Getting Started with your Botanical Dyes Garden

Explore the rich history of botanical dyes and build a practical understanding of how to grow, identify, harvest, and use dye plants sustainably in England.
Join artist Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck for a day of immersion into the world of botanical dyes. This workshop invites you to discover how plants can be transformed into colour, while learning to start your own natural dye garden - whether you have access to a small urban plot, an allotment or a balcony.

Through demonstrations and guided discussion, Johanna will share essential horticultural vocabulary, seasonal knowledge of dye gardens, and the role of the gardener in nurturing both plants and a lasting, curious and playful practice.

Participants will observe the creation of two natural dye colours using a hot-dye process and gain the confidence to repeat these methods safely at home. The workshop also covers foundational fabric knowledge, the use of non-toxic mordants, and the creative possibilities of using plant-based kitchen waste and responsibly foraged plants. You will leave with practical tips on harvesting and storing dye materials, inspiration for natural fabric care, and recommendations for places to visit in London to further your interest in natural dye gardens.

This is an entry-level, adult-only workshop.
All materials are provided, along with a tea break.
Participants are invited to bring images of their potential growing site.

This workshop includes and participants will return home with:
• A short history of natural botanical dyes.
• Knowledge of key horticultural and dyeing terminology.
• A list of selected and tested dye plants that can be grown and harvested sustainably in small gardens in England (including balcony gardens).
• A seasonal understanding of a dye garden and the role of the gardener.
• Basic skills to identify, sow, and care for selected dye plants.
• Basic knowledge on how to sow seeds of a selection of dye plants and care for them.
• Demonstration of the creation of two colours using natural dyes (hot dyes).
• Knowledge of how to safely repeat the process and create natural dyes at home.
• Two natural dye samples.
• Two biodegradable pots with freshly planted seeds.
• Basic fabric knowledge.
• Knowledge of non-toxic mordants.
• Knowledge of plant-based cooking waste and how to use it as natural dyes.
• Basic knowledge of plants which can be safely and responsibly foraged in England as natural dyes.
• Tips on how to harvest and store your dye materials (be it petals, roots, leaves or stems).
• Tips for places to visit in London to pursue your interest in natural dye gardens.
• Inspiration for natural practices and fabric care.

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Host or Publisher Camden Art Centre