Tunnel of Love

In 2018, we had the notion to create a living tunnel after seeing some cool applications for the bendable, prolific willow.

We ordered a handful of young willow shoots, dutifully stuck them in the ground, and waited…

After a few years with annual pruning, bending, and tying, the tunnel is up and running (and growing daily):

Key for us was scoping out a spot away from structures or other vegetation (willow grows like a weed and can become quite invasive, choking out other native plants) with plenty of water. We picked an area that reliably floods each spring and also happens to be on the way out to a big field we use for wedding ceremonies and camping.

The willow tunnel, or “Tunnel of Love” as we coined it, will serve as a living walkway guests can travel through on their way to the event and camping space, adding a bit of whimsy to an otherwise straightforward path.

We use standard loppers and hand pruners to keep things coifed, and string (woven, no nylon) to hold the bended branches in place after we braid them together.

Next up is a willow chuppah and living playhouse…