What could be better than eating delicious locally-grown food from Persephone Farm, or a CSA in your area? Well, how about picking up your CSA share each week in a beautiful West Gardens Harvest Basket, crafted by local artists Melinda West and Laura Llewellyn! West Gardens Basketry, located in Indianola Washington, has been in the business of creating baskets from the Northwest Landscape for over 25 years. The roots of this plant-fiber-weaving craft are ancient and universal, nurtured by an ongoing appreciation for the plants that grow in local landscapes and gardens.
West Gardens Harvest Baskets are made for use in the garden and for carrying produce, but their functions are limitless, from home decor, to storage, to gift-giving. Each basket shape is unique because of the character of the sustainably-gathered apple, plum, hazelnut or willow branches that are used for the handles and the ribbed construction. Bonsai wire lashes handle to rim making these baskets famous for their strength and durability. West Gardens Harvest Baskets come in two models with price ranges that reflect the size and materials used in each.
The Heirloom Harvest Basket is made entirely of local hand-gathered, prepared materials, which include Western red cedar inner bark gathered in a respectful manner from trees that were destined to be cut down. Vines, like akebia, periwinkle, ivy; willow twigs; split cedar root or limb; cattail, bulrush, iris or sweetgrass; may also be used as the weavers. West Gardens Heirloom Harvest Baskets range in price from $160 to $380.
The Basic Harvest Basket is made of locally gathered branches, Bonzai wire and purchased rattan has been hand-dyed, painted, or stained, with food-safe finishes. West Gardens Basic Harvest Baskets range in price from $80 to $240.
Each year we create a few dozen baskets before the branches loose their ‘bendy’ ability. But by that time, like you, we are ready to be outside in the garden again. We are grateful there are people who understand, embrace, and support the growing and eating of poison-free local foods, and the craftsmanship of local artisans.
