Question
I am wondering if you are familiar with the popular British technique of creating garden structures (e.g. fences, arbors, etc.) out of live willow "whips" planted directly into the ground.  I'm very interested in attempting this in my Zone 5/suburban Chicago garden.  However, I need to know what variety of willow is most appropriate for this application in my climate, if the process differs from that recommended on U.K. websites I've discovered, and where I can obtain sufficient willow whips suitable for achieving this feat here in the U.S.  Any help or U.S.-located references you can supply would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you in advance for your time.

Answer
Mick,

What a fun project.  I would contact local garden centers or nurseries and tell them what you want to do.  They would be offering willows suitable for Chicagoland.  There many good growers in the northern part of state that should be able to help you.  

Good luck

Gary