If You Go Down To The Woods Today...

Be sure to take your loppers!

Let me just say that I'm not advocating cutting down our native woodland willy-nilly, no sir..
But if you, or someone you know, has even a small patch of woodland, there will no doubt be hazel growing somewhere in it.. Get your hands on it now!

Make it your TOP JOB for this gardening weekend we call 'Easter', and coppice yourself as much as your arms can take! Hazel will be coming into leaf any moment now, and you really want to catch it before that happens (it may root in your garden if it's already too lively!)
Not just useful for peas; use these versatile, bendable beauties on anything that requires support or protection through the summer, in the allotment, and the flower borders. Even something quite rudimentary, as above, still looks charmingly rustic, but get creative and try your hand at hoops and domes - it's easier than you might think..
Make sure to cut a mixture of feathery tops, for protecting & supporting twining plants (like peas), and longer, straighter poles, for structures such as below.
I never think I'll use all the piles and piles of sticks I lug into the barn each February..
But I always do... 
For further tips and weaving methods check out this helpful page from the gardeners Upton Grey (which is a totally charming garden to visit during the summer months).

---

Consrtuct a cage over your tall-growing perennials in April and allow stems to grow through.. It'll be hidden by May and no floppy plants!

Pea 'Alderman' will easily reach 5ft plus; this hazel wig-wam makes a perfect and beautiful climbing frame. Use in the same way for climbing beans, sweet peas or even clematis.