Willow border hurdles workshop (all day)

What you will make

These beautiful woven willow panels are perfect for bed or border edging, creating raised beds or even, for politely topping a wall that’s too low. In one day, you should be able to make at least one panel 3ft (1m) high by 6ft (2m) long or equivalent. This workshop will set you up for creating your own made-to-measure panel. Your tutor, Dominic, will teach you the process and advise you on uses, variations and decorative possibilities. 

How you will make it

Students will learn the skills to make strong woven fence  panel from willow. The techniques learnt will enable students to go on to make larger panels. More than one panel may be made in a day depending on the chosen dimensions.

• Insert the uprights into the jig provided

• Weaving the panels

• Keeping the weaving tight and straight

• Decorative options - eg windows,

• Shaping the top line - packing

• Border and finish options
  

About your tutor: Dominic Parrette

Dominic is a Sussex based basketmaker, willow grower and teacher specialising in traditional frame baskets, woven willow forms and beautiful, strong plant supports. Dominic sources his willow, sweet chestnut, and hazel from local coppice and is committed to sustainable woodland management.

He makes woven products for small gardens and allotments as well as taking on commissions for clients such as garden and interior designers and larger organisations such as The National Trust and Kew at Wakehurst. Dominic is a member of the Basketmakers Association and the Heritage Crafts Association. “My basketry is grounded in traditional British and European techniques which create beauty in form and function," he says.