RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011.

Here's a sneaky peak at our tree feature in the continuous learning area based on the physalis (Cape gooseberry) form (Japanese lantern) as it degrades and exposes its berry.

I've created a 4.5 meter tall piece with a handsome canopy made from a combination of willow, steel and tissue paper, subtly illuminated with LEDs.

The project pulled in assistance from the whole family, my three year old daughter presented me with a real physalis stem last autumn "hey daddy, this is for you" and I hung it in my office and drew inspiration, my father in law volunteered his skills more than once, my brother in law helped out, my nephew (Rory) who is an electrical whizz, the wife and finally my Dad. It's a touching realisation that this is 4 generations pulling together, to help me achieve my goals, if ever there was a reminder of the beauty of families...

So onsite last week, I tapped up my friend from Kew, a flower show wouldn't be complete without help planting from Steve, we have ferns, foxgloves, scabious, grasses and lavender all set naturally beneath the foot of the tree framed by a lovely oak bench.

The show is on until next saturday and will be covered by the BBC.

I wonder what my daughter will find this year ..........

Pastures Primary School, Leicester.

Pastures primary school in Leicester is celebrating it's 20th anniversary and I was invited along this year as part of the celebrations to make an outdoor classroom for the children within the school grounds!

The week before half term, we got busy with some living willow and planted out a whopping 5 meter diameter structure with the children. The living willow will (as you can see in the pictures) is/will sprout some lovely green leaves to help shelter from the sun and light rain.

Inside it we installed some very strong fresh green oak seating and under that some recycled rubber flooring, to make sure there would be no soggy shoes and socks!

It was an absolute pleasure working with this unique school whom whilst we were working with them, they adopted 11 rescue hens, 1 for each class, they (the chickens!) have a very handsome house, see the image at the bottom, and they're producing super local free range eggs for the parents! Very inspiring... Keep up the good work :)

2011 willow weaving course dates.

Please find Tom Hare (that's me!) willow weaving courses running this year at Harcourt Arboretum on these dates:

Living Willow Course - Saturday 19th February 2011 - Tel: = 01865 343501

Plant Support course - Thursday 24th or Friday 25th March 2011 - Tel: = 01865 343501

These Study Days take place from 10.00am to 4.00pm at the Arboretum.
Tickets cost £60.00 (includes a sandwich lunch).

I'll also be enjoying the summer sun (hopefully) and getting my weave on, at the courses listed below:

Sweet Pea Climber Course - 16th April at Spring Wood, South Derbyshire - contact Peter Wood at www.greenwood-days.co.uk - Tel : 01332 864529

Willow Sculpture Course - 23rd/24th June at MusgrovesWillows, Somerset - Contact Mandy at www.musgrovewillows.co.uk - Tel : 01278 691105

Beginners Basket making - 25th/26th June at Spring Wood, South Derbyshire - Contact Peter Wood at www.greenwood-days.co.uk - Tel : 01332 864529

Willow Sculpture Course - 14th/15th July at Spring Wood, South Derbyshire - Contact Peter Wood at www.greenwood-days.co.uk - Tel : 01332 864529

All prices and Information are on the relevant websites, I hope to see you there!

Zantedeshia.

Here is my latest piece created for a new garden centre in Ashford Kent .
The design was inspired by a collection of Zantedeshcia that were on display at the Chelsea Flower Show last year.
Whilst the communication for this started way back in 2010, I have been very excited to see this realised and installed.

My apprentice Andrew Cowling, who has been working alongside me since the 'Vegas project' last summer (blog to follow), is no stranger to digging deep on the final push of a project so a little finishing off on the weave last week...

...and then a long run down south.

Although it was a bright day for part of the installation, the images below were taken as the light had fallen.
I will return with some better images when the building and center is open.
But here's a quick glimpse...