Sustainability
I was inspired to grow my own willow after harvesting with willow artist and grower Hanna Van Aelst at her off-grid small holding in County Tipperary. Woodturner and woodland manager Pádraig Carragher from County Armagh, generously supported me by providing the perfect space on his 26-acre site.
There is no substitute for hands-on experience with experts, and starting a plantation is a big commitment indeed. It takes patience, hard work, and a good five to six years of experimenting with different varieties to nurture healthy crops with a maximum yield.
collaborating
I collaborate with other artists and crafts people who are passionate about preserving our natural environment and heritage. Wood turner, Pádraig Carragher generously shares his small holding and woodlands with me in the Ring of Gullion. We collaborate on projects that connect people with the landscape, working within an ethos of sustainable production to support ourselves and our community.
By 2024, I had planted over 850 willow plants, including nine different varieties for basket making; specifically grown for colour, flexibility and strength. My plants are sourced from reputable growers; each comes with a 'plant passport' of good health to limit the chance of disease developing.
