Horticultural courses

Courses

Willow weaving

My willow beds and swathes of Cornus - Dogwood - along with reeds and

rushes provide all the materials needed.

The willow is used fresh at the beginning of the year then stored, dried

and re-soaked for use in later months. I am also experimenting with using

mixed materials, adding various dried grasses and rushes.

The aim is simple - to have fun while learning a new skill; we always reach a point of peaceful activity, when I can rest my voice and the class works away busily, accompanied by much general chatting as the group get to know each other.

Willow is a wonderfully forgiving material and everyone goes away with their original creations!

The group size is limited to allow you to work at your own pace, with individual assistance and plenty of space, a maximum of 6 people. (Larger groups can be catered for with a fellow weaver assisting, please contact me to discuss)

UPDATE Following requests, the price now covers a simple vegetarian lunch for 1- and 2- day courses - drinks and homemade cake and biscuits will continue for all!

The courses are designed to be accessible for beginners. You do need a level of dexterity and finger strength however, which means adults only for weaving baskets and structures. Children can, and do, participate in the taster sessions. I suggest finer willow and smaller more delicate items for those with problems, and also get people using other materials, such as reeds, if they are really struggling!

NEW If you have already learnt how to make a round basket but wish to extend your weaving skills, there's a new option below!

The dates are entirely flexible - I'm lucky to be self-employed - please feel free to choose your own suitable date(s).

Willow baskets -

2 day course.

The aim is to produce a simple basket, which gives you the techniques needed for practically any

willow weaving. The two day format, 10-4pm each day, (we do frequently over-run...)

allows everyone to breathe occasionally!

Cost for 2 days, run from the Big Barn at Tanyfron

£140 per person

Willow structures -

1 day course.

We'll be making anything from mini hurdles for supporting plants at the

edge of the border for instance, to tripods for growing climbing plants.

Once you have learnt the techniques, you can adapt the design to any

size and purpose.

10-4pm (ish...)

Cost for 1 day, run from the Big Barn at Tanyfron

£95 per person

Willow taster courses -

These should last 2.5 hours, but generally over-run because people

are having too much fun....

They provide an opportunity to try something new

and different - and perhaps decide whether to take this craft

further.

This could be a great way to celebrate a birthday with friends - or

a holiday activity - whatever!

10-12.30am or 2-4.30pm

Cost £40 , run from the Big Barn at Tanyfron

Intermediate Willow courses -

One or 2 day course, maximum 4

people as we may all be doing different

things!

You will already need to know how to

make a round basket (I will prompt as

needed...) and could be learning to make

oval baskets, repairing an existing basket, trying different weaves, borders or handles -

it's up to you!

10-4pm

Cost for 1 day £80, for 2 days £120.

Where

Tanyfron

Llanerfyl

Welshpool

SY21 0HA

what3words; 'aviation.monkeys.lunching'

Shows on Ordnance Survey and Google maps.

Click on the 'Contacts' page for map and notes!

Please, please, please! Use these directions, not Satnav!!

What to bring

You will need the layered clothing appropriate to Welsh weather as we will be in an unheated barn- perhaps bring fingerless gloves if you have them.

I provide drinks, homemade cake and biscuits, and a simple vegetarian lunch for 1- and 2- day courses.

I have several pairs of secateurs, which will be sharp (N.B.!) If you have your own do bring them, we can sharpen them as necessary.

An old knife is useful too.

All necessary willow materials are included in the course prices.

When

Confirmed course dates will be shown here in bold. I will update remaining places as bookings come in.

Other dates are suggestions, we can be very flexible on dates!

Please make sure you book at least 1 week in advance to give time for the willow to be prepared.

2026

Willow baskets

April 25th/26th - 5 places

May 30th/31st - 6 places

June 13th/14th - 6 places

July 25th/26th - 6 places

Willow structures

March 28th - 1 place

April 15th - 6 places

May 22nd - 5 places

June 20th - 6 places

July 31st - 6 places

Willow taster courses

April 4th

April 17th

May 6th

May 16th

June 4th

July 11th

Intermediate Willow courses - one or two days

June 6th/ 7th - 4 places

July 4th/5th - 4 places

Comments

Past visitors have all been very kind with their comments - (it's why I keep going, so feel free!) As you can see, the homemade treats and the beautiful views are a big part of the experience!!

"I had a fantastic weekend in a stunning location.... and fantastic chocolate cake and I'm so proud of my basket!"

""My mother and I did the taster course with Pippa. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and very informative session. Pippa was very patient in showing us how to do different things, working at our own pace. We enjoyed the relaxed chat and giggles whilst weaving, along with the fab tea and cake Pippa provided. "

"A relaxing and informative afternoon weaving with Pippa in the most wonderful location. Pippa was very generous with her time and materials and with her clear instructions and patient guidance we took home some lovely woven creations. "

"I had a really lovely day with Pippa, she made me feel very welcome in her house and barn. She has a lot of patience and made me feel as though I was doing a really good job with my weaving. "

Booking

Feel free to contact me for any queries

e-mail - pippasplants@gmail.com

mobile - 07517142685

Overnight stay?

We now have electricity to the Big Barn - and overnight van parking or camping is available for small extra fee, which may help with those travelling longer distances. There are local 'posher' options of B and B!