Ok - all planted, so I should find more courses to teach me what to do with it when it is ready! There is not much call for willow fish!

I found 'Creative Days'. They ran courses from a base at Llanisilin, near Oswestry at a lovely Old Vicarage. This had the makings of a good plan! Not only could I go and learn about willow I could also escape! Nothing wrong with my familiy, but there are a lot of them and a break (or more) was definatley attractive. I'm sure that they could manage to feed themselves for a few days!

I started with a Hurdle Making Course. This turned out to be Hazel, not willow, but was a learning experience anyway. After 2 days my hands were very sore, I had a small hurdle and a great deal of respect for the men with iron hands who make these an a daily basis.  If you ever think that these are expensive, I suggest that you have a go at making one! Just hand the money over - they are very hard work!

Next I tried my hand at 'Willow for the Garden'. We did living Willow arches, arbours and a seat. This was more like it! I came back with enough willow to make a small abour, being too impatient to wait for my willows to grow!

The third course that I did was Willow Baskets with Ted Bruce. I was in heaven. It was hard going, trying to remember everything but Ted was very patient and realy kind. At the end of the weekend I had a round basket with a handle and a tray. I was as proud as punch!