Plant Support

This one-day course will guide you through the process of creating a sturdy and beautiful plant support, ideal for gardens of all sizes. You will learn to construct a firm base, weave structured or decorative bands, and shape your obelisk to suit your needs. These supports will last for 2 or even 3 years before they need replacing (and once you have learned how to make them, you can easily make your replacements.) 

These beautiful rustic supports can be made in many different styles; double-staked for extra strength, with fixed bands of weaving or spirals, topped by a plume of willows, a woven loop or a trimmed tuft whichever you prefer.  If you have time you can make more than one support.

Steps & Techniques

• Select your willow for uprights and weavers

• Insert your uprights into your box

• Start your pairing weave

• Join a new weaver

• Spiral or band the weave to create the desired shape for the obelisk

• Gather the stakes at the top and bind

• Remove the box and tidy up the cut ends of willow.

Tutor - Yvonne Rivers

Yvonne is constantly inspired by the possibilities of weaving willow rods into useful and beautiful items for the garden and home. She loves the flexibility of willow and its robustness when woven together.

Her passion for willow weaving was sparked by Sheila Wynter, a lifelong basket maker and a wonderful teacher whose many interests included passing on her craft.

Yvonne finds that working with willow offers an ongoing inquiry into the balance between having a vision and what ultimately takes shape in the making process. This journey of creation continues to teach her, leaving her both humbled and inspired by the results.

She loves sharing her knowledge of working with willow and enjoys teaching others. Based in Brighton, Yvonne offers willow workshops alongside making garden obelisks, plant supports, baskets, and hurdles.