Plant Walks and Forage Picnics

Welcome to my plant walk and forage picnic page. Summer walks have wrapped up and we're taking a break.

To be added to my quarterly-ish mailing list (and first dibs at new walks), for private walks or consultation enquiries, please email me: myviljoen (at) gmail (dot) com. 

My second book, Forage, Harvest, Feast - A Wild-Inspired Cuisine, is a substantial foraging and growing resource, with plant info for collection and for cultivation, and over 500 recipes for three dozen plants. It is intended as a guide for exploring the range of possibilities for delicious and very versatile botanical ingredients growing (or begging to be grown) near you. Buy it from the publisher, your local bookshop, or Amazon.

About my Walks

I lead plant walks and nature immersions in wild and tame green spaces. As much as these experiences are about sharing my passion for plants, and about identifying edible plants, they are an introduction to the rich natural world that surrounds us, even in the middle of a city. 

Every part of every season offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the plants that live with us in plain sight, especially in places where we do not expect to find them. Yes, we even walk in winter.

Groups are small, low-impact, and personal. It's not unusual for new friendships to grow over the course of the walk. Meet plants, make friends!

On our field trips we identify and talk about so-called weeds, or plants whose habit is invasive; introduced species; and native plants, some of which could - and should, but still don't - define an authentic regional cuisine. Awareness, sustainability and stewardship are the cornerstones of these interactions with nature. My own approach evolves, and I welcome the diverse perspectives that everyone brings to our roving discussions.

I hope to help tune your senses to the botanical and natural details at our feet, and above our heads. Nature is right here, and deserves to be seen.

Photo: Jenny Hamp.

Most walks end with a wild-inspired tasting picnic. It's exactly what it sounds like: Tastes of in-season, wild ingredients, as well as preserved small-batch forages from my feral pantry. Where possible, non-foraged ingredients are organic or locally-grown. Although I have been known to swoop on something interesting from the local bodega. I take broad dietary preferences (vegan, vegetarian, omnivore) into account where possible within a group. You can also book a diet-specific, private walk.

Ways to Walk and Talk

Scheduled Walks - seasonal group walks are posted here (scroll down).

Gift Walks - buy an open ticket to any scheduled walk; valid for one year.

Plant Identification - I identify plants on your land, public space, or in your garden.

Talks, Classes - for botanic gardens, design firms, conservancies, garden clubs, etc.

Consultation - native and edible garden creation, wild recipes, mixology and menus.

Private Walks - for institutions, corporate groups, schools, families, friends.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds are at my discretion: Walks with picnics take a lot of time to plan and prepare. If you cancel with up to four days' notice you are welcome to use your ticket (purchased or gifted) as credit towards a future walk. Cancellations within three of a walk do not receive a refund or credit.

Gift Walks

A Gift Walk ($90) offers admission to any of my seasonal walks with forage-picnics (classes I teach for outside institutions like the NYBG are not included). Give an experience that includes plant identification, nature immersion, wild-inspired treats, and the company of like-minded humans. Valid for one year. Gift Walks are non-refundable.

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