Open AccessEstablishment and Maintenance of Living Structures Made of Willow ( Salix) Stems
Author(s) -
Yulia A. Kuzovkina
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.2008.039
Subject(s) - willow , appeal , biomass (ecology) , the internet , pest analysis , agroforestry , biology , botany , agronomy , computer science , political science , world wide web , law
Two experimental gardens were installed in Storrs, Connecticut, U.S., to evaluate the potential and limitations of constructing living structures of willow stems as play elements for children. Detailed designs and illustrated descriptions of six structures were developed, which can be accessed on the Internet (www.plantscience.uconn.edu/kuzovkinacv.html). Two clones of Salix miyabeana, previously selected for biomass production, exhibited the required characteristics for growth and stem pliability, low pest susceptibility, and satisfactory performance. The plantings were visually appealing and site maintenance was relatively low. A broader implementation of this innovative practice may appeal to horticulturists, arboriculturists, landscape architects and designers, environmental educators, and school teachers.