Alternatives to Swing Sets

[o_mom]

Thanks for the book suggestions! I'll request them from our library.

I've been looking into living willow structures. I love the idea of the sunflower hut and whatnot, but worry about the awkward growing stages. I think something a little more permanent would be a better idea for us.

I was wondering about this too. Do you have any sources you can link to? Almost everything I am finding is for the UK.

[Raidra]

Willow structures are most common in the UK (fedges - fence/hedges), which is why most of what you'll find online is in the UK.

Most of what I've found is pictures:

http://creativewillow.com/
http://www.winterbournewillows.com/livingwillow.asp
http://www.englishbasketrywillows.com/index.htm - they're in NY and do workshops and sell kits
http://www.bluestem.ca/living-willow-structures.htm

Willow cuttings will take root if you plant them - so you just have to find a source for willow cuttings. We have a huge weeping willow in our front yard, so we'll probably take a bunch from that. I'm not sure what we'll do about the larger rods, we'll probably have to purchase them.

[o_mom]

...Willow cuttings will take root if you plant them - so you just have to find a source for willow cuttings. We have a huge weeping willow in our front yard, so we'll probably take a bunch from that. I'm not sure what we'll do about the larger rods, we'll probably have to purchase them.

Thanks! I'll have to read up more on the various kinds of willow to see what will do well here.