Split Hazel Basketry: Weaving Tradition with Flo Hamer

Having once been practised by basket makers from the woodlands of Wales to Romania, now the techniques of split hazel basketry are known to only a handful of basket makers in the UK. Once an emblematic craft, today it is at risk of being lost, a trend this serene garden haven aims to reverse.

The garden is designed for traditional craftswoman Flo Hamer, one of the few basket weavers who practise this endangered craft and one of only three people who teach it.

Visitors encounter swathes of planting that enhance the natural elegance of split hazel, alongside tools and materials that illustrate the different stages of the basket-making process. A cleft oak bench, designed for comfort while crafting, and a hazel hurdle fence reflect the layout's simplicity and heritage value.

The utilitarian beauty of this traditional artistry is paired with modern, eco-conscious materials, including gravel mulch made from crushed brick and roof tiles reclaimed from the historic Bristol site of St Mary Le Port. In this way, the garden fosters meaningful conversations about sustainability in gardening, creating an enriching experience for all who visit.