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How to make a living willow dome.

by on Apr 14, 2009

Child sitting under a dome shaped group of small trees.

In the UK, a beautiful and relatively frugal alternative to traditional gazebos are living bowers. Totally earth-friendly, the domes are a collection of woven and tied willow whips. To make one, you’ll need the following:

  • Willow whips, 8 to 9 feet + shorter ones for weaving (If you live where willows grow, you can find these in ditches or in your own back yard.)
  • Twine or rope for tying
  • Climbing plants

For the entire tutorial, check out this page on willowkits.co.uk. If you like the look of these bowers, check out this article about weaving a living willow fence.

A willow bower without its vegetal gown.