Things to do with Willow – Wattle Planters

As I have mentioned before (a lot), over at Red Twig Farms we grow different varieties of dogwood and willow for cut ornamental stems. The majority of the inventory is sold over the holidays for outdoor containers and flower arrangements. Come spring, we look at the remaining crop and think of different ways we could have used the remaining stems. Last year we made wreaths that are great for winter and spring doors. This year we made four willow planters for an east coast garden.  These are very similar to all the wattle fencing you see in culinary gardens. However, instead of being willow fence panels wired together, we created these as one complete frame.  The best element of the solid design is the wrapping of the branches around the corners more like a basket. These were a labor of love, so will most likely will not be until next winter that we will have these available for ordering.

Things to do with Willow - Wattle Planters, Thinking Outside the Boxwood

 

Things to do with Willow - Wattle Planters, Thinking Outside the Boxwood

Here are the planters we made prior to shipping off to the client. These baskets are 24x24x13 for size reference.

 

Here are some other examples of waddle fencing used in vegetable gardens:

Things to do with Willow - Wattle Planters, Thinking Outside the Boxwood

Here is a photo of wattle fencing at the kitchen garden of Daylesford Organic. These are created in panels that are joined at the corners. This method allows you flexibility to the size of planter bed.

Things to do with Willow - Wattle Planters, Thinking Outside the Boxwood

The garden is by del Buono Gazerwitz Landscape Architecture at the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show, their design for Daylesford Organic. Trust me, wattle fences are used by more than just Daylesford Organic.

 

Here is  a post with the wreath we made this past winter with the Red dogwood branches. These were very easy to make relative to the waddle planters. Next on the list for this year we are going to make an archway that will be great for the entrance to a woodland garden or for a wedding. Will share photos once its completed. See there is a never-ending list of things you can do with cut ornamental branches!

2 thoughts on “Things to do with Willow – Wattle Planters

  1. Hi Nick, Great post. The planters look incredible, fantastic craftsmanship. Would be interested in getting a couple if you make them available. Also wanted to comment on your site- very informative, incredibly interesting, great pictures!

    • I just wanted to send a quick thank you for the comment on the blog….We will be making more this coming fall. I will keep you posted.

Leave a Reply to Stewart Akahoshi Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *