How to Make a Willow Trellis

Bentwood trellises are a rustic type of garden art that marries function with beauty. Long before metal trellises were commercially available, farmers made trellises for their beans or flowering plants from pruned tree branches such as willow branches. Because a willow sends down roots if it is stuck into the ground, a trellis made of willow may become a living trellis within a few weeks of being erected.

3 willow branches, 8 feet long
Bypass pruners
Polyethylene gardening tape
Shovel
Bean seeds, pea seeds, or jasmine plant

Instructions

- 1
  Prune side shoots away from the willow branches. You should have three long willow poles when you have finished.
- 2
  Tie the three willow branches together at the ends with the polyethylene tape.
- 3
  Set up the branches so that each branch is spaced out to form a tripod. For added stability, bury each leg of the tripod 1 foot deep into the soil with the shovel.
- 4
  Plant a lightweight climbing vine, using bean seeds, pea seeds, or a jasmine or similar plant at the base of each tripod. A heavy, woody plant such as rose canes or wisteria is too stout for a willow trellis.

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