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This may sound a
strange thing to be growing in a garden, but I have my reasons. As a
long term project, I would like to grow willow as a renewable energy
source. It is fast growing, easily cultivated and takes only 3 years
to grow to a size suitable for topping and using to fuel a log-burner.
It's a carbon neutral energy source that can be harvested annually from
the original crop. I may not have the space to grow mine that size but
there is room to grow them on for basket weaving and for harvesting
kindling, which will save having to buy any. What with these and the
numerous branches that we collect after each high wind, we shouldn't
need to buy sticks again. These photographs were taken in 2008 before
we moved house, so 2009 sees a total restart of the project. On 6th
February 2009, I started cutting back the 3 willow 'bushes' in the new
garden and have already planted 50 cuttings approximately one meter
in from the boundary fence to grow a 'fedge' (fence/hedge). I have also
started to weave a willow windbreak in front of the garden shed. This
page will be updated as I get the latest photographs.
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| The
line pegged out for 50 willow cuttings that should hopefully grow
into a fire kindling fedge. |
The
beginnings of the willow windbreak. It'll need to start growing
fast as we've almost run out of willow! |
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| Young
willow shoots on the cuttings planted in previous garden. These
grew from 6" cuttings. |
Young
willow shoots on the cuttings planted in previous garden. These
grew from 6" cuttings. |
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| 14/03/09
the line behind the fruit trees marks where I have stuck the willow
cuttings to grow the 'fedge' windbreak / eco-fuel production line.
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Yes,
it all changed again and I no longer have willow along the fenceline.
It's now being trained in an arch and used as windbreaks for hens
& veg. |
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