Sanborn Mills Farm Willow Harvest
Workshop Fee: $288.00
Let’s help Sanborn Mills Farm harvest their willow while learning all about the yearly coppice cut and sorting practices. The first day we will work together to harvest and sort, and the second day we’ll make some holiday themed weavings from our harvest – wreaths, stars, reindeer, trees and the like. We’ll discuss best practices for the harvest including timing, ways to cut, preparing cuttings for planting, etc. As we sort, we can learn about what size material to use for what purpose, what to do with all the branchy bits, how to dry and store, and all those other burning willow questions you might have. If we make quick work of the harvest and if time allows, we can also discuss general willow growing as well as willow preparation for weaving. If you have started to grow your own willow, or are thinking about it, this class will help you make the most of your patch. No willow experience necessary. Working with willow generally involves a lot of hand strength, even in the harvest! Participants should be prepared to spend a good amount of time on the ground, outside, in Late November New England Weather.
Skills and Techniques:
- Learning how to cut and sort willow plants for harvest
- Learning basic decorative willow weaving techniques
- Learning basic willow growing and propagation
Materials Fee: None. Harvested Willow will be available for sale to students at a discounted rate of $6 per lb.
Special Tools or Equipment to bring: The instructor will bring all tools required. Students are encouraged to bring working gloves, a kneepad, and to dress in warm layers for the weather. If students have pruners or other harvesting tools they wish to use, they may bring them.
Workshop and Cancellation Policies: Please be sure to read our 2026 policies before registering for a workshop https://www.sanbornmills.org/workshop-policies/
