How Is it July? | Vermont Willow Nursery

And 2025? How the heck are ya?

It’s been quite a while since I’ve last posted an update…we’re still here and we’re doing better than ever! Let’s see…what have we even been doing all this time? Biggest news is our Quonset-style structure is only missing a few doors but otherwise has proven itself. We had our second appearance at the Vermont Flower Show which was even better than our first. Y’all keep turning out for us – it really means a lot. We’ve met a lot of really inspiring artists and growers. Learned a lot about willow…mainly it’s tolerances!

Don’t forget we ship in November

Big reminder that we ship to hardiness zones 6 and up during our Autumn harvest. A few years ago the hardiness zones changed a little so be sure to know your zone before ordering. Check your zone here. Have no fear…they’ve shown to do just fine if planted in the Fall. Willow seems to be able to overwinter here, an area that sees stretches of -20°F, so maybe we’ll expand to zone 5 in the near future. .

Sometimes shipping expectations can change during the season

Almost always for the better!

Every year we learn new things about willow. We gain more confidence in our practices and your ability. One of those practices is cold storage and shipping things earlier than you might expect. Since willow keeps in the fridge (with proper moisture) we want to get your order to you well before the date of your last frost.

We tried this back in early April and it surprised some folks… reasonably so! They were like:

Which is a totally reasonable reaction!

Newsletter shoutout

Since we’ve got the newsletter working (and you’ve signed up for it) we can easily share updates on our harvest and conditions here. About half of the years I’ve been here so far we’ve had work-stopping blizzards, for instance. Another reason to subscribe is that end-of-season sales will be a thing. The newsletter will be much easier to follow than my front page banners.

Those stoppages are going to become less of an issue anyway because…

The Hangar is nearing completion

Through the efforts of many, as of December 2024, the end walls have been bolted on and the garage doors working smoothly. We’ve moved all of our willow processing to it which has been a HUGE help. The days of packaging structure kits in blizzard conditions on the porch have finally come to an end! The tractor gets to come out of the elements too!

First Arch – The Beginning

The Hangar, as named by my dad, allowed us to begin processing and shipping weeks before any year that’s come before. Up next is sectioning off a space that can be conditioned during the cold months. This year it was the end of February, but we were hampered a bit by a weekend at the…….

…2025 Vermont Flower Show!

Our second year here was even better than the first. Lisa and I expected to sit ourselves down in chairs and stare out as folk scuttled past like we were running a crooked carnival game. Instead, you came with your questions and your anecdotes and it was the most amazing time. Lisa hosted a discussion on willow to a packed room (I stood off to the side…moral support!) which was our very first speaking engagement.

We were able to expand our offerings a bit which was a lot of fun. Lisa put together some lovely petite bouquets which are a great way to showcase the individual beauty of a catkin. The Free Cutting Bin ended up being a big hit! Future shows will see even more. Interested in stripped branches for carving? Maybe some wattle fence sections? A Willow Deprivation Chamber?

There were a few of you who told me that you’ve been following our story. It truly is humbling. I overheard someone say “Oh this is the willow nursery this is why I wanted to come.” I mean wow. My heart grew three times that day. I’m writing these blog posts for YOU. Reach out and say hello!

Willow Artisans and Special Projects

This is going to eventually get it’s own spot on The Sali Garden.

Morris Arboretum – Willow Wander

Magical. A stunning sight and a testament to living willow structures. This was made with 10-12 ft purpurea and miyabeana. It’s really something special.

Susie J Gray – Growing Health By Design

Susie’s willow sheep sculpture at the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival has ever been on my mind since I first saw it. She made willow sculpting in to a group activity! Susie is the embodiment of what it is to be a Creative in Vermont.

Bellcate Academy

We had a visit from Cory and her students one fine day this May. They wanted to try their hand at a willow structure and were met with massive success. Everything – from coppicing to trying not to get distracted by dogs to planting – they did it all. Bask in their reflected glory!

The students make their own dog treats! My dogs and I approve of them.