Natasha Morgan is a landscape architect by training. In 2014, she discovered an 1800’s property in the tiny hamlet of Spargo Creek, near Daylesford in Central Victoria. Lured by the property’s magic, she left behind a life and career in Melbourne to pursue a tree change with a purpose.
Natasha’s property, named ‘Oak and Monkey Puzzle’, comprises a grand old house where Natasha lives with her two young kids, surrounded by a rambling garden and various sheds and outhouses which have become an evolving hub for local artisans and craftspeople to run workshops and events. ‘It is a joyful work in progress’ says Natasha.
When Country Style magazine featured Natasha’s property in their June 2016 issue, Natasha was introduced to stylist Tamara Maynes, who worked on the shoot. The two instantly connected, and it wasn’t long before a creative collaboration began to take shape.
‘I was in awe of a Dutch master-esque table Tamara created for the Country Style shoot’ says Natasha. ‘At day’s end I asked if she would collaborate on a special Harvest Table experience and to my delight she said YES! Tam, being a creative wonder woman and ‘slow maker’, suggested we incorporate local artisan ceramics and the obvious choice was to ask local legend Bridget Bodenham to make a range of inky tableware to complement the workshop studio’s inky dark interior.’ And that’s how it happens in the country!
Set in the Natasha’s abundant garden, The Harvest Table workshop is a one day workshop which brings together Natasha’s foraging and floral aesthetic (plus delectable 2-course lunch!) with Tamara’s craft and styling expertise. One of our very own collaborators, photographer Caitlin Mills, will also be on hand to capture the styling wizardry on the day!
‘The workshop will be a magical day of celebrating the seasons blooms and botanicals, through the creation of an abundant Dutch Master inspired table setting, with the addition of specially commissioned ceramics by local potter Bridget Bodenham’ explains Natasha.
In addition to this event, Natasha offers different seasonal workshops celebrating local collaboration and artisanship throughout the year. Do keep your eye on her website for details!
‘My hope is that Oak and Monkey Puzzle is a special place to visit, to experience and learn, to share and cultivate skills, to continue meaningful collaborations – and ultimately engender a community’ says Natasha.
‘The Harvest Table’ workshop
with Natasha Morgan & Tamara Maynes
Saturday 8th April 2017
Oak and Monkey Puzzle
Spargo Creek
Victoria
