Monthly Working Bees
We have regular working bees through the year to look after our willow beds. It’s a great chance to see the yearly cycle of willow growth and learn more about identifying the different species and varieties of willow. Weeding, mulching, and cutting grass are our main working bee activities. Bring along weeding tools, gloves and wear sturdy shoes or gumboots. Also bring a hot drink and a snack for afternoon tea.
We hold working bees on the second Sunday of the month. Working bees are 11am to 3pm.
Contact us to find out more about working bees.
Garden Calendar
Weaving Get-Togethers
Through the year we hold making days. We work on various projects, using a variety of materials. Past examples include tension trays, bending frames and handles, making string and brushes. These are co-learning spaces (no dedicated tutors), where the group will try ideas gleaned from the internet or books, and share tips for techniques (often learned while making mistakes!).
Cost: suggested donation $2 (members) and $15 (non-members), to help cover the cost of hiring the workspace /materials.
For more information and if you wish to join please contact us.
The dates for the next weaving get-togethers are:
- 30 Nov - Frame Basket making day led by Sue. The wonderful thing about frame baskets is you can use a variety of materials, Sue has made them with blackberry brambles, hop vines, honeysuckle and willow. Sue will be teaching a round frame basket. Please bring two round frames of 30 cm in diameter; the frames must fit perfectly inside each other. OR two frames , one of 23 cm in diameter, and one oval 33 cm long and wide enough to fit perfectly inside the other hoop. Spaces are limited to 8 weavers. Sorry - this making day is fully subscribed.
- 6 Dec - Tatza Making Day led by Belinda and Nicky These lovely willow Tatza can be made as a shaped basket or as a flatter tray and can easily be completed in one day. Tatza are woven with slightly stiffer willow than is generally used in a basket; either soaked for a shorter period of time or allowed to dry for several days before using. When you sign up for this making day, please let us know if you are using your own willow or if you will need soaked willow provided for you on the day. Please register your interest (by email) for the workshop by November 8. Spaces are limited to 8 weavers.
Annual Harvest
Beginning the 2023 harvest.
We harvest the willows annually, in the winter when the plants are dormant. Harvest usually happens late June / early July, after all the willows have dropped their leaves, and before the sap begins to move again.
Contact us to find out more about helping with harvest.
You can read about previous harvests in 2022, 2023 and 2024 on our News Page.
AGM
Our third AGM was be held on the 24th September at 5.30pm, in the Fred Hollows Room, Valley Project, North Rd, NEV.