Removal of Invasives for Basketmaking
- Dates:
- DAY 1: Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Invasive Removal Session in Collaboration with the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers. Exact location around Morrison Creek and Puntledge river area will be confirmed with workshop participants closer to the event date.
- DAY 2: Wednesday, May 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Make a Harvesting Rib Basket with Invasive Plants at the Innisfree Farm and Botanical Garden, 3636 Trent Road, Royston BC V9N 9R4 (5 km south of Courtenay)
- Fee: $145 includes vegetarian lunch on Day 2 at the farm (optional vegan and/or gluten free available)
English ivy (Hedera helix) is an invasive plant that inhibits the growth and regeneration of native wildflowers, shrubs and trees. But did you know you can create beautiful and functional baskets using this plant and other invasives?
Join us for this two-day workshop where we will actively practice land stewardship for ecological restoration as we remove invasive plants and prepare the fibres for basketmaking. We will explore different weaving techniques and treatment of the fibres to create a functional harvesting ribbed basket that will remind us of the importance of our reciprocal presence in the land.
This is a two-session workshop that starts on Saturday, April 30 at the Morrison Creek/Puntledge river area to work along with the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers in the removal of invasives. We will discuss the ecological impact and cultural considerations around some of the main invasive plants in this area to then learn how to harvest (remove), process and prepare the fibres for basketmaking.
On the second day (Wednesday, May 11), participants will meet again, this time at the beautiful Innisfree farm to unpack the gifts, attributes and creative possibilities of mainly English ivy (and other invasive plants) and put them to good use. We will learn how to shape, assemble and weave a medium sized functional ribbed harvesting basket using all the plant fibre we gathered on the first session.
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.
About the Artist
Juliana Bedoya, Community Engaged Environmental Artist
Juliana Bedoya currently works in community-engaged environmental art practice respectfully using ancestral skills and traditional knowledge that navigates across cultures. Mainly working with garden trims and invasive plants, her work also aims to support local ecological restoration to foster native ecology. She supports individuals and community groups to establish their own cultural significance through skill sharing, including all stages of ethically harvesting and processing raw plant materials for art-making and environmental art practice.
Cancellation Policy:
No refunds if cancellation happens under 1 week before the workshop takes place. Before 1 week, full amount minus 3% transaction fee will be refunded.
