This Flanders Red (salix alba x fragilis) is one of the first willows in our field to lose its leaves, and so it is where we began our harvest for this year. This variety with its vibrant red and orange colours and almost waxy bark, is a favourite of ours to weave baskets with. It also seems quite hardy, tough and resistant to pests, in our experience at least, and does well in our soils and location. The hot dry spring and summer we had this year is definitely reflected in the willow’s growth a