photo opp Saturday 18 August, 11am, Botanic Garden, Riverside Drive
Have you ever tried your hand at wood turning? Fancy meeting and dressing up as a tree surgeon? How about finding out how a besom is made? The Botanic Gardens at the University of Dundee is holding an exclusive Weekend of Wood on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 August for all the family to learn more and enjoy the wonders of wood.
Professional wood sculptor Susheila Jamieson, who was born and raised in Dundee - now living in Lanarkshire, will be working in the garden and inviting the public to try wood sculpting with her help.
A post graduate student from Edinburgh College of Art, Susheila completed her first degree in psychology from St Andrews University. Besides her several solo shows, Susheila was recently invited to France to create a sculpture as part of a project entitled 'Sentier d'Imaginaire'. Her lastest commissioned work was created for Knockan Crag Ullapool by Scottish Natural Heritage.
In Dundee this weekend, Susheila will be putting the finishing touches to a garden bench with a daisy chain base carved from a single ash log. The bench has been commissioned by the Friends of the Botanic Garden to stay in the garden after the weekend's festivities.
A local tree surgeon will give demonstrations with special tools and short talks on the diseases that trees can suffer from and the problems wayward trees cause. Kids can dress up in the surgeon's protective clothing and have a go at some open branch tree surgery.
Members of the John Muir Trust for wild land conservation and the Tayside Woodturning Club will be in the garden to talk about their organisations and answer questions.
Other craft such as bodging - an ancient method of wood turning will be demonstrated and visitors will be able to try basket weaving with willows.
Wood crafts will be on sale in the garden and the Botanic garden cafe will be serving refreshments all day. The garden is open from 10am -4pm Saturday and Sunday. Bargain family cost £5 for two adults and two children. Adults £2, concessions and children £1. Tickets available at the garden entrance.ENDS
Contact Alasdair Hood, Curator, Botanic Garden 01382 647190