Into the Weeds: How to Garden Like a Forager

Join us via Zoom on January 16 at 7:30 PM for our next Heritage Lecture!

Many gardeners, flower enthusiasts, and backyard farmers dread the age-old chore of getting rid of weeds. Tama Matsuoka Wong offers a refreshing perspective on these so-called undesirable plants: manage them and transform them into delicious food, teas, and even garden structures. In other words, reap their abundance.

A self-described “failed” gardener turned garden contrarian, Tama takes her cues from nature, observing which plants thrive wild and naturally in their environment. She also sells invasive weeds by the pound to markets and chefs. In this lecture, she’ll share the inspiration behind her latest book, Into the Weeds: How to Garden Like a Forager, exploring how weeds intersect with food, the environment, and health. She’ll also provide practical insights on using common weeds growing in your backyard.

About the Speaker
Tama Matsuoka Wong is a forager, wild farmer, and “meadow doctor” based in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. She is the author of the James Beard-nominated cookbook Foraged Flavor (2012) and Into the Weeds: How to Garden Like a Forager. Tama has spoken at prominent events, including the NDAL, Woody Plants Conference, and the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. She has also been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Gardenista, Garden & Gun, Modern Farmer, and Martha Stewart Living. Most recently, her work was highlighted in The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/09/t-magazine/edible-weeds.html.

About DRGP

The Delaware River Greenway Partnership (DRGP) periodically sponsors lectures about different aspects of the cultural, recreational, and natural heritage of the Delaware River. An environmental nonprofit, DRGP supports the Delaware River Scenic Byway, the Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic River, the Delaware River Water Trail, and the Delaware River Heritage Trail.

If you enjoyed our Heritage Lectures, please donate https://delawarerivergreenwaypartnership.org/index.php/donate

To view previous lectures, visit https://www.youtube.com/@delawarerivergp