In this episode, I sit down with Rainy from Cherry Tree Flower Farm to talk all things willow. From growing it successfully in wet conditions to harvesting, weaving, and using it in floristry, Rainy shares her incredible knowledge built over years of working with this sustainable and versatile plant. Whether you're looking to grow willow for weaving, floristry, or even as a windbreak, this episode is packed with expert advice.

Takeaways

• Willow thrives in damp soil but still needs full sun to grow well.
• The best way to plant willow is from a cutting—just push it into the ground and let nature do its thing.
• Harvesting is best done in winter when the leaves have dropped and the sap has gone down.
• Willow must be coppiced (cut back) every year to produce long, straight rods for weaving.
• Different varieties are suited to different purposes—choose the right type based on what you want to use it for.
• Dried willow can last indefinitely if stored correctly and can be rehydrated when needed.
• Willow is fantastic for wildlife, providing early-season pollen for pollinators.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Cherry Tree Flower Farm
Flowers from the Farm
ArbTalk – Free Woodchip for Gardens
The Living Jigsaw – Book on Garden Ecosystems
Ben Raskin’s Book on Woodchip
Tolhurst Organic – Sustainable Farming

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thehampshireseedco.com

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