Willow Garden Obelisk
using sustainable homegrown willow
Workshop Overview
If you have a passion for your garden and/or growing your own vegetables, you might like to learn how to make a traditional Willow Garden Obelisk. The Willow Garden Obelisk is a new workshop to be offered here at the Rural Skills Centre. A garden obelisk provides support for plants, flowers and vegetables, alike. They create beautiful focal points and provide height in the garden; most importantly, their sturdiness gives support to delicate climbers like sweet peas or kidney beans. You will be using willow that has been grown and harvested here on our farm. Whether you choose a traditional or spiral weave, you will be taking home a garden feature that will be the envy of your friends and family. Better still, bring friends and family for a morning/afternoon of fun. With her passion for sharing this heritage craft, Gill Jones will guide you through the process of making your own obelisk. This workshop will also make a wonderful gift experience if you are looking to buy a present for someone special.
What You Will Learn
During this workshop, you will:
- Discuss the function of the tools and equipment used for basketmaking;
- Use willow work tools correctly and safely;
- Discuss the way in which willow is prepared correctly for garden structures/basketmaking;
- Handle willow safely;
- Use simple, stake and strand weaving techniques to create a willow garden obelisk; and
- Discuss the care of your garden obelisk so that it provides several years of use.
What You Take Home
At the end of this workshop, you will take home the willow garden obelisk you have made.
Important Details
The Rural Skills Centre will provide:
- All materials and equipment to make your willow garden obelisk;
- Tea/Coffee and lots of cake;
- Parking; and
- Accessible facilities.
Suitability
This ‘Willow Garden Obelisk’ workshop is suitable for anyone with an interest in making their own plant supports. It is particularly suitable for beginners.
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:45 | Registration, Tea and homemade shortbread or Welsh cakes on arrival; |
| 10:00 | Welcome and discussion on health and safety including Covid 19 measures and requirements; |
| 10:10 | Introduction to basic tools and equipment used for willow work/basketmaking; |
| 10:20 | Create the ‘tee-pee’ shape for your plant support using a forma and our home grown willow stakes; |
| 10:30 | Use traditional, stake and strand weaves to secure the base of your willow garden obelisk; |
| 11:15 | Tea/Coffee break with homemade cake freshly baked in the Rural Skills Centre farmhouse kitchen; |
| 11:30 | Use pairing, waling and coiling basketmaking techniques to create shape and height for your plant support/garden obelisk; |
| 12:30 | Complete the weaving using a secure wrapped tie and pick off ends to finish your willow garden obelisk; and |
| 13:00 | Workshop finishes |
Tutors
This workshop is taught by Gill and Jan.
Janet Williams
Farmhouse Kitchen