I have now been working with willow for some 18 years. Based on the Somerset levels I use locally grown willow, as well as some hazel and chestnut. My bespoke work has ranged from screens for show gardens, insitu weaving, tree seats, enclosures, arbours, and more practical items for disguising oil and septic tanks! I have even woven a giant willow Russian-style dome that sits on top of an 18m tower for the Glastonbury Music Festival.

 I specialise in weaving on site. Willow screens can give a garden privacy as well as become a feature of their own. My work creating curved and shaped insitu woven willow is sculptural and practical. Insitu willow can follow contours and curves allowing a smooth uninterrupted line. Willow can be woven on top of walls and on to gates and railings, to create privacy and soften the look to the metal. Continuous fence or screen can be woven and tailored to both client and site requirements.

As well as working with individual clients, I have worked with architects, landscape designers and local authorities.  I have worked with a number of leading garden designers. This has lead to work on a roof top terrace in Knightsbridge and contemporary gardens in Kensington, as well as country cottages and estates. Willow can be woven to suit all manner of styles and spaces. A few years ago I was fortunate enough to be involved with the Start show garden at Clarence House. Undulating and curving willow formed the huge raised beds, which were then planted with a stunning array of edible and medicinal plants.
   
What I enjoy most about working with willow is the ability to create curves and flowing forms, something that you cannot do easily with other materials. Once a project is complete and the willow dries out fully, I use and advise my clients to use, Protek Clear Top/Tough Coat to form a protective coating, to help resist the wet weather and increase the longevity of the willow.  I use a paint brush or a garden sprayer for larger projects.  The product is opaque when first applied, but dries and forms a clear coating. I advise this is done on an annual basis. The sprayer must be cleaned out thoroughly afterwards with water, to keep it in good working order.

Willow is an amazing material, so adaptable and I want people to see that it can be used in any garden, from traditional, to minimal and modern settings.  

For more information contact Jay Davey Bespoke Willow at www.jaydavey.co.uk/info@jaydavey.co.uk