growing

Our cultivated willow, planted in the early spring of 2021, is both a working landscape and quiet sanctuary, weaving the farm together ecologically and artistically. We currently grow 12 varieties selected for their color and use in basketry. The willow provides a renewable and sustainable resource while also increasing diversity on the farm and improving the soil.

Each winter, the one-year rods are coppiced by hand after the plants have gone dormant. It is a beautiful time of year to see all of the color in the field and dream up basket plans. After harvest, the rods are graded by length and dried for 5+ months indoors before they are ready to be soaked, mellowed and woven.

WEAVING

Weaving began as a tool to create baskets for our garden harvests and storage around the farm. As I spent more time with the willow however, the relationship deepened into a creative practice that connected making beautiful, useful objects by hand with the natural surroundings of our farm and rhythms of our family. I’ve learned a new language in willow - a medium that requires timing, patience, flexibility and adaptability.

Each basket is unique and meant to be used – they are functional and durable and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. All of the colors are natural and are a display of the varieties we grow. Just like our beverages, the baskets are a reflection of our family farm - rooted in care, guided by seasons and shaped by hand.

I have been weaving baskets since 2019 with the generous guidance of willow artist and basket maker Hanna Van Aelst. I have also learned from many books, my favorite being ‘Willow Basketry’ by Bernard and Regula Verdet-Fierz. Other teachers I have learned from are Jo Campbell-Amsler and Carol Horvath. I mention all of these weavers with the greatest gratitude for their dedication to the medium and their willingness to share their wealth of knowledge. - Heidi