Hey all.

First of all, sorry for the terrible pun in the title, I couldn't help myself.

I am curious as to what kind of materials you use (have used) that can be found in your local park or forest without (much) adaptation. This interests me not only because I'm a cheap bastard, but mostly because I think there's something pure and spontaneous about using what you can find outdoors.

I'll kick off with something I have found most simple and enjoyable - branches of the weeping willow. It can be found in almost every park with a duckpond, requires no further preparation but taking some branches off, and leaves the most gorgeous red stripes. I do advise some caution when trying this first time round, because the thin branches are meaner than they appear.

So, does anyone have a favourite tree/plant/... which can be put to creative use? Please share.