weidenbogen

Weidenbogen is a term used in German for an arch or arched passage made from willow branches. It commonly refers to a garden or landscape feature in which flexible willow stems are bent and trained to form a curved, living or semi-living structure. The material most often used are Salix species, chosen for their pliability and rapid growth.

Construction methods vary. A simple arch is built by placing vertical supports in the ground at the desired span, then bending and attaching flexible shoots to create a curved frame. For a living arch, additional shoots are trained along a lattice or woven through the framework so the plant gradually thickens and strengthens the arch as it grows. Depending on conditions, a basic arch can appear within one growing season, while a fully mature, self-supporting form may take several years.

Maintenance involves regular watering, especially in dry periods, and periodic pruning to maintain the intended shape and remove dead wood. Ties or supports should be checked and replaced as needed to prevent damage. Willow arches can be affected by common plant pests and diseases, but healthy care generally preserves structural integrity.

Applications include decorative entrances, shaded walkways, windbreaks, and living tunnels within gardens and parks. The weidenbogen reflects a long-standing tradition in European landscape design of using rapidly growing, pliable willows to create functional and aesthetically pleasing green structures. See also willow weaving, living architecture, and garden arches.