Willow harvest 20-21. Harvesting willow for basket making by hand.

How glad I am that our willow harvest is done for this winter. We usually have harvesting days where we invite people to help. This year due to travel restrictions this was not possible. So we set about harvesting on our own. We were lucky some friends and neighbors were still able to lend us a helping hand. We so appreciate you!
Here is the story....
I am a full-time basket maker and artist living in Tipperary, Ireland with my family. Off-grid in the forest on a mountain.
My website: hannavanaelst.com/
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[@wildforesthome6563]

This video is beautiful in every way. I'm from the North East Coast of Ireland and recently moved into a little cottage that was built in 1795, it has an 8 acre forest at the back and it has willow bordering the entire area, you've inspired me to begin basket weaving. Thank you so much for all you videos, your a very talented lady.

[@sandrabulluck1896]

That’s lovely!

[@فارس-ف2ر9ض]

​@@sandrabulluck1896❤❤❤❤

[@melindamcc1652]

Great video!! I'm a novice willow grower and it's been SO tricky to learn the traditional ways around harvesting, so I've been picking up information from various sources over the years and learning through trial and error; this video definitely filled in a few blanks for me. Your videos really get detailed and you explain so much... thank you! And I'm also amazed at how beautiful the willow looks, both pre and post harvest. Those colors, wow!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Thank you! So glad you got something from it...

[@Dustinlove102]

this' such a satisfying process 💚💚💚

[@stevenopolis3155]

Getting back into farming. Had a successful microfarm when I was in college, and fell out of it after discovering how much money you make bartending. Lol I never considered farming Willow, but I absolutely love the idea of adding this to the list.

[@bigbird4481]

I love the look of the reddish looking willow

[@carolvandale5597]

Greetings Hanna, lovely and well done videos! I'm off grid in the central-northern aspen/boreal forest of Saskatchewan. Lots of natural willow around and many other species I look forward to learn how to use. Thank you for your efforts

[@jsa-z1722]

Thank you for generously sharing your vast willow knowledge, Hannah. What a lovely video.

[@HannaVanAelst]

You are so welcome!

[@skmccuen]

Thank you. This was helpful, especially the descriptions of freshly harvested and dried willow. I finished a willow harvest this week and have put the bundles in my barn loft to dry. I left a few stems on the stools to cut in early Spring and use for more plantings. I'd love to find some of the orange and purple willows you have. They are lovely.

[@ccspiraltree]

The color variations are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your process!

[@HannaVanAelst]

You are so welcome!

[@hotstuf401]

Your beds look amazing! I'm in the middle of planting my first bed (okay I've only planted 4 out of 100 cuttings)

[@oiavh]

Those willows have so beautiful colours!

[@HannaVanAelst]

I think so too!

[@juliahelland6488]

Very interesting! I love everything willow. Such an amazing art! Thanks for sharing ❣

[@HannaVanAelst]

You are so welcome!

[@tracykirkman9912]

The variety of colors is amazing! Donkeys are great for clean up. My two are working a meadow now.

[@HannaVanAelst]

I love donkeys...

[@yx6889]

What a wonderful video. I really enjoyed it.

[@metroplexchl]

Question - if we were growing willow for making fences and structures, would it be best to just weave them straight away into fences or structures so that they dry in place? Also, what's the best variety for making wattle fences? Love that I found your channel!

[@bevwilliams2105]

Your willow beds are so peaceful. Thank you !

[@HannaVanAelst]

Welcome!

[@cynthiabronk724]

Wow Beautiful Colors!!

[@willowsister]

Thank you so much Hannah. Well done. Hard work by yourselves. So satisfying to see your harvest with all its beautiful colours, safely gathered...I'm so looking forward to getting my bit of land to grow my own willow. You're my inspiration! Sara : )

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Sarah, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.x

[@MrBEL-jf9iw]

Thank you, very precise and cleanly done. I enjoyed this immensely.

[@kirknorman2403]

Thank you! It is easier to understand what I have been reading about growing and harvesting willow.

[@chris123chris82]

Soo how the heck can I get willow to try and make a basket?!?! I’m only a few minutes into the video and I must say willow looks incredible and I want to know more

[@imtiyazshah9790]

Awesome

[@susannebrooke-adil2890]

Thank you for sharing, so calming and beautiful.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@linw7320]

Hanna, So very interesting and beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story, I'm looking forward to watching previous episodes. Be well. Sincerely, Linda. California,USA

[@HannaVanAelst]

You are so welcome Linda!

[@giorgioserracchiani1883]

you have a beautiful nature in those parts, even here in Italy nature gives beautiful emotions

[@giorgioserracchiani1883]

😍

[@HannaVanAelst]

I agree!

[@evalinawarne1337]

I WOULD LOVE to LEARN this WONDERFUL tresures. THANK YOU

[@akly1379]

This was amazing, I found your channel looking up how to shape trees and stumbled upon your willow fence, I'm definitely subscribing, thank you for how informative your videos are!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Welcome aboard! So glad you are here...

[@HannaVanAelst]

Welcome aboard! So glad you are here...

[@niklar55]

Get yourself some long/extending handle secateurs, so you can cut without bending. It'll save your back from aching.😉

[@glidewatch]

Thank you, lovely video. Just checking as I have my first year's crop done and cut. Should it be left for two years or will the stumps get more productive year by year? Thanks one more, inspirational.😃

[@HannaVanAelst]

The willow plants will become more and more productive over time. Your first harvest can look very small and branchy. Your second year harvest will be better. By year 4 or 5 you will have a full crop. So hang in there! It takes patience to work with willow....

[@23sunderland]

Lovely

[@irbis1405]

thank you so much for the subtitles in Russian. there is very little information about willow twig weaving. we have all the videos about cooked. and I want to weave from the living. thanks for the video!🥰🥰🥰

[@GrizzlyGroundswell]

What a blessing of Willow you have there! Your willow beds are really coming into their own for you! Here, they are producing but nowhere near the success you are having. Hey did you successfully get rid of those pests that showed up in your willow a while back? Here I am moving willow beds looking for better locations on my property. Well, they all are staying in place, but cutting and using those cuttings to plant other places in hopes of finding that sweet spot on our property.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Bonnie, update on those midges in the willow in next video! I agree it's a great learning curve at the start and good to trial all different varieties and places on the property to see what works. Good luck!

[@surfearth1]

I’ve seen some of your other videos where you talk about making your initial cut at waist or chest height to make harvesting easier on your back. What lessons have you learned and what do you think is the ideal height for the first cut?

[@Pumpkinwaffle]

I'm planting my first willows tomorrow! Starting with 4 varieties, we'll how they go. It'll take a year or two before I can start weaving but I'm excited nonetheless.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Good luck!

[@Pumpkinwaffle]

@@HannaVanAelst Thank you! Having three subject of each variety I planted them in triangles about 75cm apart, separating each group as I'll populate each spot with cuttings next year. I placed them in the most moist and somewhat sheltered spot where I live. Being in the south of France I fear how they'll react to summer. I think a generous amount of mulch and some watering will do. I sourced them locally so it should be fine. I have Viminalis, Cinerea, Purpurea and Atrocinerea. Some look less suited to weaving than other but I guess it's do to disparity in the way the cuttings were made and the old they are.

[@JA-lb3ue]

Hi where did you find the starter plants? Thanks

[@Pumpkinwaffle]

@@JA-lb3ue different sources, most of them from a local association that fights for reforestation. The rest from a local permaculture nursery. It's best to look for whatever is closest to you, not only can you see what the plant looks like, but it'll also be suited to your climate. edit: You can also just go on a walk and take cuttings from local willows (in winter, once the flowers/leaves appear it's too late)

[@Victor_Zatoplyaev]

Приветствую автора канала ! Спасибо большое за видео ! Лайк и подписка в поддержку канала ! Я также занимаюсь плетением из ивы уже 27 лет . Живу в России , недалёко от озера Байкал . С уважением - Виктор

[@ashroberts769]

Wow! 😍

[@hannahfoggottermoonhealing8160]

Hi Hanna, I so adore your videos- thank you so much for this! I saw a conversation between a number of people in your facebook group talking about their willow going moldy when it was drying. Can you speak to this? Do you ever have this problem, or is the amount of air flow in your barn/ shed and the way bundles aren't tied too tight and are dried with some space between the bundles enough to avoid this? Can it be used once it has gone moldy? A thousand thank you's! 💓🙏🏼✨

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Hannah, thanks! Yes great Idea, I will try and touch on it in the next video....

[@mommadea7938]

Fabulous video. Thank you!!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Glad it was helpful!

[@choaflower2443]

That's so beautiful

[@HannaVanAelst]

Thanks!

[@miroboy3856]

super excelente muito top adorei a construção, obrigado por compartilhar

[@HannaVanAelst]

Thanks!

[@mallorygarbutt6019]

Thank you for sharing the harvesting process. When you turn out your donkeys to graze on the grass around the willow stools do they not graze on the willow also?

[@HannaVanAelst]

They don’t as there is no fresh willow seen as we have it all cut, only old stools. They don’t nibble on them as long as we don’t leave them in there too long...

[@dennisfox8050]

Quite a very nice video, well done!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Many thanks!

[@ВячеславМорозов-л6н]

Было интересно посмотреть.

[@deborahfoltyn5510]

Great videos ❤ I notice several different colors of the willow could you explain the different types you have ? What kind of projects have you finished ❤

[@HannaVanAelst]

Check put my video on willow varieties

[@betsysoutherland6069]

I am also harvesting my small willow bed at this time. Somes of my osiers are branching. Is there a way to prevent this? Can I trim off the side branches and still use them for weaving? How long can willow be stored once it is dry? Thank you for showing how to manage the willow trees.

[@HannaVanAelst]

You can still use the side branches for sure. Some willow varieties branch more then others, so if this is an issue that persists look at planting other varieties too. Once willow is dry and kept dry it will store for many years.

[@DJ-uk5mm]

I love this post as I’ll be planting some willow myself soon so thank you. By the way I’m intrigued by your accent I can hear the Irish ’lilt’But it sounds like there’s another accident underneath it? Could you tell me as I’m curious? :-)😊

[@HannaVanAelst]

Belgian

[@pandorabotica]

Are those little willow trees? Sorry my ignorance. I don’t know if those are the trees or another plant. Thanks!❤

[@trinitiefenn3772]

Are they all the same species of willow that change colors when dried or different ones that produce different colors?

[@crazyplantladycreations]

❤❤❤❤

[@AnnaDavidsson-n2m]

In your experience, what is your preferred height of the willow stubs? It must be so much easier to harvest if the stumps are taller? Why not one meter high?

[@davidmills4643]

Hi hanna thanks for the video can I ask can you weave with fresh cut willow or is it best dried first

[@HannaVanAelst]

I would always advise to leave willow to dry fully, then soak to weave. As willow dries it shrinks a lot and leaves the basket lose and wobbly. But for practice fresh willow is fine.

[@mrswray]

I really love that song in the beginning of the video. Do you happen to know what it’s called or who it’s from?

[@HannaVanAelst]

It's lullaby by Benjamin Thompson

[@jlohouls]

All this willow business is interesting, do you strip off the bark? I'll probably find out in another video but i'm curious if you have any uses for the bark and i'm wondering if you dress the willow pieces into a uniform size before making making baskets or creels? Don't rush to answer i'm gonna watch more videos from Hanna Van Willow, probably tomorrow.

[@HannaVanAelst]

I don't take the bark off, I prefer using the natural bark colours. And yes sorting the willow by thickness is an important step before making a basket.

[@lauracunningham4535]

Beautiful video thank you. I have used plastic matting but will try your technique of mulching with cut rushes and cardboard. Having higher stools is also very appealing for harvesting and I will try this too. I wanted to ask your thoughts.... I cut my willow in the first year as I was impatient, but wish now that I had left it for two years before the first cutting. Some of the ones that aren't doing well I am going to leave this year and cut next year in the hope the plant will get stronger... have you any experience of this, giving the plant a break from cutting? Some species are doing well and I don't know if it's just perhaps that certain species suit the conditions here, or maybe the quality of cuttings was better initially. And also, my second question for you, when harvesting this year some of the tips of the rods had died. And I was discarding those. However, I guess they die when they are cut and dried anyway. I wondered if maybe when they don't grow so well on the stem, the quality will be reduced for weaving? Thanks again! we are big fans of your videos.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Laura, I usually cut back my willow in the first year. Although leaving it for two years woks too. If the willow is struggling I am guessing it is just not happy. It could this is not the. Aridity for your soil, it could be where you are growing it, maybe shade or grass. So many variables! Tip die off is often seen in viminalis, and is an airborne disease. It probably won’t kill the plant. If it is persistent again look at different varieties. Send me a picture via email and I would love to have a [e-mail]

[@seanmoroney1769]

Hi hannah I have just started watching your video what country are you in

[@sandrabulluck1896]

May I ask what species you are growing? I had no idea there were so many different kinds!??? Thank you for sharing this! Blessings be all ~

[@HannaVanAelst]

Have a look at my video on willow varieties.

[@IGoia]

Cand trebuie adunate aceste bete? In care luna?

[@cjrodgers3922]

Question I want to make willow for garden edging walls and I thought you make from willow tree but in your video you have rows of willow . Is willow from trees different from how you grow willow?

[@maaya8775]

😍

[@bycmr6319]

Are these the same as willow weeping trees?

[@acam6939]

I want to buy some willow of a large living fence.

[@sarahlavalley8556]

I have a small bed of willow and not much drying space. I do have a large unheated greenhouse, Is that a good place to dry or would it be too sunny? I don't let it get hot as I do grow cold hardy veg over the winter.

[@magnoliannaart]

Holy cow that’s a lot of willow. I’m wanting to grow a tiny patch for my own therapeutic use. How long do cuttings take to grow before you can harvest?

[@HannaVanAelst]

Usually willow is harvested every year. The first harvest will be small and branchy, by year 5 you will have a full harvest.

[@magnoliannaart]

@@HannaVanAelst awesome thank you for explaining ❤️

[@hengchien1039]

I have never seen this thing. Can it grow here in Malaysia?

[@sarkaleli9031]

Are you making farmers weaving basket backpacks

[@SleepInVomit]

What is that stone you are using for sharpening?

[@annabreheney5566]

Hanna is there any trick to stop the donkeys munching on the willow as they graze the grass in between?

[@HannaVanAelst]

They are only in there when the willow is cut, and only for a short while, 2 weeks only

[@cynthiabronk724]

Where is this variety usually grown??

[@gmwani4716]

W ant to see your willow boiling and skin removing process, we r also related same tradition in indian J&k.

[@gmwani4716]

Show please requisite skills on u tube already requested

[@HannaVanAelst]

I don't skin my willow but use it with the skin on. I love using the natural colours.

[@gmwani4716]

Where from u

[@StephRenee812]

New to your channel.. was looking for stuff around my house and in woods I could find to make different things.. Do you sell bundles of willow branches?

[@HannaVanAelst]

Welcome here.no I don't sell willow

[@curlywillowflowerfarm7705]

What willow varieties do you have with the lovely red and purple colors?

[@HannaVanAelst]

check out my video on willow varieties, names are in there....

[@ColumbcilleDougherty]

hey! have you come across any willows with white bark? either dried or live will work, would love something like that!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Salix Decipiens Welsh White.

[@ColumbcilleDougherty]

@@HannaVanAelst wow that's beautiful! Another question, the dappled willow, would that be good for daub work? I see not many use it for basketry

[@HannaVanAelst]

@@ColumbcilleDougherty not sure what variety you are referring to. 🤔

[@ColumbcilleDougherty]

@@HannaVanAelst Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki' I've heard it's very fragrant which I like

[@HannaVanAelst]

@@ColumbcilleDougherty I don't know it, sorry.

[@hildaayoo6853]

Hello Can they grow in Africa as well? I would like to grow them in kenya.

[@HannaVanAelst]

It depends on the climate. Willow needs regular rainfall or water. I would suggest to just try.

[@madmax0781]

Hi Hana, I love your videos! Please can you tell me if I still have time to harvest for weaving? I am in the south of Scotland.

[@HannaVanAelst]

I think it is a little late now. The sap is rising, buds are swelling. I would leave the plants do their thing now. Unless you harvest a few branches here and there and not cut the entire plant down. Do be aware that the colour will turn darker when harvesting fresh....

[@madmax0781]

@@HannaVanAelst thanks so much for you reply!

[@Ludifant]

How long do you soak dry willow before weaving?

[@HannaVanAelst]

Main guide is one day per foot (30cm) in length. Check out my other video on soaking for more info...

[@sarkaleli9031]

What kind of willow is that ty

[@judyvance1556]

What variety of willow is this? Can I use weeping willow branches?

[@HannaVanAelst]

We grow many willow varieties. Check out my other video on my favorite willow varieties.

[@jC-rv5rr]

I need some dat stuff! Why's it so dang spensive :(

[@louisemissouri4410]

How do you maintain the willow fence?

[@HannaVanAelst]

You weave in the new growth in autumn or just trim it like any hedge.

[@nacholibre1962]

What is your accent? It sounds like a cross between southern Irish and Geordie with a touch of Dutch (no offence meant).

[@HannaVanAelst]

Ha ha! I am from Belgium, Flanders, originally so Dutch (Flemish) is my mother tongue.

[@agnesbistoff5435]

I want to buy living willow for making art tree. I need more info

[@SandcastleDreams]

Wow! I had no idea! In the States, all I've seen are the huge weeping willow trees up north and they've got hybrid willows down here in Florida (which I really dislike and I'd never seen until a couple of years ago) and I had always wondered how in the world people got all of those willow branches cut down from the trees, LOL! I could just picture people using tall ladders or climbing the trees and trying to cut the willow switches. I admire your hard work and determination, but I do believe as old as I am and disabled to boot, I'll stick with bananas, bamboo, lilies, cattails, palmetto and flax.

[@HannaVanAelst]

haha, yes growing willow is hard work!

[@alessandrofionda8272]

Do you sell cuttings in Europe??

[@HannaVanAelst]

Yes cuttings will be available to pre order in December. We are setting up the shop now.

[@alessandrofionda8272]

@@HannaVanAelst where will I be able to contact you?

[@HannaVanAelst]

@alessandrofionda8272 my website hannavanaelst.com

[@8Jory]

I only just found your channel through this video and subscribed. Wondering if there are other videos where you go over all of your willow varieties etc. They are such beautiful plants really.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Thanks! I have a video about my favourite willow varieties. But a walk through all the willow I grow might be a good idea for a future video.

[@erinhallmakes777]

I feel like you could really benefit from some battery operated electric shears

[@HannaVanAelst]

I feel the same...:-)

[@olomad6722]

If you sharpen you must be gentle. Like with a woman. Felco is not a low-grade tool. You can use a file with a smooth grade.

[@citytrees1752]

I like your videos but the music is too loud. And mostly unnecessary. Would be okay if it was in just a few spots. Its relaxing just to watch the work and listen to the sounds of the work and the outdoor sounds.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Noted!

[@goretisantos33]

Em legenda portugues prfv, que material é esse jou planta?

[@agnesbistoff5435]

А