Living Willow Fence Puts Down Roots at John Hendry Park

March 16, 2005 (No. 10) - Today, Park Board horticultural crews will plant an environmentally pleasing barrier of intertwined willow at the northeast corner of Trout Lake located on John Hendry Park. The 150 foot long native Salix (willow) will form a natural barrier keeping off-leash dogs separated from the sensitive and marshy nesting areas near the lake's shoreline. The living fence will be 4 feet high and be protected by a temporary snow fence until it establishes itself after which other perennials and shrubs will bulk out the twiggy barricade.

The willow fence will be comprised of long "whips or shoots" cut from plants in Stanley and John Hendry Parks. A naturally occurring rooting hormone found in willows make them ideal candidates for this ancient style of fencing whereby both ends of cut shoots are planted in the soil and woven together combining art with "green growing" park architecture.

Willow Fence Planting
John Hendry Park (Near 13th Avenue & Victoria Drive)
March 16th - 7 am to 1 pm

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Contact: Terri Clark, Communication Coordinator, 604-257-8438.
Jeff Whitehead, Foreman Vancouver East District, 604-290-3593

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.