Baskets from the Garden: Harvesting Day Lily & Iris Foliage for Basket Weaving

Basket base made with naturally wilted day lily foliage.

Fall weather brings the changing of colors and seasons. Cool air wisps through the trees, flowers begin to fade, seeds drop for next years blooms and foliage wilts. It can seem like a really depressing time in the garden, but not for the basketmaker!

While there's little to look forward to in fall garden cleanup, nothing is better than working in the garden on a cool fall day only to stop, gather and weave some daylily foliage. A welcome respite to the mundane nature of pruning and mulching.

**GET MY ONLINE BASKETRY COURSE, Twining with Soft Natural Materials**

Leaf weaving is about so much more than product… it’s the meditative process of creating, an invitation to slow down and listen. And for me, it's always been a bit of an escape from the rushed schedule of daily life. A walk in the woods. The discovery of materials. The adventure of preparation. The unlimited opportunities that lay waiting in the studio with natural materials so purposefully gathered. 

As a professional basketry artist for now approaching 30 years, I can say without question my favorite times weaving are still sitting on the ground, in the garden with fresh materials... no prep, no plan. Just materials and me. It's from that place that my artistic voice has emerged and my commercial work has prospered. People can feel the intent, the love, the purpose in my work and that means everything.

Fresh and naturally wilted day lily foliage for basket weaving

Yellow iris foliage for basket weaving.

(L to R) Yellow Iris, Purple Siberian Iris, Day Lily foliage for basket weaving.

Harvesting Day Lily Foliage for Basket Weaving

As with most things in art, there's rarely a "right way" to do anything... only the way that works for you. However, over the years I've found that I harvest day lily foliage in two primary ways: collected during the growing season and cut at the end of the season.

When daylily foliage is growing, it's always putting on new growth from the center of the plant, and pushing the old foliage down to the sides. Eventually, that foliage dries, wilts and dies while still connected to the plant. It doesn't look great and it's best to remove it so as to give your plant "breathing room." This foliage, in my opinion, is the best for weaving. Nothing beats the preparation nature provides in the natural wilting process.  Once you harvest these, simply let them dry completely and then store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

You can also cut day lily foliage at the end of the growing season. I usually wait until the first frost so it begins to wilt and yellow but doesn't ruin. Again, let it dry completely in a cool, dry place and then store until ready for usage.

You'll notice that different varieties of daylily (and iris) have different kinds of foliage. Some are longer and fatter than others. Of course, being a basket maker, I choose my flowers by the length of foliage they provide, long being best.

Other Foliage Plants for basket weaving

Just because I'm talking about day lily and iris foliage doesn't mean you can't use other foliage available in the garden. Some of my other favorites include daffodil (usually harvested in the spring after blooming, giving the plant a few weeks to rest and begin to wilt.) Also other common plants like red hot poker, crocosmia and many others. Daffodil sap in particular can be irritating to the skin, so be careful as you harvest. Wear gloves, long sleeves, avoid touching your face and be sure to wash up thoroughly after harvesting.

Basket made from tulip poplar inner bark, kudzu and siberian iris foliage.

Basket made from siberian iris foliage.

Iris foliage doesn't mean you can't use other foliage available in the garden. Some of my other favorites include daffodil (usually harvested in the spring after blooming, giving the plant a few weeks to rest and begin to wilt.) Also other common plants like red hot poker, crocosmia and many others. Daffodil sap in particular can be irritating to the skin, so be careful as you harvest. Wear gloves, long sleeves, avoid touching your face and be sure to wash up thoroughly after harvesting.

Now, let's take a closer look at the leaves and flowers of the Iris plant. The leaves of Iris are long, strap-like, and sword-shaped, overlapping at the base, and oriented in one plane. They create an elegant and uniform arrangement that adds grace to any garden.

Moving on to the flowers, they are truly a sight to behold. The blooms are often carried at the top of a naked stem, standing tall and proud. They can range from a single majestic blossom to a cluster of several delicate flowers. The Iris flowers are characterized by their mesmerizing 6-parted structure. Three outer 'falls' spread or pendant, catching the eye with their distinct markings, while three inner 'standards' proudly stand erect, adding a touch of elegance.

What makes Irises truly special is their incredible color palette. From mesmerizing blues to enchanting violets, vibrant yellows to warm oranges, pure whites to mysterious blacks, Irises offer a spectrum of hues that can brighten up any garden. These captivating flowers are highly prized as cut flowers, adding beauty and vibrancy to perennial gardens.

​So, while Iris foliage is undoubtedly beautiful on its own, don't hesitate to explore other foliage options in your garden. Just remember, when harvesting plants like daffodils, be cautious of their sap, which can cause skin irritation. Protect yourself by wearing gloves and long sleeves, and remember to wash up thoroughly after harvesting. With the combination of Iris's stunning leaves and exquisite flowers, along with the possibilities of incorporating other foliage, your garden will be a true showcase of nature's beauty.

Using Iris In Landscaping to Create a Basketry Garden
Iris plants offer a multitude of possibilities when it comes to landscaping. Not only do they provide stunning blooms, but their foliage can also be put to creative use. For instance, Iris foliage can be harvested and used for basket weaving, adding a unique touch to your outdoor space. This is just one of the many ways in which you can incorporate Iris into your landscape design.

In addition to their foliage, Iris plants blend effortlessly with other popular flowers like daffodils, red hot pokers, and crocosmias. By carefully selecting and arranging these plants, you can create a vibrant and eye-catching display in your garden. Consider planting Iris in small groups or mass plantings to maximize their visual impact. This technique works exceptionally well as border plantings, foundation plantings, or even alongside walkways, where they can guide guests through your landscape with their graceful presence.

Iris plants also lend themselves beautifully to various garden styles. For those with a cutting garden, Iris is the perfect addition. You can harvest their blossoms to create stunning floral arrangements that bring the beauty of your garden indoors. Alternatively, if you're aiming for a charming and rustic atmosphere, consider incorporating Iris into a cottage garden. Their vibrant colors and delicate blooms will evoke a sense of nostalgia and create a whimsical ambiance.

So, whether you're seeking to add a touch of elegance to your patio or infuse a meadow with bursts of color, Iris plants are a versatile choice. Their ability to thrive in different settings and their practical applications make them an ideal option for any landscape. By exploring the various ways in which Iris can be utilized, you can create a truly captivating and enchanting outdoor space.

Enjoy the season and take time to walk through your garden to harvest materials for basket weaving.  For more on harvesting natural materials, be sure to download my free PDF 7 Tips for Harvesting Natural Materials.