This Sunday our Phoenix group - our active teenage members - have been helping us to cut the willow which surounds the playground. It forms the fence but grows over 2 metres each year so has to be cut every one or two years to keep the fence looking smart. In previous years we have used the cut withies to plant and repair the maze but this year we also need some to replace willow hurdles which have come to the end of their life as fences.
Our willow is mainly a clone of the common osier Salix viminalis which is too vigorous for a small garden but ideal for the fence round our large playground, and it attracts lots of wildlife.
With pruning saws and loppers the Phoenix group have helped us to trim a significant stretch but more work needs to be done over the coming winter - thank you.
Peter