| Here's an unusual sort of donation: we have been given a Living Willow Sculpture in the form of a bowered chair, which we've planted overlooking the Wharf at Childrey. The uprights of the chair will all take root, so the chair will grow once planted, and will hopefully be a permanent feature at the Wharf. We decided to put a section of tree-trunk inside it so that it can be safely sat on without damage, and it will be lovely to think that ramblers and dog-walkers might enjoy sitting in it, admiring our handiwork on the Wharf.
Here is the chair sitting on the side of the Wharf, with Jim taking a photo ("it's right next to you, Jim!") while Roy looks on in amusement. Or possibly bemusement. 
Here's another surprise: our beloved chairman, Brian, actually doing some work!! Most amazing was his appearance in a mere t-shirt, on a day that was barely above freezing. We nobly stood back to allow him to get himself warmed up by doing some digging. We're good like that. 
As Brian is not as accustomed to working as the rest of us, Roy had to offer some encouragement with a stick: 
So, having dug a trench for the "legs" of the chair, we firmed it in, placed a log inside it, and filled it in with earth and sand. The log will support the weight of anyone sitting in it, and we might even plant some nice-smelling camomile or thyme around it. The canopy will grow and thicken, and hopefully within a month or so it will be a nice leafy place in which to sit and watch the boats cruising past. Well, ok, a nice leafy place in which to sit and imagine how nice it will be when the boats cruise past once more! 
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The next job of the day was to make a support structure for the full colour laminated sign which is to go next to the chair. Here's Brian still being useful, and helping Roy with the cross-boards.
While Roy and Brian were nailing the sign onto the support, Jim and I were collecting a pile of flattish rocks to make a clear area around the base of the chair and the sign. It doesn't look much now, but once the rain has washed the gravel down between the stones, it should improve. 
And here is the finished thing: well, finished for the time being: and many thanks to Jim for taking the nice photo: 
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| I will be going back over the next few months to report on the chair's progress, so keep watching this space! |
| In the meantime, a word about Living Willow:
During the winter season, as well as continuing to work in gardens, I install and maintain willow Fedges - a cross between a hedge and a fence - as well as willow tunnels, arches, mazes, bowers, seats, and so on. Living Willow sculptures grow quickly and well: unlike traditional tree planting, this is not an exercise in patience that only your grand-children will enjoy - they will be a focal point for any garden, with immediate impact. Maintenance is low: they need watering in their first year, and will need trimming every winter. During the summer months they are clothed in leaves and are "fluffy", then when the leaves fall, the original sculpture outlines are suddenly on view again. If you would like to have a Living Willow sculpture, or if you have existing scuptures and fedges that need maintenance, contact me by clicking here. |
My 06: quick check on the chair, and yes! It's growing! Here is it, showing distinct signs of life:
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