When I visited the Royal Horticultural Society gardens at Harlow Carr the other day I was struck, yet again, by the cleverly woven willow windbreak or screen that they have created using Salix Viminalis, a type of willow commonly known as the common osier. Its intricate weaving is remarkably beautiful. It seems though that you can use many different types of willow for this purpose. However, do not plant the water-loving willow near buildings or walls as it can, and will, undermine foundations and structures as it vigorously seeks out water.
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| Living windbreak of Salix Viminalis at RHS gardens, Harlow Carr |
Clearly, you need to use a plant like willow that has flexible stems. You can easily buy Salix viminalis and other willows online.
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| Salix viminalis living windbreak at RHS gardens, Harlow Carr |
I cannot discern any particular order as long as the stems can criss-cross and some are brought down almost horizontally before being allowed to curve upwards towards the top. This must reinforce the screen, or windbreak, although it looks to me as if a stout bamboo cane (right of the centre of the photo) has been inserted for extra strength.
Salix viminalis living windbreak at RHS gardens, Harlow Carr
Apparently, the best time to plant a willow screen is February or March. You can insert cuttings to a depth of 12inches (I assume rooted or unrooted)
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| Salix viminalis living windbreak at RHS gardens, Harlow Carr |
If you are interested in giving it a go, some of the below websites might be of interest: