SouthGate shopping centre in Bath is offering residents the chance to try something a little different this summer with free willow workshops, taking place on 14th and 15th August.
Hosted by local environmental artist Julie Starks, the sessions will teach participants how to bend, twist and wrap willow to make creative insect sculptures.
These can then be taken home and displayed in the garden.
The workshops are part of SouthGate’s Secret Garden summer takeover, which includes the famous floral archways, market cart planters, apple trees, lazy lawns, a bug hotel and mini meadow installations.
Jennifer Bull, Marketing Manager at SouthGate, said:?“Our Secret Garden has been a fantastic attraction this Summer, people of all ages have been enjoying the relaxing atmosphere here in the heart of the city.
“This is a great opportunity for local shoppers to come along and try their hand at something a little different.
“Julie is brilliant and I’m looking forward to seeing all of the weird and wonderful willow bugs that head home from SouthGate following the workshops.”
The sessions will be held at the Secret Garden area, outside Debenhams. There will be four one hour workshops each day, starting at 11am.
No sign up is required for either of the events, participants can take part on a first-come, first-served basis.
Following the workshops, SouthGate is also hosting an event with Stone Barn landscapes, local design horticulturists, on 21st and 22nd August from 11am – 3pm, to help Bath residents and visitors grow new herbs and plants in their gardens.
All they need to do is to bring an empty flower pot to the Secret Garden area and the SouthGate gardening team will plant fresh herbs and bee-friendly flowers free of charge.