Working With Willow
It was by sheer accident that Jay Davey ended up working with willow. A chance meeting
while living in Canada, brought him to the Somerset Levels. The area is the perfect
environment for willow, where it has been grown for thousands of years. For over
12 years Jay has worked with willow, from crafting traditional hurdles to creating
bespoke structures, based on his creative use of the material and incorporating
the needs of his clients.
What Jay produces is hand crafted with traditional materials but his designs range
from rustic to contemporary. “Willow is an amazing material, so adaptable, and I
want people to see that it can be used in any garden, from traditional to minimal
and modern settings. I have worked on penthouses in Knightsbridge as well as Cornish
cottages.” Designs are very much led by client needs and are conceived after viewing
the setting and taking into account site requirements. Measurements are precise
and drawings can be executed to help clients envisage the willow in their own gardens.
“When clients view my portfolio, they become inspired by the versatile nature of
willow. Not only is it useful for concealing unsightly items like oil tanks and
compost bins, willow structures create a beautiful backdrop for plants.” Willow
screens can give a garden privacy, as well as become a feature of their own. Curved
and shaped in situ woven willow is sculptural and practical. A variety of forms
and shapes can be created for supporting plants, as well as dividing the garden
or enclosing a space. In situ willow can follow contours and curves allowing a smooth
uninterrupted line, unlike individual fence panels. Willow can be woven on top of
walls and onto existing gates and railings to increase privacy.
Willow can be used in a living form as well,
to create a leafy arbour, tunnel or bespoke structure. “This type of work is best
done in the winter, ideally December to March when the willow is dormant. The site
can be prepared ahead of time by the client or it can be done just before planting
if preferred. Many customers like to be involved in the process and I am very flexible
and open to client needs.” Living willow can also be formed into seats and chairs.
The green willow will sprout in spring and will need additional pruning and training
over time which can be done by the client after instruction from Jay or by an annual
visit.
Hurdles, climbers and in situ willow will all benefit from aftercare as well and
will increase the lifespan of the material. A mixture of half boiled linseed oil
and turpentine can be painted or sprayed annually onto the willow when the weather
has been dry for several days. This can easily be done with a standard garden sprayer.
“I always stress the aftercare of willow to my clients, as it keeps it looking beautiful.
If preferred, this treatment can be arranged on an annual basis.”
Jay’s willow creations have been featured at a number of prestigious events including
both the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows, at the Eden Project and at BBC
Gardeners World Live.
Quality work is important to Jay and he has a passion for it. “For me, producing
a quality product for my clients is paramount. The nature of willow allows for a
very fine finish and can be tailored to quite precise measurements.” Jay’s exacting
standards and his experience of bespoke work has enabled him to work with a number
of leading garden designers and architects. “I am always available to discuss projects
and ideas relating to willow in the garden.”
Contact details for Jay Davey:
www.jaydavey.co.uk
07977 788236
info@jaydavey.co.uk
15th January 2009