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Participating in childlike activities is becoming increasingly trendy. There’s no longer a need to justify owning crayons or LEGOs just because you have kids at home. Similarly, unconventional recreational spots such as treehouses and play sheds—rather than mere storage spaces—are gaining traction among all ages. Willow domes are garden frameworks made from live willow shoots that are curved into strong forms. Each passing year enhances their structure; aided by humans, these branches intertwine more tightly over time. Throughout the growing period, this verdant roof transforms into both a source of shade and sanctuary for various critters.
Should you come across a plot of land with ample dampness, construct a willow dome to create a captivating garden element that will attract individuals of every age group. Just as
A living fence will draw birds and pollinators into your yard.
A willow dome will create an inviting sanctuary for various backyard creatures. To construct your own natural shelter, allocate ample time during spring when the willows are still dormant. Begin after the soil thaws. Collect items such as a garden stake, a ball of string, long-handled pruning shears, a measuring tape, landscaping spray paint, and a drill equipped with a 1.6-inch auger bit similar to this one which is 16.5 inches long.
TCBWFY Auger Drill Bit
Buy a bundle of live willow poles that are each at least 7 feet long; the quantity needed will be based on the size around your dome.
Read more:
11 Overrated Ground Cover Plants You Should Skip for Your Garden
Gathering Wands and Establishing the Circle
Prepare yourself for the pinnacle of
biophilic design
In your backyard, choose the perfect location for your project. Position the stake or use an auger at the central point where the dome will stand. Secure one end of the twine to this stake or auger and hold the other end with some spray paint; then stretch out the string tightly. Move around the center in a circular motion, using the paint to mark the ground’s surface as you go.
Next, determine the total length surrounding your circle—the circumference. Keep in mind that approximately 36 inches should be left open for the entranceway. After subtracting these dimensions from the overall measurement, take the remainder and divide it either by ten or twelve. Multiply whatever result you get by two when placing your order for live willow sticks. Alternatively, harvest branches directly from nearby dormant willows yourself.
For this project, the ideal kinds of willows should be both quick-growing and pliable. Among the best choices are two-year-old European variants known for their robustness and ability to produce shoots suitable for binding purposes, along with leafy Oxford Violet specimens to cover spaces left open due to the lesser foliage provided by the Europeans. Select several of the strongest canes for constructing the doorway framework and set these aside initially. Drill two holes where the doorframe needs to go—each approximately twelve inches deep and thirty-six inches apart—and insert a post into one of those holes. Proceed to drill additional holes evenly spaced throughout the circumference as planned, inserting a cane into every drilled location.
Level Up Your Living Space
It’s now time to curve your willow branches into a domed form. Align poles positioned across from one another within the circular structure, bending their tops towards each other until they meet, then secure the ends either through twisting them together or tying them up. Any side shoots stemming from these poles should also be wrapped around and fastened at the joints for added stability. The pliable nature of the willow branches ought to allow for securing them without additional bindings. However, if you’re uncertain about this method, some constructors opt for short pieces of willow as natural ties, while others prefer using synthetic materials such as this black option.
Prime-Line Screen Retainer Spline
Keep connecting and attaching the rods on opposing sides of the circle until every rod is linked forming the dome.
After you have included this feature into your system
backyard secret oasis
It does involve some upkeep. Every year, your willow construction will produce fresh growth. You can use part of this new growth to integrate into the primary framework. Nonetheless, make sure to prune back certain sections to encourage the plant’s energy toward the principal stems. Keeping an array of shoots at the top uneaten and open lends a charming touch, as these exposed leafy branches atop the canopy serve well for nesting birds and swaying gently in the wind. Finally, remember not to overlook weeding and mulching duties! Pull out any weeds sprouting among and beside the poles, then apply a 3-inch-deep layer of mulch over the space to aid in preventing weed resurgence and maintaining soil dampness.
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