Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

Growing, gathering, and weaving with plant fibers from the Pacific Northwest

Smells Like Spring!

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Over a month ago, in the lush valley by our vegetable garden, skunk cabbage, or swamp lantern, (Lysichiton americanum) sprouts began pushing their way through the boggy, sandy, soils they so love. For me, this perennial plant is a harbinger of spring.  As it's giant, sun-bright yellow hood opens, a large spike is revealed covered with small … [Read more...]

Sword Fern

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Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum), is widespread throughout the Pacific Northwest. It is an evergreen understory plant that thrives at the base of conifers and is often found mingling with Vine maple, Hazelnut, and Big Leaf maple.  This is a really tough plant, that can survive in drought conditions once established, yet can handle the wet weather … [Read more...]

About Melinda

Forty years ago, while sitting on the beach playing with my young children, I made my first basket out of a pile of willow trimmings someone had tossed there. It looked wildly made like a crazy bird’s nest. While being together with my two sons on a beautiful Pacific Northwest shoreline, this simple experience of crafting with the natural materials at hand kindled a passion for creating forms using plant fibers. I thank my family, my community, and all my teachers for cultivating this gift in me.
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Melinda West and basket, Indianola WA