Gardening Archives - Waterford Craft School

Herbal Remedies & Cold Process Soap Making

Maureen Anderson, teacher, goatherd, beekeeper, shepherdess, soap maker, mother of eight and grandmother of 10, has had a lifelong interest in farming, homesteading and herbal medicine.

She began this journey of learning when she was a child, taught many of these skills by a grandmother who instilled a love of herbs, family life, and wildcrafting. At her historic Home Farm, Maureen hosts workshops and classes on sustainable living, herbal medicine making, wild food foraging, and cheese making.

In March of 2020 she created the Toano Open Air Market in response to the community’s need for a safe and reliable place to shop, and for the local farmers’ and artisans’ need for an income during the pandemic closings. Maureen is the creator of The MotherVine radio program and owner of Tasha’s Own Goat’s Milk Soap and The Home Farm.

Willow Woven Garden Structures

Jes Clark (they/them) is owner and operator of Willow Vale Farm in Stanfordville, NY. Jes weaves traditional and contemporary functional pieces and the basket forms created are a result of their conversation with each stick of willow. All of their willow is grown without pesticides using regenerative practices and with loving care.

Jes has been teaching weaving just since 2018 but has taught hundreds of students ranging from absolute beginners to experienced weavers looking to refine their craft. They have taught at the Stowe Basketry Festival, for the Northeast Basketmakers Guild, at the New York Botanical Garden just to name a few, and also privately in one-on-one tutorials. To see Jes’s wares, check out their Instagram page!