I promised you that I would get a picture of the Willow that is growing in the vineyard near our house.
I popped up there yesterday but unfortunately, the weather was overcast by the time I arrived at the site which spoils the effect somewhat.
The colour on the bark really stands out in the morning light and late evening too when the sun is very low. The golden rich colours seem to have a very therapeutic effect.
I am not sure of the species so if any one knows, drop me a line and I will add it to the post.
As I said in the previous post, this may have been left to grow for use in basketry, I can think of no reason, other than the owner, who doesn't wish to lose the last three vines, not wanting to dig out the huge root.
Coffins made from Willow
I came across the site of English Willow Baskets - very interesting and worth a look around - and I was surprised to see that you can be buried in a willow coffin.
I haven't decided if I want to be cremated or buried as yet but one thing is for sure, I will need a casket of some description to keep the flies off in the interim.
I can think of no better way than using a very rapidly growing, extremely biodegradable, yet very strong construction to carry me to my maker.
A coffin made of the finest oak or cherry wood is all very well and good but it has taken years and years for the tree to mature to it's best, only to be put into the ground and never seen again.
I think we should start a campaign for all gardeners and environmentalists to opt for the basket weave coffin in a bid to protect mature trees - and no, I am not on a commission.
Is anyone a fan of River Cottage? I am certainly a follower and like many of you, I aspire to the lifestyle. To be able to pop out into the garden or the wild and harvest your food and pop it straight on the cooker and be eating it within the hour surely appeals.
I think Hugh let himself, and his ideals, down a bit with his free range chicken campaign (although the intentions were good) but he still remains a hero of mine.
If you are a fan of the program and saw the episode when Hugh caught eels from the river that runs past the house, it was the English Willow Basket Company who made the eel trap.
This last picture, taken at the vineyard, makes me think of parasites growing out of the trunk of the coppiced tree - or am I just weird?!
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