Our second workshop, on 3 August 2014, took place at the Botanical Gardens of Abetone. It was attended by 17 AGreenment members and one external participant. Also, five visitors to the forest who were interested in following the workshop proceedings remained with the group for the duration of the workshop. A forest guide who was a botany student accompanied us through the various micro climates of the forest. Our 2 herbalists and our expert in medicine supported the guide, illustrating medical principles of the plants as well as traditional knowledge and their uses.
The species under study were thus discussed for their cosmetic, medicinal and gastronomical uses and their folklore associations too were often referred to. The plants shown and examined included the saxifrage, primrose and blueberry. We were also taken along the ‘mushroom path’ and explained the various identifying features of edible mushrooms as well as the importance of a very thorough knowledge of mushroom properties and the associated dangers of harvesting. Following inputs about mushrooms and new discoveries we have decided to organize a new workshops on mushrooms and alchemia. Trees discussed for their magical associations included the spruce, willow, beech and birch, and superstitions and legends surrounding these were recounted. The micro climate referring to the peaty ground and their spontaneous herbs were studied closely, being also among the subjects of our upcoming Estonian meeting.
The group showed genuine interest throughout and the level of participation at this hands-on event was high.
After the workshop, which lasted around 3 hours, we shared a lunch amid the exquisite surrounds of the Abetone forest.
