There is a particular pleasure in gathering your own weaving materials from the damp corners of the countryside — the brook sides, the marshy hollows, the edges of ponds and ditches where willow and other wet-ground plants thrive. These are the traditional stuffs of basketmakers, and they are just as useful today for a gardener who wants to make simple, sturdy and beautiful things for the plot.

Why wet grounds give the best weaving materials

Willow loves wet feet. The species that grow along streams and in boggy ground produce long, flexible rods that are ideal for weaving. Common osier (Salix viminalis) is the classic basket willow, with rods that can reach two metres or more in a season. Almond willow (Salix triandra) has finer, silkier rods, good for finer work. Purple willow (Salix purpurea) offers slender, reddish stems that are lovely for decorative pieces. All of them are cut in the dormant season, from late November to early March, when the sap is down and the wood is at its most pliable.

But willow is not the only option. Dogwood, with its vivid winter stems, grows well in damp soil and can be woven into wreaths and rustic supports. Hazel, coppiced in wet woodland, gives strong rods for stakes and hoops. Rushes and sedges from the margins of streams can be used fresh for simple mats and bindings. The key is to work with what your local wet ground offers, harvesting respectfully and leaving plenty for wildlife.

Harvesting and preparing your materials

Choose a dry day and take sharp secateurs and a stout pair of gloves. Cut rods close to the ground, leaving a few buds on the stool so the plant regrows vigorously. Bundle them by length and tie with twine. If you are not weaving straight away, stand the bundles in a bucket of water in a cool, airy place — or dry them completely for later use.

Dried willow needs soaking before weaving. Submerge the rods in a water butt or trough for several days — a week for thicker rods — until they are supple enough to bend without cracking. Then wrap them in a damp cloth or old sack and leave them to mellow for a day or two. This is called 'mellowing', and it makes all the difference. Freshly cut willow can be woven immediately, but it will shrink as it dries, so weave tightly.

• Secateurs for cutting rods cleanly.
• A sharp knife for trimming and pointing stakes.
• A bodkin (a large, blunt needle) for opening gaps in the weave.
• Twine — natural jute or hemp — for temporary ties.

A simple round basket for beginners

Start with a base. Choose eight strong rods for stakes. Cut them to about 60 centimetres and sharpen one end of each. Group them in four pairs and push the pointed ends into a firm, flat surface — a patch of soil or a thick piece of foam. Then weave a few thin rods around the pairs to hold them together, working in a circle. This is the 'slath' base.

Once the base is secure, bend the stakes upwards and begin 'randing' — weaving thin rods in and out, one behind the other, around the upright stakes. Keep the weave tight and even, pushing each rod down with your fingers. When you reach the desired height, finish with a border: bend each stake over the next two or three and tuck the ends into the weave. Trim any untidy ends.

This basic round basket is perfect for gathering eggs, storing kindling or holding produce from the garden. It will last for years if kept dry.

Plant supports and garden structures

Willow is superb for plant supports. For a simple obelisk, push six or eight long rods into the ground in a circle around a climbing plant. Gather the tops together and tie them with twine or a thin willow rod. Then weave a few horizontal rods in and out around the uprights to create a sturdy frame. Peas, beans, sweet peas and clematis will all scramble up happily.

For a low edging or a protective collar around young plants, weave short rods between upright stakes pushed into the soil. You can also make hoops and arches by bending fresh willow into a curve and allowing it to dry in place. These rustic structures are not just practical; they bring a soft, natural texture to the garden that no plastic can match.

Decorative items and slow finishing touches

With a little practice, you can weave decorative items for the home and garden. A simple wreath is made by bending a long, supple rod into a circle and weaving shorter rods around it until the ring is thick and even. Tuck in a few dried seed heads or a ribbon for a seasonal touch. Willow dragonflies, stars and hearts are charming additions to a porch or shed wall.

Rushes and sedges can be woven into small mats or baskets using similar techniques. They dry to a lovely pale gold. And dogwood stems, woven into a loose ball, make a beautiful and long-lasting garden ornament.

The real reward of weaving with wet-ground materials is the slowness of it. You are working with the seasons, with the rhythms of growth and rest. You are out in the damp air, beside the brook, choosing rods that will become something useful and lovely. It is a quiet, grounding craft — and the garden will thank you for it.