by Frida and Kristina
Both of us have been collecting flowers from the dye plot to dye wool using traditional natural dyeing techniques.
The orange marigold plants, Calendula officinalis, were only planted as tiny seedlings last autumn.
Whilst dyers camomile, Anthemis tinctoria, which is yellow, was already in the dye garden when we took over managing the plot. We were able to bulk it up as so many seedlings had spread themselves about.
The camomile, a pretty perennial with divided leaves, grows all over Europe and eastwards to India, was not used in Britain for dyeing because other plants like tansy, gorse and weld were preferred.
However it was widely used historically in Turkey for carpet production. The colour may fade a little in strong sunlight.
Traditionally the French marigold, Tagetes patula, which originates from Mexico was used to create yellow, orange and green colours in South America. Since the European marigold, a common herb and medicine, was available in the garden, we used the flowers and a Mexican recipe with Cochineal beetles, to create a deep orange dyebath.
We are keen to share the products of the dye plot with others interested in experimenting with natural dyes. Please contact us through this email if you would like to come along: grantongarden@gmail.com
