Osier

Willow is used in wine and glas making as well as basketmaking. In basketry a lot of different varities of willow are used.
The one year old willow is known by a variety to names from osier to withy depending on which country you live in. Golden Willow This picture shows the difference between Belgium Red and the Golden Willow
Here in Holland we use the common osier, fine tops and American Green. I also have varieties of Crack Willow ( salix fragilis), Belgium (Flanders) red and Golden Willow. A popular variety of Belgium Red is no. 582.
  In winter the one year old rod's are cut winter
Basketry has been practised in Holland and the rest of the world for a long time in fact it is one of the earliest trades known.
 
To produce good, long lasting baskets you need to produce the best willow. Cutting, drying and storing the willow must be done with care and understanding. It is a common mistake to think that willow grows best on wet mrshy ground. Willow grown this way is often too soft and lacks the strength necessary to make a good basket. grow of osier
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Pictures Jan-Jun '02 Pictures Jul-Dec'02 Diashow 2000
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