Learn how to install bamboo in the urban environment with a particular emphasis on esthetics, harvest, maintenance and utilization in fencing, trellising and basketry. Click here to see the flyer.

Saturday, April 28th - with Simon Henderson: Mr. Henderson will focus on urban gardening with bamboo. He will first introduce bamboo as a plant of world significance, including its botanical characteristics and uses by many cultures. Major topics will include installation, maintenance and harvesting of shoots and poles. Bamboo shoots will be served with lunch and its culinary uses will be discussed. After lunch, we will design and construct a bamboo trellis and fence. Click here to see a photo gallery of Simon with bamboo.

Simon Henderson, of Bamboo Nation, is a Permaculture designer and educator who has written extensively on bamboo in the agricultural landscape. He has more than twenty years of experience in documenting traditional agriculture systems throughout the world. In 1995 he established a bamboo agroforestry research farm and is currently conducting varietal trials on more than 30 species of bamboo. Simon has consulted for bamboo projects throughout Asia, Central America and the US.

Sunday April 29th - with Nhia Heu: Mr. Heu will introduce the materials, techniques and cultural traditions of his Hmong heritage. By utilizing bamboo to create the useful and beautiful baskets of his homeland, Mr. Heu will demonstrate the versatility of this amazing plant. Class participants will have a hands-on opportunity to work with bamboo for basketry making although there may not be enough time to complete baskets during the class time. There will also be auxiliary craft projects in process for participants who would like to learn to use bamboo for fencing, trellises and arbors. Mr. Heu will also bring finished baskets for sale.

Nhia Yia Heu is a Traditional Hmong Basket Maker, designated as a “Living Treasure” by the state of Washington. Mr. Heu moved to Seattle from his homeland of Laos in 1980. Mr. Heu has maintained his traditional basket making skills in America and has given many demonstrations. Click here for pictures of his baskets.

Recommended reading: "Bamboo World : The Growing and Use of Clumping Bamboos" Victor Cusack, Deirdre Stewart (Photographer); This book explains the types of bamboo used for various purposes and gives step-by-step instructions for building furniture, musical instruments and visual barriers of all kinds.

Simon is available for consultations in western Washington for both urban and rural bamboo installations. His special interest is in bamboo farming as well as the aesthetics and practical uses of bamboo in the urban landscape.

We will also have a variety of bamboos on site for purchase as well as the baskets of Nhia Heu. If you're interested in either the workshop or consultation, send e-mail.

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