Growing Willow: How to Grow, Harvest & Use Willow
- Jane Westoby
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Willow might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to flower farming—but once you hear Rainy’s story, you’ll want to plant some immediately.
In episode 8 of The Blooming Garden Podcast, I’m joined by Rainy from Cherry Tree Flower Farm in Bolton, UK. She shares her inspiring journey from self-sufficient dreamer to flower grower, willow weaver, and passionate teacher. Rainy has been growing willow since 2006 and has woven it—literally and figuratively—into every corner of her farm.
Whether you're short on space, looking to add structure and texture to your plot, or dreaming of sustainable materials you can grow and use on-site, willow could be your secret weapon.
Why Grow Willow?
Rainy's story started with a challenge—very wet land—and instead of fighting it, she leaned into it. She discovered willow thrives in damp soil and sun, and once planted, needs minimal input to flourish.
“It’s an amazing material. It grows fast, has so many uses, and it doesn’t need fertiliser or chemicals. What more could you ask for?”
What You Can Use Willow For:
Floristry – long stems, catkins, and twisted branches for arrangements
Wreaths – sturdy, natural bases that can be reused or composted
Weaving – plant supports, bird feeders, trellises, baskets
Fodder – even sheep can eat it!
Fuel – after 4 years, thicker stems make excellent firewood
Erosion control – around ponds or streams
Wildlife support – early-season catkins feed pollinators
How to Grow Willow (It’s Easier Than You Think)
You don’t need a lot of land—and you don’t need to be a weaving expert. Start with a few cuttings and you’ll be hooked.
Propagation:
Take a 20–30cm cutting, about pencil-thickness, and push it straight into moist ground.
Make sure the buds face upwards.
Plant between December and March while it’s still cool and damp.
“If you leave a cutting in water, it’ll root in a week—but it’s better to plant straight in the ground so you don’t damage those delicate roots.”
Site Conditions:
Likes full sun and damp soil (but not standing water)
Avoid very free-draining soil unless you’re willing to water a lot
Avoid planting in shaded woodland areas—willow needs light
Spacing and Planting Tips:
Block plant willows about 30cm apart to encourage tall, straight rods
Keep the area weed-free for the first couple of years—mulch with cardboard, compost, or woodchip
Coppice every winter to get new, usable rods each year
“If you don’t cut it back, it gets branchy and turns into a tree—not ideal for weaving or floristry.”
Choosing the Right Variety
There are hundreds of willow varieties, but you don’t need them all. Choose based on your intended use:
For weaving: Salix viminalis – grows tall and strong
For colour: Salix alba ‘Scarlet’ – golden stems with red tips
For catkins: Mount Also or Salix caprea – beautiful spring interest
For general use: Black Maul – a great all-rounder
“Willow is not just willow. Know what you want to do with it before choosing your variety.”
Using Willow in Your Flower Farm or Garden
You don’t need to be a basket maker to grow willow. Here’s how flower growers can use it:
Add structure to flower beds with woven supports
Sell rods to local weavers or crafters
Offer workshops (Rainy’s are always booked out!)
Build willow-based products to sell alongside flowers
🎧 Listen to the Episode
It’s a warm, practical and inspiring chat about how a little patch of wet land became a thriving, chemical-free business rooted in purpose.
More from Rainy:
Check out upcoming workshops
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