Fedge
10 willow rods per 3 feet + 1 extra for each end.
Prior to planting:
We prepare willow cuttings fresh to order. This ensures that the stock
arrives in prime condition. It is important that cuttings are planted as
quickly as possible, and have soaked for a few hours prior, to replace
lost moisture. If the cuttings are not able to be planted immediately,
they must be stored in a cool, shady place. If weather is warm and
drying, the cuttings must be kept moist by placing then in water for a
few hours, and then placed in a fridge until being planted.
Step One: Laying Mat
Lay weed mat on desired site, and pin down the edges, as well as the mat
every foot for neatness. Hammer the 6 foot wooden stakes into the ground
at the end of the weed mat to help strengthen the structure. For longer
structures, place the stakes every 12 feet. Secure steel wire to the
wooden stake four feet from the ground, secure with a tack or a nail
bent over. Run along all wooden stakes until you reach the end.
Step Two: Making Planting Holes
Your first two holes should be 1 foot from the end of the weed mat and
half way along the width. They should be spaced 2 inches apart. Hammer
the metal fence bar about a foot into the ground through the weed mat,
wiggle to make sure that it will retract easily, then hammer another 4
inches into the ground. The wetter the ground area, the easier this will
be. Use your tape measure to mark out where the rods should be placed, 2
inches apart along the length of the fedge.
Step Three: Placing the Willow
Placing the willow rods into the holes can be done as you go along, or
at the end of the hole making process. The end willows, and every third
willow rod should be of a thicker variety (strengthening end rods), with
two thinner in between. Place both hands a foot apart on the rod near
the base, pushing downward; force the rod into the hole.
Step Four: Weaving your Fedge
Start from one end and leave your two strengthening end rods upright.
Cross over the following two rods and tie together at the crossing point
a foot from the ground, then crossover the next two, tie at cross, and
repeat for entire length. You should check that all of the crossover
weaving is at a consistent height along the fedge.
Step Five: Weaving the Ends
A few rods will crossover beyond the end of the fedge rods. Bend these
rods carefully 180 degrees around the ends of the stakes at a 45 degree
angle upward and tie in the rod at the same height as the other rows. Do
this with all the left over ends.
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