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Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for answers to common questions from customers
General
What does Le Bosquet specialize in?
Le Bosquet specializes in growing willow and dogwood, creating one-of-a-kind vegetarian wool fleeces, and crafting original fibre art. We offer more than 40 varieties of willow and 10 varieties of dogwood for growers, basket makers, florists, designers, and anyone who appreciates beautiful natural materials.
Where is Le Bosquet located?
Le Bosquet is located in Sarsfield, Ontario, just east of Ottawa. Our farm is open by appointment only, so please contact us in advance if you'd like to arrange an order pickup or visit.
When are willow cuttings and rods available?
Dormant willow cuttings and fresh rods are available by pre-order beginning each July for the following dormant season.
Orders are shipped while the willow is dormant, typically between mid-January and mid-April, depending on your location and the shipping option you select at checkout. This allows us to ship at the appropriate time for your growing zone and planting conditions.
Our brown dried basketry willow is available year-round while supplies last and can be shipped at any time.
Do you sell potted willow and dogwood plants?
Our farm store offers a selection of potted willow and dogwood plants in 3-gallon and 5-gallon containers. These established plants are available by pre-order only and are perfect for gardeners looking for landscape-ready specimens. Potted plants are available for farm pickup by appointment only, typically beginning in late April, depending on the season. The pre-order deadline is February 1.
How is your willow graded by length?
Our willow is graded in bundles based on overall stem length, but each bundle includes a natural range rather than an exact measurement.
This means the stated size represents the typical length range you can expect in each bundle:
- 2 ft bundle → approximately 1–2 ft stems
- 3 ft bundle → approximately 2–3 ft stems
- 4 ft bundle → approximately 3–4 ft stems
- 5 ft bundle → approximately 4–5 ft stems
- 6 ft bundle → approximately 5–6 ft stems
- 7 ft bundle → approximately 6–7 ft stems
Because willow is a natural product, some variation is expected from bundle to bundle. We always aim to keep each grade as consistent as possible within these ranges.
How can I get involved?
If you're interested in helping with our late October harvest, please sign up for our newsletter. We share seasonal updates and let subscribers know when we’re looking for extra hands.
Shipping & Pickup
Do you ship your products?
Yes, we ship worldwide.
For more information, please contact us at info@lebosquetranch.ca
How quickly are orders shipped?
In-stock items are shipped within 3 business days. Dormant willow orders are shipped seasonally, typically between mid-January and mid-April, depending on conditions and destination.
When do you ship the cuttings?
We ship mid-January and Mid-March. Please select an option when you checkout. The shipping cut off date is April 1st.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship dormant willow cuttings to many countries around the world during the Northern Hemisphere dormant season, typically January through April.
To ensure the best viability, cuttings are shipped while fully dormant. Shipping availability depends on your country's import regulations and may require a phytosanitary certificate.
If you're outside Canada or the United States and are unsure whether we can ship to your country, please contact us before ordering. Please contact us.
Can I pick up my order at the farm?
Yes! We're happy to arrange farm pickup for larger orders or oversized items that may be difficult or expensive to ship.
Because Le Bosquet is a working farm, we ask that you contact us in advance to schedule an appointment. This helps ensure that we're available to meet you and have your order ready when you arrive.
Planting & Harvesting
Do I have to wait until the last frost to plant my cuttings?
No, you do not need to wait for the last frost date. Willow cuttings are very hardy and can be planted as soon as the ground is workable and you are able to easily push the cutting into the soil. In fact, early planting is often beneficial, as it allows the cutting to settle in and begin rooting as soon as conditions are suitable.
Sheep & Fleeces
Why do you shear your sheep?
Sheep raised for wool need to be shorn every year. Unlike wild sheep, most domestic wool breeds have been selectively bred to continue growing fleece throughout their lives. If they aren't shorn, the wool can become excessively heavy, trap moisture and debris, restrict movement, and increase the risk of heat stress and skin problems.
Annual shearing helps keep the sheep healthy, comfortable, and clean. It also allows us to harvest a beautiful natural fibre that can be enjoyed for many years.
At Le Bosquet, our vegetarian wool fleeces are made from this freshly shorn wool rather than from hides. The sheep continue living on the farm, growing a new fleece each year.