Image sourced from Living Willow Farm (Roseville, OH) 

Join us for a workshop introducing the basic concepts of installing simple living willow structures.

These techniques will empower you to experiment with your own structures on your land or community spaces. We will explore tools, installation process, an overview of the ways willow likes and doesn't like to behave, and discuss other species that work well in this context.

During this class, we will demonstrate techniques by installing a small structure using live willow cuttings on the farm. We will also briefly cover care through different seasons and over the years of the structure's life.

If you're interested in learning more about willow, growing willow for weaving, or planting a living fence, arbor, or arch of your own, we encourage you to participate in this new offering!

Program Notes:

Environment: 

This class will take place outdoors, rain or shine. We'll be walking on managed grass paths. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly.

Accessibility: 

The terrain for this program is primarily flat and maintained. Patches of mud or snow are possible, so hiking shoes are encouraged. 

Arrival: 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can begin the class on time. More details about parking will be communicated in a reminder email days before the program. 

Audience: 

This class is best suited for adults. Any child above 13 must be registered separately and accompanied by a registering adult. 

Cost: 

The standard cost for this program is $36/person. Sliding scale options are available to support accessibility.

Cancellation: 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

About the Instructor:

Jay Michonski

Jay Michonski (he/they) is a horticulturalist, naturalist, deathworker, and lover of soils. A student of organic, biodynamic, and agroecology wisdom streams, Jay has learned what he knows through MESA's Global Agroecology Pathways Program and through personal relationships-with books, brilliant peers and coworkers, mentors, and non-human beings; especially trees in all stages of life and death. 

In fall 2025, he began teaching a year-round monthly orchard care class in Washington, D.C., that he hopes to teach for the rest of his life. Jay is thrilled for the opportunity to highlight cycles and ways of caring for trees and perennial crops outside of our usual scopes of attention at harvest and pruning. As an itinerant "landless" orchardist, they enjoy traveling for pruning work and consultations. 

Through his work in native/edible landscaping and at a conservation burial ground, Jay has come to respect grasses and disappearing eastern grasslands more than he ever thought possible. They believe it is the highest honor of their life to have the opportunity to assist others in returning their bodies and borrowed nutrients to the Earth, and hopes to deepen this relationship in the future through weaving willow caskets and leading people through the process of weaving these vessels for themselves and loved ones. He is deeply delighted by perennial cropping systems, especially those including poultry, and is in the throes of burgeoning relationships with hazel and sheep. Jay espouses the power of human ingenuity combined with thoughtful observation and excruciatingly earnest care for all beings.
 
He is based in Frederick, MD, and when not working, enjoys botanizing, gardening, playing music, fiddling with crafts, and hanging out with dogs.