Given that the use of synthetic dyes in the creation of textiles requires significant amounts of water, chemicals and energy, using natural dyes from flowers and plants is beneficial for both the environment and human health. Natural dyes can offer a wide range of unique and surprising colors without the use of harmful chemicals and wasteful processes.

During the Spring of 2023, Community Arts partnered with the Horticulture program to establish a natural dye garden at the Boone County Nature Center Demonstration Gardens. This dedicated garden provided space to grow a variety of traditional dye plants: Japanese indigo, madder, weld and more.

In the months that followed, we hosted art programs that gave participants an opportunity to explore the garden, collect fresh blooms and leaves, and create wearable and functional works of art using various dyeing techniques, such as flower pounding, eco-printing, and solar dyeing.

With natural dyes, we lessen our environmental impact through reducing waste, we keep textiles out of the landfill by giving new color to old clothing, and we have a bit of experimental fun! As we continue to grow and expand our natural dye garden, we look forward to further exploration in safer and more sustainable art practices.