Weave a Willow Potato Basket Workshop in the Walled Garden

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Step into the timeless charm of a bygone age for a magical day of traditional willow weaving with talented willow artist, Heather McDermott and Weave a willow Potato Basket in the Walled Garden to celebrate the much-anticipated harvest of our PGI-status Comber Earlies..EARLY.🌿🥔.

The workshop is on Saturday 28 June 2025, 10.00 – 16.30

Join us to learn the fundamental skills and weaving techniques required to create your own sturdy, potato basket or Sciathog (pronounced skeeogue). This handcrafted basket takes its name from the Irish word for shield (sciath) and was traditionally used to strain boiled potatoes and could be a charming addition to your kitchen with the season of Irish new potatoes 🥔 🥔 fast approaching..or perhaps could be used as a stylish bread basket 🥐 or fruit bowl 🍏🍊🍋 to impress your guests!

You will visit our Salley or Saille Garden, weather permitting, where we grow our willow to learn about the sustainable and renewable qualities of willow. Please come suitably dressed. 🌿

Although previous experience is not required for this workshop, some manual dexterity is.

Bring a friend or loved one and share this creative experience together.💚

Tickets £85 and include

Personalized guidance and assistance from Heather McDermott
All tools and materials provided
Homemade morning & afternoon tea, including fresh homemade scones and cake
Delicious seasonal homemade lunch
Your own handmade Sciathog to take home and use!!🥔

BOOK NOW

👉 As restoration works are underway, the main entrance to Old Mill House may not be wheelchair accessible.

Access the Craigdarragh Road via the A2 Belfast/Bangor carriageway and follow the signs for Helen’s Bay.

Drive down the Craigdarragh Road for 0.8 miles. You will see the Walled Garden on your left.

Finding us

Take the next left hand turn down a laneway passing houses to your left

Turn left at the right angled bend and drive into the car park outside the Walled Garden.

For more information about our other events and workshops CLICK HERE