Willow can be grown as a crop and used for many purposes. It is not a garden crop as it needs a lot of water and can be a bit of a thug as a tree.

This Willow is growing on the flood plain at Rodley nature reserve. At the back you can see 8 feet high trees growing away. You can also see how some trees have been coppiced or cut to the ground and the uprights taken away.
The stool or remaining root will regrow a further crop of willow for next year.

Willow can be woven to form hurdles or fences. Willow is supple and will bend when green and can be watered to increase suppleness.

Laid hedges are made by partially cutting through uprights and laying the young growth at a slant. Willow is used to offer an upright support against which the laying can be joined.

In addition to traditional uses Willow Weaving has become an interesting pastime. Garden supports, arches and frames can be built from willow and sculptures can be created by the artistically or practically minded. Grow sweet peas up a willow frame.
A step guide DVD is available from amazon

Willow can be grown in rows of bushes and cropped for making basket weaving willow. Grow your own trug!