Che is not the tree it used to be. At one time there were just he and she Che trees. Then a few decades ago along came a self-fertile seedless Che then Ches grafted onto a close relative the Osage Orange. The he’s and she’s have also escaped from cultivation in North Carolina and coastal […]

Some design considerations and species for food Hedges, fedges, and edible hedgerows for the homestead and permaculture farm

Living willow structures are easy to grow in your garden. Check our guide to growing willow arches, gazebos, pergolas, dens, play areas and also fedges..

Living Willow Hedges Or 'fedges' = fence + hedge. Willows, sallows, and osiers form the genus Salix (Latin for willow), which consist of around 400 species of deciduous trees and shrubs. Willow are native to moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Almost all willows take root very readily from cuttings. Young, thin willow cuttings are known as withies, longer willow rods are known as whips.

It's Free Pattern Friday! Today, the Willowwork Cowl in Deluxe Worsted Superwash (pattern link here). The inspiration for this piece was the living willow fences, or hedges, or fedges that are woven from supple saplings into elegant shapes in the garden. Mind you, it's still winter, so the Deluxe Worsted Superwash colors we chose reflect a dormant living fence, while still keeping a warm wood feel. Oh, the magic of Fair Isle. If you were one of those admiring Amy Gunderson's Twisted Yoke Pullover from the Fall '18 Vogue Knitting... Here's the Ravelry link. ...you'll be pleased to find this uses the same technique. Twisted stitches create a depth that (pardon the expression) raises the design to the next level. Amy has written this pattern in two sizes - the small size shown here... ...and a larger size suitable for wrapping. We hope this graceful design hits its mark. Read more about willow artist Anna and the Willow here. Happy crafting!