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Living willow arch

Living willow archways are a beautiful way of adding a growing focal point to your garden.

This weekend, I realised a very long-held ambition in the dream garden. I planted a living willow arch. Ever since I found out that willow sprouts when you put it in the ground, I wanted to create living willow structures in my garden, but I’ve never had the space before to do it. When we moved to the garden, it was one of the first things we wanted to do.

The Willow Bank, who sell living willow sets, sent me a kit for a living willow arch and for a fedge (more on that later) so that I could have some fun in the garden. I was particularly keen on making the arch a focal point in the garden, and using it to divide up the spaces that we have, so I put it on the steps to the middle terrace.

steps for willow arch

The plan is to grow a climbing or rambling rose up it so that it is even more beautiful than it currently is. I may use the side of it that borders the veg patch (currently bare) to grow french beans.

making a living willow arch

The instructions that the Willow Bank send out are very good indeed, and the kit includes a special rod for hammering holes that you insert the willow into. Making the arch was easy, even for someone who isn’t very good at making things. It took a couple of hours in total, and I am so pleased with how it looks, even before the leaves have appeared.

arch living willow

Willow doesn’t just look pretty, though. it is a great habitat for a great deal of native fauna, which makes me love it even more. Here’s to a year of making more gardening dreams come true.

willow arch

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