End of Year lessons

We had a year this year. It wasn’t an easy year for most WNC farmers, but our troubles were largely medical and didn’t impact the farm directly. The willow is fine, we just didn’t get enough done to build the farm up. 

Willow-wise, we did pretty well. There was a spell of fungus early in the year - too much rain - and one variety proved irresistible to Japanese beetles, but otherwise, the second year harvest is looking good. I wrote another piece about the willow lessons - separate from the farm lessons - that will follow up this post. 

On the negative column, all the infrastructure we had planned is still on hold. There is still money held out for a shed and a bit more driveway, but it’s clear we are still very much bare bones.  Still watering from ice tea jugs, as you can see from our photos. 

Everything costs so very much more, even from when I first started planning this in 2022.  We think it’s better to stay bare bones for the time being. That approach has saved this new business a fair amount of money already - no need for a tractor and it’s headaches when willow beds are cleared only once in 7-10 years, if that. It’s overkill. We’ve got a local guy with the whole rig and needing a bit of cash 2 or 3 times a year. It works for both of us. Local connections are golden. 

I am also delighted to connect with other willow farmers, on FB and IG, and have learned a lot from them. It is also clear that willow is becoming popular, and that makes me so happy. It also means there’s lots of competition for a small business like GWF. I don’t really mind that. 

I have been in the craft world for the last 25 years. I know that world. But I’m not planning to become a basketmaker. I prefer to remain a supplier and anything I weave in the process will likely be simple and mostly for fun. I actually own over a hundred baskets, having collected them over the years. I inherited several from my mom. I am familiar enough, having been a weaver of cloth, with the process to know what to pay attention to. Other than that, I honor the artists who use willow and other plants to weave into wonderful vessels and artworks. 

And to tell the truth, I am just a bit more excited about willow in the landscape. Fencing, hedges and privacy screens - so much cheaper and easier to install and maintain than other sources. So beautiful in all seasons. So little maintenance. And then, the possibility of a living structure, one that renews itself every year. Sculptures, shelters, gazebos, so many uses!  Hopefully we can install a few of these living willow structures this spring. 

All of which to say is that we are diversified and feel good about that direction. And while it has been exciting to sell cuttings this year - we dance around every time an order comes in - we are just grateful to have that little bit of extra income because it’s 2025 and we are all walking that tightrope, seniors especially. 

Thank you for your support and encouragement this year. Blessings on all small businesses and may 2026 bring better times for us all.