Calling all gardening enthusiasts! A series of garden workshops will be taking place at Antrim Castle Gardens over the summer months which might just whet your appetite.
‘Wild About Food’, on Tuesday 24 July and Tuesday 11 September from 10 am – 12.30 pm, offers the opportunity to walk, talk and taste your way through the gardens, while exploring the natural world through creativity, fun and good food. From cutting-edge chefs looking for inspired culinary twists, to survival professionals, everyone is re-discovering the joy of wild food.
Expert Dermot Hughes from Forage Ireland will be leading the tour. He says, “Food and socialising are two of the most fundamental aspects of our lives. This course embraces the two elements and will allow people to get in touch with the sights, sounds, smells and feel of the environment we live in.”
On Thursday 9 August from 10am – 12.30 pm, Marian Partridge, a medical herbalist based in Downpatrick with over thirteen years experience in herbs, healing and alternative therapy, will be embarking on a ‘Folklore and Plant Remedies’ guided walking tour. Participants will find out which herbs can be eaten and how to derive the maximum benefits from them.
Gary Shaw, Cultural Services Manager with Antrim Borough Council says, “Herbal medicine has its roots at the very beginning of human history and enthusiasm for this ancient form of medicine has never been greater than today. The indigenous healing herbs of these northern climes are part of a tiny remarkable botanical ethnomedica – one that is steeped in oral tradition.”
Places are still available on both courses. For further information or to book your place please contact Clotworthy House at Antrim Castle Gardens T. 028 9448 1338 or culture@antrim.gov.uk . Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn.
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