Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Wattle Fencing

When I saw my first wattle fence a few years ago, during a horticulture class field trip, I fell deeply in love. It looked like it was from another time and place, while complimenting each and every plant that bumped up against or trailed over it.

Wattle fences can be very simple to make. Usually woven with green sapling-type branches from willows, I have heard you can also use honeysuckle, sycamore, maple or oak. Just as long as the branches are pliable. I found this article from Mother Earth News the most helpful - it has succinct directions and focuses on using materials you can find easily. That is a key ingredient for my trying anything new. And, if you want to go to the next level and grow willows specifically for this purpose, it includes details on that as well.

Several companies are making willow edging, wattle fences and hurdles. The first photo below is from Plow and Hearth. The second photo is from an English company (of course!) - English Hurdle out of Somerset.


I'm looking forward to the day when the mayhem and the madness of house construction is through and I can have a small, civilized garden bed with my own bit of wattle fencing. Oh, to dream!

1 comment:

Wear Your Wild said...

I love the look of that fencing. I keep telling myself that one day I'll actually weave some.(at least a section). I have corkscrew willow and think that would look weird. (perfect).