- Date: Monday, July 26, 2021
- Time: 10 am – 1 p.m.
- Location: InnisFree Botanical Garden, 3636 Trent Road, Royston BC, V9N 9R4 (5 km south of Courtenay)
- Age: Adults and kids 10+ (with an accompanying adult as we will be handling knives and sharp tools)
Despite its name, Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) is native to Armenia and North Iran and has become a very invasive plant in the Pacific Northwest causing disturbance to the native ecosystem. In addition to its thorny vines that make it difficult to remove, many animals eat the berries spreading the seeds successfully. In this workshop we will learn when, where, what part of the plant to harvest and how to process the fibre to make cordage, braids and baskets.
*Participants are welcome to bring their own water bottle, snacks, gardening leather gloves, tools, such as secateurs, utility knife, and/or garden scissors, if desired. Closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and pants are recommended.
Innisfree Farm Directions:
Driving from Comox or Courtenay, drive south towards Union Bay. At the traffic light in Royston turn right on Royston Road towards Cumberland, pass the railway line, second street on the left. Innisfree is at the end of Trent road (1/2 Km away), the logo facing the street.
