Grow a Living Den or Playhouse From Willow or Bamboo: DIY Tutorial

Living Garden Playhouses

During my childhood, I was fortunate enough to live in houses with good-sized gardens, so I grew accustomed to playing outdoors all summer long, enjoying the wildlife, fields, flowers and trees. I was a total tomboy and seldom arrived home without needing an urgent bath and change of clothes. I climbed trees, made mud pies and built dens. Luckily, my parents thoroughly approved.

My Favourite Childhood Memories

One of my favourite outdoor activities was building dens. One of the homes we lived in had loads of land, and we had our own field—a small area of woodland and an old, disused quarry that had formerly been a pig farm. The remains of the old stone pigsties made great dens, hidden away in the depths of the quarry, largely shaded by huge trees that formed a canopy concealing most of the sky.

Stimulate a Child's Imagination

My friends and I spent many magical hours there. When we grew tired of the pigsties, we created new dens in large bushes or behind undergrowth. Our imaginations were totally stimulated, and we were fit, healthy, active and happy children, more than willing to get exercise by dragging large branches around to conceal our latest creations.

Encourage Healthy Outdoor Play

We seldom caught colds or illnesses because we had developed strong immune systems from constant contact with the normal dirt, mud and germs that many modern (less healthy) children have had removed from their environment. I find this very sad and hope that I can encourage parents to consider helping their children to spend more time outdoors by growing their very own den or playhouse. This can be done even in a small garden.

2 Ways to Build a Living Playhouse

There are two very simple methods that I will cover in this article:

1. Willow rods
2. Bamboo canes with runner beans

A basic dome constructed out of willow rods

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Method 1: Living Playhouse Made Out of Willow Rods

This den is more of a permanent one, so select your location carefully. This also works best on moist soil (although not essential), as willow does like to have moisture at the roots.

What You'll Need

• 1 large bundle of long, green willow rods about 6 feet or more in length (having a variety of 1-, 2- and 3-year-old rods is ideal).
• Weed-suppressing membrane for under the structure (straw will also work well but will need periodic replacing / topping up).

Directions

1. Lay your weed-suppressing membrane across the surface of the area where you intend to grow the den or playhouse.
2. Begin creating the basic structure with willow rods (2- and 3-year-old rods are best because of the height they provide). Puncture holes approximately 2"–3" in diameter through the areas in the membrane where your rods need to be planted.
3. Plant the 2- or 3-year-old rods to create the mainframe of the structure. Decide where you want your entrance. Place the rods at each side of it, and tie the tops together, creating a sort of wigwam.
4. Use the 2-year-old rods for vertical support and 1-year-old rods as the diagonal weave. The top of the den will be open at first. You will gradually close up the gap when new growth can be woven and tied in during winter maintenance in the following years.

Living Willow Play Tunnel

The video above demonstrates how to build a living willow play tunnel. The technique used in the video is very similar to the one I describe above.

The final result of the runner bean playhouse will look something like this, with your runner beans climbing up the bamboo canes and creating a living playhouse for your children.

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Method 2: Living Den With Bamboo and Runner Beans

This is probably the easiest den to create. Your children will have a great outdoor playhouse to have endless hours of fun in, with the added bonus of your entire family getting to feast on tasty runner beans throughout the summer season.

What You'll Need

• 8–10 long bamboo canes (6–7 feet minimum)
• 1 packet of runner bean seeds
• Some gardening string (a cable tie or something similar will work)
• Chicken wire (optional)

Directions

1. Push your bamboo canes into the ground in a circle, and form a large pyramid/teepee shape (sometimes incorrectly called a 'wigwam'). Be sure to leave a large gap between two specific canes for the entrance. Secure the tops together with garden string, cable tie, twine or wire.
2. For best results, cover the resulting pyramid/teepee (apart from the entrance) with either chicken wire or a network of gardening string tied from cane to cane at various heights.
3. At the base of each cane, dig an area at least 12" wide, 12" long, and 12" deep. Alternatively, create a continuous 12"-wide bed in a ring surrounding the entire perimeter of the bamboo canes.
4. Mix in some compost and/or well-rotted manure.
5. Using your finger (or a dibber), poke two holes approximately 1"–2" deep at the base of each cane.
6. Drop one runner bean seed into each hole and fill it with water. Once the water has drained away, gently drag soil back over the holes and water again thoroughly. Runner bean seeds can also be started in 3" pots of compost and then transplanted to the base of the canes once they reach about 6" in height.
7. Protect seedlings from slug attacks with either organically approved slug pellets (harmless to children and pets) or by manually removing and destroying slugs each evening until the bean plants are about 6" tall.
8. If any of the plants fail to find the bamboo canes on their own, you can carefully wrap the main shoots around the first part of the bamboo canes or chicken wire until they begin to climb naturally.
9. Surround the base of the plants with lawn mowings, bark chips or similar to keep weeds down and moisture in. Water frequently during long dry spells.

Living Playhouse Teepee With Runner Beans

The video above is narrated by the children, and it's very cute. The technique they used to build their playhouse teepee is similar to the one I describe above, although they started the beans out in small pots before transplanting them outside.

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Beautiful Flowers and Delicious Runner Beans

Your children will love to watch their den/playhouse come to life and grow up all on its own. The speed at which beans grow is impressive. It will not require much patience on the part of your children. Ultimately, they will also be fascinated by the fun of harvesting their own beans. Plus, the den will look ever so pretty covered in the delicate red flowers that runner beans produce in abundance.

How Long Will It Last?

The den will last from the start of spring and on through the end of summer. Just remember to keep harvesting the beans regularly to encourage the plants to continue flowering and producing for as long as possible.

Alternatives to Runner Beans

This den can also be made with other climbing plants, including fragrant sweet peas, which look beautiful, smell divine and attract lots of butterflies, bees and birds to your garden. You also have the advantage of a summer-long supply of gorgeous, scented blooms to fill the vases around your home. And the more you pick the flowers, the more they produce.

Benefits of Living Playhouse

Children can gain so much from a living playhouse! Give them the opportunity to create their own magic and fun in the fresh air. Here are just a few reasons they're wonderful:

• Encourages outdoor play. If we can tempt kids away from their screens, it's usually a good thing! Being outside and communing with nature is always a net positive.
• Teaches plant growth and ecology. From one week to the next, the living playhouse will evolve. New growth will appear and the 'walls' will become more dense. Kids will be fascinated by these changes, and this is a wonderful opportunity to teach them about plant growth, watering, pruning etc. If you choose the runner beans, you'll also be able to teach them about harvesting—and maybe even cooking and preserving, too!
• Teaches engineering. Even very young kids can help with construction. For the willow playhouse maybe they can help spread out the weed-suppressing membrane and decide where the entrance should be. For the runner bean and bamboo playhouse maybe they can use their fingers to poke holes in the soil and then drop in the runner bean seeds. Involving your kids in the building process teaches them about how structures are made—and gives them a sense of investment and accomplishment.
• Inspires creativity and imagination. Didn't you always wish you had a secret clubhouse when you were young? A magical place where you could invent your own games and stories, a place that was just for you? This is what a living playhouse could be for your child.

More DIY Garden Playhouse Ideas

• Convert an Old Caravan Into a Studio or Playroom
  A backyard caravan can add more living space to your property. Learn how I gutted an old one and converted it into a quilt-making studio.
• Amazing Garden Dens | Ideal Home
  Be inspired to create a wonderland in your garden with these whimsical garden dens.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

© 2009 Cindy Lawson

Comments

Joanna on March 15, 2020:

I have beautiful climbing morning glory do you think this would work with the hut idea?

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on July 27, 2017:

Hi Kimmerleesu, that sounds like a great idea and should look beautiful. Good luck.

Kimmerleesu on July 26, 2017:

I love this idea. While my children are now grown and we have no grandchildren yet, I plan to build my own living "garden shed" using dried whips (branches from a willow and cherry tree) and/or wire fencing for the frame and passion vine as the living cover. Passion vine is evergreen for us in Northern California in the valley with temp extremes from 15 F degrees in winter to 105 F in summer. I have used passion vine over my fencing creating a one foot thick insulation between us and our 5 fence neighbors. It's my favorite drought tolerant flowering vine. It does attract bees (which I am allergic too) but the bees are so busy collecting the copious amounts of nectar that the flowers provide that the bees barely notice my presence in the yard. I'm excited about this project, thank you for the idea and info.

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 11, 2016:

I would imagine so J, so long as you grew it over a broad wooden framework. Might take a lot longer though!

J on May 11, 2016:

Would ivy work?

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on April 23, 2016:

Sounds like a great idea Rose :)

Rose on April 22, 2016:

I'm using Mammoth melting snow peas, because they reach 5 to 7 feet tall.

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 18, 2015:

Excellent Chris, hope it works out well. I am sure your kids will love it

chris on May 18, 2015:

That is awesome doing it soon

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 14, 2015:

Thank you Kristen

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on May 14, 2015:

Great ideas, Misty. That's so clever of you. Voted up for useful!

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 11, 2015:

Straight in the ground should be fine Rhiannon.

rhianon price on May 11, 2015:

Do you just put willow rods in ground or use a rooting aid ?

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 10, 2015:

Difficult to answer that one fully Anita as you are probably in a different part of the world to me so I can't judge what season you are in there and how far into it. Basically willow is keen to root into the ground anyway, but if you really want to maximise its chances make sure you provide plenty of water for the willow rods until they become established and show signs of producing foliage. If they did fail I suspect they would dry up and maybe last a season or two before they began to rot. Hopefully yours will root in well though. Let me know how it goes

Anita on May 10, 2015:

Hi

We have just finished making our first live willow teepee, Im a little worried as it was only cut yesterday so wondered if you could tell me what will happen if it doesn't root as we are later in the season? Will it just eventually rot and die? Or will it just dry out and be fine? Is there anything I could do to give it a better chance?

Thank you so much in advance xxx

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 05, 2015:

Thank you mecheshier, outdoor activities for kids are a great idea and so much healthier than them spending their time glued to their phones.

Definitely better Diana. I too was mad on dens etc when I was a kid.

Diana Abrahamson on May 04, 2015:

Much bettef than eyes glued to the t.v....also loved making tree houses when I was young!

mecheshier on May 04, 2015:

What a fabulous Hub! Great idea for outdoor activities! You are so right, children today do not have enough outdoor time!

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 04, 2015:

Glad you enjoyed this DebMartin

DebMartin on May 04, 2015:

This is adorable. As a child I was always seeking places to sit under vegetation, usually lilac bushes or the branches of fir trees. A lot of my friends (who nobody else could see or hear), like Mousy, lived in these plant worlds. A branch way up in a favorite oak tree was another favorite spot.

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 04, 2015:

Interesting question Kristy. I am not sure how easy this would be, and bearing in mind willows root out extensively I would think it would be easier to saw off the base of the willow saplings once the structure has grown enough to be strong and rigid and then lift it up and move it. Of course your structure would not be alive any more so once the leaves died off you would simply have a woven willow playhouse. Personally I think it would be easier to start again rather than move an existing one. Willow grows fast so it wouldn't take long.

Kristy on May 04, 2015:

Would it be possible to grow the willow trees to the desired size/shape then cut off their roots and move to another location to use the structure as a big trellis frame?

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on June 11, 2013:

Thanks DDE, the children certainly get a big thrill out of not only helping to 'grow' their own den/playhouse, but also playing in it afterwards. So exciting for them to see it spring into life as well.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 11, 2013:

Wow! Incredible idea and so safe such safe way to keep kids buys all day

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 21, 2013:

Thanks Sandra, a useful tip.

sandra on May 20, 2013:

I didn't read all the comments but noticed some had concern about willow spreading and being invasive. Look for cultivated willow - the kind that is grown for basket or furniture making. It is not expensive nor invasive. And after a year or two of proper maintenance you will have beautiful 6-10 foot rods perfect for building building creative structures!

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 08, 2013:

Well I haven't personally ljpfnprn, but maybe someone else will chip in and say if they have. I wouldn't be surprised if it would work though.

ljpfnprn on May 08, 2013:

Has anyone tried this with grape vines. I'm zone 8-9.

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on April 23, 2013:

Thanks Heather, hope you give it a try :)

Heather on April 23, 2013:

I really love this idea!!!! Great post!

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on April 23, 2013:

The willow branches can be purchased through a plant nursery or garden centre usually (or even ordered online). They don't need anything planting on them as they will spring back into leaf themselves and produce a root system. Effectively they will be the living den / playhouse. You would only use runner beans if you had created the basic frame from bamboo canes which are dead and therefore need something living to cover them and create the enclosed space. I hope this helps.

Bethany on April 23, 2013:

Where do you get these willow branches and what do you plant on them? just the runner beans?

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on February 26, 2013:

Willow will not be expensive. I would contact your local garden centre or look online in order to find a supplier.

Good Luck :)

gavinwsmommy on February 26, 2013:

Where do you get willow? Is it expensive?

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on February 18, 2013:

Thanks Seanorjohn, I am delighted you found this hub so enjoyable, and I am equally pleased that you at least tried to encourage your children to enjoy the countryside (even if they didn't 'take to it'). With regards to trimming the structure it will largely depend on where you live and the climate, rainfall etc. On average I would expect it to only need trimming once or twice a year though (basically when you start to see it growing out of shape).

seanorjohn on February 18, 2013:

Misty , you are so right about the need for children to explore the great outdoors and how exposure to dirt helps with the immune system. My children are grown up now and I managed to get them all involved in sport but somehow they never really took to the countryside. How often would you need to trim the willow structure? My new tactic will be to remind my children of the need to get their eventual children involved in these activities. Brilliant hub and voted up.

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on February 03, 2013:

Thanks Poutine, I hope you give it a try :)

boxxies on February 03, 2013:

Great info, thanks for putting it all together for us.

Poutine

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on December 27, 2012:

LOL, thanks for your comment KerryAnita, I feel much the same :)

KerryAnita from Satellite Beach, Florida on December 27, 2012:

This is amazing! My 6 year old self wants one!

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on October 02, 2012:

I think you have no worries DMarie, this would be too drafty to be a reliable shelter for most creatures, plus in the winter the foliage would tend to die off, so there would be an even more windy enclosure. Trust me, the animals know this better than we do!

DMarie on October 02, 2012:

This looks like a very cozy hangout. My main concern would be about cats or raccoons moving in, hanging out or seeking shelter from the cold.

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on September 08, 2012:

Hi Watergeek. Really pleased you liked this. The willow left unattended would grow considerably taller, although it would essentially be a cluster of trees as each willow rod is an individual cutting effectively. I would advice keeping the structure trimmed regularly to avoid this problem and maintain the shape of the den.

Susette Horspool from Pasadena CA on September 07, 2012:

This is really cool. I would love to have grown one of these playhouses as a kid . . . of course, the elm and pepper trees we did climb were pretty good too, especially the one that grew over the house. I used to take books up there - could get up by climbing the trunk in the patio or the English ivy that grew up the side of the house. Does the willow eventually grow up into a tree?

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on July 11, 2012:

Glad you enjoyed this Hearts Haven Farm. I hope you and your kids give it a go with whatever you feel inspired to try.

Hearts Haven Farm from Witter, Arkansas on July 11, 2012:

This is a great idea... my kids would love these and I could even see doing one covered in gourds growing or some sort of pick and eat edible for a hidden snack during playtime.

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on June 30, 2012:

You and your children will love this Kaye. It is such fun, plus if you use the beans and sugar snap peas you get the added joy of eating the produce (and the children are more interested in eating the veg too).

Kaye McCulloch from Australia on June 30, 2012:

What an awesome idea!! I am so going to be making one of these green bean teepees with my kids for the coming summer. I'm thinking a mix of runner beans, snap peas & sweet peas over it. Gorgeous!

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on June 03, 2012:

Thanks so much techygran, delighted you enjoyed this and are willing to try it out for yourself. Perhaps you could borrow a neighbours children to enjoy your new den :)

Cynthia Zirkwitz from Vancouver Island, Canada on June 03, 2012:

Mistyhorizon, this is an example of an excellent evergreen hub and I know that it will take off every year when our gardening dreams get acted upon... thank you so much for the great plans that you have included for a diversity of foliage and vegetables! I would love, love, love the sweet pea tepee but haven't had much luck with them in the past... however, I am going to give it a try! We may, however, have to import 'grandchildren' since ours live so very far away! I've 'pinned this'.

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 24, 2012:

Yes, the apple tree idea came up a few comments or so back. I agree it could work, but of course it would not be evergreen and as you say it would take a long time to produce the result you desired, (your children could have grown up by then depending on the size of the structure).

Slee on May 24, 2012:

Apple trees can be espalliered or trained into shapes, but it is a very labor intensive process and takes years. to create a den one would need to use many tall saplings which were woven together as they grow, and will not fill out the way willow would, for years. On the plus side, there'd be enough trees to feel reasonably certain of pollination. On the downside, it'd be somewhat costly. Huge plus side, over many years, you could, in theory, have a very permanent interwoven delightful group of apple trees.

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 24, 2012:

Hi Cedric, I am afraid I can't think of anything that would keep the greenery all year and would work in the same way. I am wracking my brains to come up with any suggestions, but am drawing a blank right now. If I think of anything suitable I will post back here later on.

Cedric on May 24, 2012:

Hi, I really love this idea. Is there any thing that would keep it's greenery all year? I am in zone 5 and was wondering if I could build the bamboo teepee shape and grow something that would maintain it's foliage through the winter.

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 22, 2012:

I agree Ophelia, they are a great idea for a school project at any school. The children could experiment with different shaped dens, or even build a miniature village of them :)

ophelia presence the happy medium on May 22, 2012:

hi there ive seen these before at farm school where my daughter attended ,i think that they are great x

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 18, 2012:

You are absolutely correct Amber. If the willow is kept pruned to the shape of the den, then there is no need for the plant to grow huge roots to support such a small structure. The only risk would be if the den was neglected and the tree merrily kept on growing unchecked. By pruning to keep them small you effectively treat them much like a 'Bonsai' but on larger scale, and for this reason the root run only needs to be as much as required for the artificially 'dwarfed' trees.

Amber on May 17, 2012:

Hi, I dont know to much about willow trees but everyone seems to be concerned about the willow roots causing damage. Wouldn't that only hold true if the rods grew into full size trees? If you kept them cut back and not let them go would their roots still grow that long?

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 14, 2012:

Hi wildflow, I never suggested sunflowers (they grow vertically and have no foliage to make a den. With regards to other flowers I worked on the assumption that most children these days have naturally been taught how to avoid being stung by bees (in the same way I was). Basically for those who haven't done this I should add it is essential your children know not to 'flap about their arms' or go into 'panic mode' if a bee is buzzing near them. Teach them to 'freeze' and not move. The bee will soon fly away (as they don't sting randomly unless they are seriously threatened). A teacher at my school growing up complimented me on doing exactly this in the playground back in the 1980's, and of course I wasn't stung. As someone who spends many hundreds of hours gardening every season I can say I have never yet had a bee sting in over 37 years of gardening (I am now 42). Teach your children to ignore bees and admire what they do and how they work and create honey. It is very unlikely they will get stung and they will find the whole learning experience fascinating.

Extra Point: Even runner beans (pole beans) are pollinated by insects, so bees are just as likely on these. If you are really worried about bees (which is not an issue in my honest opinion) stick to willow or possibly apple trees (the latter of which have less blossom, but will not really form a dense cover to the den like a willow will).

wildflow30 on May 14, 2012:

FYI!! The sunflower ones attract bees!! I have done this a few times and the best one was with pole beans. Stay away from flowers, pretty but not worth the screaming kids who will never go back to it!

Cindy Lawson (author) from Guernsey (Channel Islands) on May 12, 2012:

I am sure you could use Honeysuckle if you created a frame of trellis to grow it over. We used to have it growing in a large frame of trellis outside of back door, effectively making a porch, and it worked very well and smelled divine.

Anna on May 11, 2012:

Could you use honey suckle? I have great memories of my grandparents vines and would love to do this with my children, but am not much of a gardener.