Thank you Mel

[brocade]

Hello sorry for joining your conversation but may I buy 100 off you also for £40+ postage
Thank you Mel

Thank you, Mel and MV. I will try and post some photos of our willow varieties soon.

We won't be able to cut it until dormant - late November - so will be in touch nearer the time, or feel free to contact me via f2f or my website in the meantime.

Brocade

[Mountain View]

Hi

Any news about when the cutting will be ready?

When should it be planted and what protection from animals does it require?

MV