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Here's how they build the willow play house.
This playhouse is more permanent, so select your location carefully. This playhouse is best built on moist soil because willow roots like moisture.
You will need:
1) A large bundle of long green willow rods about 6ft long.
2) Straw, for the base. This needs to be changed regularly. (Alternatively, you can use a natural weed suppressing material, like jute/hessian weed control mats.)
Method
1) First lay your straw or suppressing mat across the surface of the area you intend to grow your children’s playhouse.
2) Two and three year old rods are best for creating the base because of their height. Punch holes (approx 2 – 3″ in diameter) through the areas in the straw or mat where your rods need to be planted. This creates the frame of your playhouse. Place the longest rods and tie the tops together, like a teepee. Don’t forget to leave space for an entrance.
3) Use the two year old rods as uprights and one year old rods as the diagonal weave.
The top of the den will be open at first. New growth will gradually close the gap, and can be woven and tied for winter maintenance in the following years.
I know we’re focusing on getting the kids outdoors, but by growing living playhouses that have no capability for TVs to be plugged in, or iPhones to be recharged, I think it’s a good start. Plus, they’ll learn a thing or two about the beauty of nature, without resorting to pictures from the internet.
Se more images and instructions at the original article
