New dates for this course will be announced soon.If you would like to be kept informed of these dates, please contact us and we will be delighted to take your details.

Living Willow Garden Structures Presented by Eamonn McSweeney & Cathy Hayden Eamonn McSweeney and Cathy Hayden have been growing small amounts of basket willow varieties locally since 1986. Originally the willow was grown for inclusion in the wide range of baskets produced by basketmaker Cathy at her workshop in Drumcannon, outside Tramore. In recent years however the home-grown willow has been used mainly by Eamonn in the construction of living willow structures. We are delighted to announce Eamonn and Cathy will be hosting one day courses in Dunhill Multi-Education Centre in November 2008 & February 2009. They will demonstrate some of the techniques for creating natural living willow structures from the locally grown willow rods. One virtue of willow is its combination of strength and flexibility. Using freshly cut rods from the willow plant, which is particularly suited to our climate, it is possible to make beautiful living garden structures. In winter, the rods are planted in the ground to the required outline, and are then woven together to form a 3-dimensional shape. The rods put down roots and become established as live plants themselves. In the spring, an outburst of fresh young shoots and foliage will confirm if the willows have survived. In time, the whole structure becomes a living thing which should continue to grow for many years. These one day courses which involve practical work are intended for beginners. General guidance will be given on willow planting, maintenance and harvesting, followed by willow construction work outdoors. Appropriate dress is required with waterproofs, wellies or boots. All materials will be provided. However, if you do have a pair of secateurs, please bring them with you. Dates and Times and Details 9am – 5pm Saturday 10 October2009 Classroom session 9am - 10 30am o Basics of willow cultivation o Varieties for weaving, planting methods and seasons. o Maintenance and harvesting o Principles of building willow structures 10.30am -11am o Tea, coffee and conversation Outdoor project – Build a Living willow Compost Container 11am – 12.30pm o Plant a small willow bed and start the compost structure 12.30pm – 1.30pm o Learn to split willows and make a gods eye 1.30pm – 2.30pm o Slow food lunch with tea / coffee 2.30pm - 5.30pm o Continue making and finish the structure o Tea, coffee and conversation February 2010 - same programme for the day as above except that the Outdoor project will be to build a small living willow garden bower, (arched dome) . If you would like to know more about this course please Contact Us