Substitute For Willow?

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heathrjoy Silsbee, TX(Zone 9a) May 19, 2006

I just found a neat little project that I'd like to try. It recommends using fresh Willow, but I don't have any and don't know where I'd get my hands on any. Does anyone have any ideas what would work well in place of Willow?

Here's the project...I'm imagining this will look better in person...I don't think their pic is very becoming of the project. http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/extras/60willowedging-video.php

Thanks for any suggestions!
Heather

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liveoaklady Metairie, LA May 19, 2006

If you live near a river, willows usually grow on the river banks.

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Kachinagirl Modesto, CA(Zone 8b) May 20, 2006

Just a note, green willow pieces may root when stuck in the ground like that....your wicket may sprout! I'm thinking that you might try Birch branches, perhaps even any young, bendable tree branches.
K

Post #2298583
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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) May 20, 2006

Arrowwood (viburnum dentatum) would provide many straight uniform thickness stems for a project like this.

Your problem is going to be finding any plant with the number of stems sufficient to do your project.

If you have an invasives problem, multiflora rose/Amur honeysuckle/tree of heaven or the like could work well, and give you an excuse to remove them from the landscape.

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heathrjoy Silsbee, TX(Zone 9a) May 20, 2006

Thanks for the tips and info, I really do appreciate it. I have a space in the garden where I think this would look adorable.

K, it does say on the video that the willow may begin to root, so you're 100% correct about that! Anyone who does this edging would have to keep a close eye on it and watch for that. I'll see if I can find enough Birch to complete the job.

VV, you bring up a very good point about using invasives that I have in the garden. That's a wonderful idea. I cut back my English Ivy (which I actually want) early this spring and made a wreath from some of the longer vines. Ivy vines are too wimpy to use for this project, but there is an entire bank of Virginia Creeper that I've been working on wiping out for the last few years. Maybe if I wrap the ends in plastic so they can't root I could even use that.

If nothing else I'll just take a nature walk on my DB property and get the longest and most bendable tree branches I can find. It's possible I could get some wild grapevine, but I don't know if they'd work well...and I'd have to set up the kiddie pool and soak them for weeks.

Thanks again, I really do appreciate it!

Post #2300177
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mqiq77 Danielsville, GA(Zone 7b) May 21, 2006

Any invasive vine will work.Let it dry,and it will form in that position.Too bad you don't live in Ga.,you could build a china wall out of kudzu.I like wild grape type vines.Mike

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