Pruning continues across the gardens, and this week our focus has been on the willow in the memorial garden.

The newer willow, planted just last year, has absolutely thrived. In just one growing season, some stems have reached over seven feet tall, a wonderful reminder of how quickly nature can establish itself when given the right care.

Guidance from the Royal Horticultural Society highlights how winter pruning supports strong, healthy regrowth in willow.

We have a variety of willows in this area, ranging from bright yellow through to the deepest brown, creating texture and visual interest even during the quieter winter months.

These are all basketry willows, grown with future creativity in mind. As they continue to mature, we’re looking forward to experimenting with weaving techniques alongside our volunteers, turning living growth into something practical, expressive, and meaningful.

Alongside this, we also care for a much more established willow that has become a familiar feature of the garden. In previous years, we’ve used its prunings to create wreaths, and this winter we’ve continued a mixed approach: some stems have been cut back, while others have been left to grow on.

This has given us a wonderful range of materials to work with. Thinner, more flexible rods are perfect for weaving and basketry, while thicker stems can be repurposed into plant supports and structures elsewhere in the garden, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Reusing natural materials reflects sustainable gardening principles promoted by organisations such as the Woodland Trust.

Willow is a generous tree. With thoughtful pruning, it gives back year after year, supporting biodiversity, creativity, and connection.

Well-managed gardens also support biodiversity, something championed by The Wildlife Trusts.

As the seasons turn, we’re excited to see how these materials will be transformed through shared moments, gentle hands, and the collective care that keeps the memorial garden growing 🤍

If you’d like to spend time outdoors, learn simple weaving techniques, or be part of caring for a peaceful and meaningful space, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteering in the garden is open to all abilities, whether you enjoy practical tasks, creative projects, or simply being present in nature.

Spending time in nature has been shown to support mental wellbeing, as highlighted by Mind.

Find out more about volunteering and how to get involved here: https://childrensmemorialgarden.co.uk/volunteers/

Willow is best pruned during the dormant winter months when the tree is resting. Winter pruning encourages healthy regrowth in spring, helps manage size and shape, and provides strong, flexible rods that can be reused for weaving, wreaths, and garden structures.

Basketry willow refers to specific varieties of willow grown for their long, flexible stems. These stems are ideal for weaving, basket making, wreaths, plant supports, and other natural garden crafts.

Nothing goes to waste. Thinner, more flexible rods are saved for weaving and creative projects, while thicker stems are reused as plant supports and structures around the garden. Any remaining material is composted, supporting the garden’s natural cycle.

Not at all. No prior experience is needed. Volunteers are welcome to learn as they go, whether helping with pruning, sorting materials, or taking part in simple weaving projects. Tasks are adapted to suit different abilities and comfort levels.

Volunteering can include light gardening tasks, creative activities like wreath-making or weaving, helping maintain paths and beds, or simply being present in the space. Some people enjoy hands-on work, while others prefer quieter roles – all are valued.

Absolutely. Many volunteers join simply to spend time in nature, enjoy the calm of the memorial garden, and be part of a supportive, gentle environment. There’s no pressure to do more than feels right.

You can follow us on our social channels for regular garden updates, volunteer opportunities, and seasonal projects. Use the Follow Us button below to visit our Bitly page, where all our links are kept in one place.

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Every follow, share, and helping hand helps this space continue to grow 🌿