Crosby Arboretum will hold a pine needle basket workshop on Feb. 24.

Judy Breland, Mississippi State University Extension Service Agent for Stone County, has years of experience in family and consumer science, crafts and crochet. She is also versed in the art of making baskets from pine straw and will instruct participants of the workshop.

Patricia R. Drackett, Director of the Crosby Arboretum and Assistant Extension Professor of Landscape Architecture for MSU, said the workshop will provide an in-depth experience into how to utilize pine needles.

Drackett said the workshop will delve into details of how to collect the straw and the best time of year to collect it.

“The South has a number of longleaf pines which are rare, and workshops such as these teach people the value of this plant,” Drackett said.

Drackett said the hardest part is to get started, and the workshop will be a perfect avenue for learning how to make large and intricate baskets.

“Breland will talk about how to visualize the basket, how to make the little curl of the needles that is used to make big broad lids and baskets,” Drackett said.

Drackett expects a number of people to register for the workshop because it not only allows them to make beautiful gifts but also learn about the culture and importance of pine needles in the South.  The workshop will be held during two time slots limited to 10 students each. The first class will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and the second will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participation in the workshop entails a material fee of $5 for members and $7 for non-members.