Dutch Ingenuity

We were told trees are not planted on the dikes at Kinderjik. The reason is because if storms come through and blows them over it would tear up the dikes. There are a few willow trees that grow close to the windmills. They are used to grow saplings year after year for the Miller to use in various situations. The fence you see above is made of woven willow saplings. Reeds grow all along the dikes and are also harvested and dried. They are use for weaving baskets. Reed roots also help stabilize the dikes. They are places for ducks and birds to live and nest.

Reeds and willow sticks

Harvested every summer

Stacked and dried in sun

Builds fences, gates, and baskets

Dutch ingenuity shows

Reeds grow all along the dikes at Kinderjik and are dried for use

Willow sticks and reeds are stacked to dry for future use

Goat pen gate and feeding trough made from willow saplings

You can see how the saplings are trimmed off this willow stump

One of very few trees seen on the dikes of Kinderjik.

Photos from Kinderjik, Netherlands: Dwight L. Roth