How cool is this? A lovely handwoven basket made from prunings from the garden. Just perfect for harvesting the vegies. The idea for the basket came from a recent episode of Gardening Australia (fact sheet and video here).  Making the basket is fairly easy, although a bit time consuming. The shape of this one is quite broad and perfect for harvesting vegies and fruit.  Finished dimensions for the base is 60cm x 35cm and 20cm deep

The main frame of the basket and the darker woven canes are from an Indigophera that I had to pull out. I’d planted it near the frog pond to give it some shade and somewhere for the birds to sit and preen after a dip. While it did it’s job, I only just realised that that the leaves were traditionally used to stun fish in waterholes. No wonder a lot of the pond-life struggled after it was planted! I’ve given the pond a good clean out.  Recent rain has refilled it and there are tadpoles again. So sad to have to rip the plant out, especially as it was putting out flower buds, but it had to be done. At least we have put it to good use.

The twine on the God’s eyes and handle were made from Dianella prunings. It is easy to work with and makes a soft twine. Although twining is very slow, it is quite meditative to sit in the afternoon sun and twist away.

The lighter coloured weaving on the base is from Lomandra prunings. This part took what seemed like ages as it is quite densely packed.