Today I Am Grateful For.....

Comforting words Armandii, thank you and your special place sounds wonderful, think I need to make myself a little willlow hut with a nice big cushion so I can sit with a mug of tea.. that would be my ideal lil sanctuary in the garden

 

Sounds like a plan, @Linz.

Until it comes into physical fruition, build it good and strong in your mind. Think of the birdsong, the rustling leaves (is it a thrush, or a rummaging frog?) the smell of damp earth... It will always be there, in your mind, beckoning you in

 

Go for it. I did one in our garden for the kids. Sometimes on a warm Sunday afternoon I pinch it off them, throw an old blanket down in it, and go to sleep. As the entire thing is made from live cuttings from the same tree, in a very real sense you are actually inside a tree, which I think it's quite magical.

 

I think it will take time to adjust to a new spot, especially in the garden ..I'd be going in and out checking the kids all the time, even though they would be flat out and the growing part! I normally drive at least 10 miles out for a beauty spot but they have started to become the gloomy spots so I need a new approach.
I love the sounds and smells already @Sian in Belgium, can just imagine it! I'll have to put some lavender and different sages in for good measure.

Oh wow you have just sold it to me! The sleep bit got me hooked. Got a corner that get's the last of the evening sun, lets hope it works

 

It will if you make it work. I'm not sure if you mean you hope it works in the sense that the willow roots successfully or if you meant you hope it works in providing a haven to chill. The answers the same for both though. It'll work if you prepare it and nurture it.

In practical terms of establishing the willow den, all I did was mark out a circle about 6 ft diameter,loosen the soil. Then simply push in the willow cuttings to a depth of about 18 inches, spaced about 1ft apart because I didn't really have enough cuttings (closer together would be better), remembering to leave a wider gap for the entrance. Then I just tangled it and taped it into a dome. That was about 4 years ago I think. Every now and then I'll weave in any stray side shoots, pull the top growth down and weave it in, and occasionally cut bits off, planting the offcuts into the based of the structure. This year it's quite dense. Very well established.

 

Oh both, hope it roots and provides a nice place, I actually had a tree ID'd a few weeks ago on here as a goat willow.. would that type work do you know? Did cut it back to some sort of tree shape last week mind? I haven't really looked at the shapes of the huts just admired them so far.

 

Today we drove past the local police station and most of the police cars were out, wether they were out working or chasing pokemon's i don't know

 

Today I am sooo grateful for this lovely rain. Not heavy storm rain, but gently drizzle/heavy drizzle.

Perfect for soaking into the ground, establishing all the plants I planted and moved yesterday, providing refreshment for the frogs and toads I disturbed whilst weeding, topping up the pond.
It is being soaked up by my thirsty peas, beans and courgettes - so that they can provide another bumper picking for us, and those we share our harvest with.

 

Goat willow might well work, @Linz. As I recollect, it can get a little brittle as the tree gets older, but if you are keeping it to a relatively low den, that should not be a problem.

Seeing as you have one growing already, maybe you could build your den around that tree?

Oh yes, and scent - you will need scent nearby.
Lavender, sage, rosemary, maybe some honeysuckle to wind its way over the framework?
Your sanctuary is starting to sound so good, you may well be getting some GC visitors!!

 

Hi Sian, I have taken some cuttings when I gave it another chop the other day, fingers crossed they root. I also though about layering some branches down to the ground and pegging them to give that a try.
I love the Russian sages, nepata and lavender is a must and I have been pondering over which honeysuckle and where to put one. Aw thank you, more than welcome to sit in my den with a cuppa once it's done, I keep staring out (been raining and too grey) and wondering what's next for the garden, feeling bit more positive last week or so


And while I'm here ..Today and every summer holiday, I'm grateful for home delivery shopping.. if I take the kids I end up spending double.. plus saves diesel and me losing my marbles/purse or keys and buying a god damn KFC everytime

 

I am grateful everyday not only today.