We, Ron and Bobbie, would like to tell you about our farm and the English strains of basketry willows we grow here.

We began growing willows, both basketry and other varieties, about 8 years ago. Ron made white oak baskets and wanted to try a new medium to work with. After researching the available materials, he decided to grow willow. There are very few commercial willow growers in the United States, most willow used is imported. Thus- we began growing willow.

Currently we grow approximately 30 different varieties of willow. Most is primarily English strains used for basketry, but we also grow ornamentals, florals, furniture, landscape and biomass varieties. While we may expand and grow different varieties- the basket willows will remain Ron's favorite!

Depending on the variety, colors range from browns to reds to golds. We also process peeled rods, called buff, for basketry. When processed- they become a creamy, off white color.

We quit counting how many stools we have- but it is well in excess of 30,000. And we are expanding yearly! (I have fallen in love with the floral varieties and spend much time looking for willows with different stem habits and colors- much to Ron's dismay! (I find new willows - then he "gets" to plant and grow them.)

We cut the willow in November and December, Mother Nature decides exactly "when". This is also when we make the cuttings- both to expand our beds and to sale.

After sorting by length/variety, we then either hang the rods (also called withies) to dry or process for peeled rods. We begin shipping the dried rods in February or March. We take orders for the dried willow rods and ship them all year- or until we sale out.

We also take orders for cuttings all year. Cuttings are shipped normally December thru March 15th. (NO cuttings will be mailed after March 15th!).

Questions? Comments? Please contact us! We would love to hear from you!

And please visit our other pages while here. Ya'll come back!

Our main Willow Dreams Farm homepage - Tells about us, our willow farm, etc.

Basket kits and weaving books we now sale.