Marigolds

Fall is approaching and I need to harvest the remaining marigold flowers that have brightened the garden.  Most have been planted in pots, however I did plant a large section of marigolds on a side garden-  during the dry days of August, these flowers flurished (with watering) and I have been collecting, drying and then freezing them (the flower heads) in bags to use this November in class.  The dye ranges in bright sunny yellow to deep crimson, depending on the flower color of course.  This dye works well on all natural fibers/fabric.  Basically the only ingredience needed is marigolds, water (distilled) and alum.  The frozen flowers I will just add to the dye pot like I would with the fresh flowers.  Check out my November blog and see the results we get in class!

This jar is full of water/alum/flowerheads and set in the sun for 3 days.  It's like making sun tea but instead a bright yellow dye.  I strained the liquid and then have stored the remaining clear dye in a dark cool place for use this Fall.  This is a great way to make dye in the summer months using a sustainable method.  Otherwise, without the use of the summer sun, I will need to heat and simmer the pot for about 1 hour to make the dye and then strain, at that time I can add my fabric for another hour to simmer and stir for consistant dyeing results

What is Ochre?

"Besides natural dyes, which are organic compounds, there is a whole range of earth pigments that add depth of color and texture to silk and cotton cloth.  These pigments are found in their crudest form in muds, ocheres and minerals from the soil."  The following was taken from page 22 of Michele Whipplinger's Natural Dye Instruction Booklet. (can be ordered from her website) http://www.earthues.com/


our pigments for applying color to fabric

 In my second class with Michele we worked with many techniques in applying colors to fabric- which is different than dyeing fabric (the color penetrates the fibers completely - pigments stay on the surface of the fibers)  Michele provided an array of tools and the possibilities are endless!

I loved the way the pigment and color stayed on the surface creating a matte, and almost ancient pottery effect.  The colors become vibrant and the interchange of colors on different dyed fabrics is facinating.

I am working on finishing a piece of fabric that I dyed indigo and then have painted the woven pattern squares a variety of colors, plus metalic powder that Michele showed me how to use.

Some of the plants in my garden are not necessarily  brilliant, bright colors, but more muted tones.  So I am planning to use some of my ochres/pigments from the set I bought from Michele to incorporate some bright patterns on my dyed fabric.  Check in after harvest and dyeing to see my finished pieces.  Meanwhile, back to gardening!

To Dye For!

Lake Canandaigua-one of the Finger Lakes

My classes at Canandaigua, NY were amazing!  The instructor was MicheleWipplinger, who is owner of Earthues and a well known lecturer, author and expert on natural dyes.  She has traveled world-wide and resides in Seattle, WA where she also holds classes.  If you get a chance to take one of her many classes- grab the opportunity!!!  Also, http://www.earthues.com/ is one of the best sources of natural dyes and accessories for those needs.  (I have purchased from many sources, and this is definately one to be trusted)  Best quality and great customer service for any questions.

Michele had brought many samples, equipment, examples, and supplies of which I bought dye, etc.  One of the best offerings is her complete set of natural dyes and additives to begin dyeing.  We used everything is this kit in class and after I added up my stash of wants it was more economical and complete to just buy the kit.

The first class was "Indigo and Woad"   which involved learning to dye with indigo and then woad, which are both from plants and both dyes use oxygen reduction- dyeing with a combination of science and art!

Michele had provided us with a large assortment of pre-mordant fabrics- silk with many weaving textures and patterns. No two dyed pieces were alike and we incorporate many resist techniques.  Shibori, tying, tube wrapping, clamping, tying with river rocks, over-dying- not enough time in a day to imagine and do the possibilities.

Michele had so many samples for us to examine and also her lectures and binders full of info will be invaluable for my experimentations with indigo and woad.

Even though my garden project is focused on native plants, I have been growing some indigofera tinctora plants, which this species is found in many parts of the world and flourishes quite well here.  My problem would be that is takes about an acre of indigo plants/leaves to produce a 12" X 12" X 4"  slab of dyestuff. (and is quite complicated at that)  I think Earthues will work quite nicely as my source!

The importance and procedures to mordant! That is most valuable for any natural dyeing sucess - we also learned tips for using dyes and protein fibers- check out Hide glue!

Thank you Michele for an incredible week!

Hot,Hot,Hot

taken June 25 after a few weeks from planting



taken July 12 from same position- just that the first bed has now over taken the view of the other beds

 Back to PA, after a trip out of town.  Thankfully my garden got watered. And everyday!  Now we have temperatures in the 90s and for the next 2 weeks.  That means a lot of intensive watering.  It is best to water in the evening so the temps are cooler (less evaporation) and the water is able to soak into the ground and into the roots.  And all night before the wicked heat starts up again.  I use the "soaker" attachment as it seems to deliver the most water without wasting water. 
Also, notice the grass or lawn on the right side of the pictures.  A nice lush green to scorched brown. I will be limiting my water to the garden beds, plants/flowers and sensitive trees. 
So for the next 2 weeks it looks like hot temps, lots of sun and no rain in sight...My rain barrel attempt is not happening.

Road Trip #3 Botanical Gardens


 



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map of gardens



Off to Brooklyn, NY to visit the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens- driving there was easy and great parking available.  Huge- wear your hiking shoes, because that's what the day involves.(lots of walking) I brought my camera, notebook and a water bottle.  The weather was great- brought a sun hat and it was needed!  The facilities are amazing.  I didnt know what to expect, even though I did do some planning online beforehand.  Wonderful, delicious! cafe- so I would recommend just eating there.  My plan was to concentrate on the native plant section- which was across from the entrance- a hike to get there, but then I did see the other sections enroute.  This year the native garden is 100 years old! I understand that the BBG had a specific journal that concentrated on dye plants, but over the years it was abandoned.  I am hoping to find a few of these journals floating around.

 



Stick sculpture- like pod moduals that you can walk into and through

There is a good reference library located in one of the many buildings.  Don't miss the Patrick Dougherty stick sculpture- created in Aug 2010 for the 100 year celebration of the gardens. He has made over 200 of these types all over the world.

Labeling

Aquiring all of my new plants and then trying to recognize and remember the botanical names has been somewhat of a challenge. So I decided to find some large label stands, write botanical names/common names, a little info about the plant and particularly the dye colors that each produce.  I am now up to 12 different types of plants- so this addition really helps in recognition and also to know the colors that I am producing.  So far the color pallete looks like yellow, green and tan- very mellow colors with very little intensity.  Originally I was planning to use only alum for mordant, but I think I will also try tin and iron to get more variety of color. 



metal sign holders- for 5X7 laminated cards

 I found a great source for some of my garden supplies, including these metal sign holders-Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies. Their website features a huge array of products and the shipping was immediate.

Road Trip #2 The Mannings

combing flax for spinning



preparing flax - beating off the outer layer

 Off to the 43rd annual spinning seminar event hosted by The Mannings (http://www.the-mannings.com/) located near East Berlin, PA. They offer an extensive list of classes on everything from week long weaving, to spinning to working with natural dyes, plus they have an enormous shop filled with yarn, warping yarns, books, looms, wheels and just about any tool or gaget that you might need for working with fibers/knitting/weaving/etc.  It's worth the trip for any supplies or just browsing for ideas.  This annual event draws quite a crowd and has numberous exhibitors- this year 2 people working with natural dyes- reds and indigo blues and many demonstrations on how to use or care for fiber tools.

shearing sheep- from Roclan farm- a Cormo breed

I did make several purchases- it's hard to walk away empty handed!!!!! Some warping cones for weaving, new fibers to experiment in class (next Fall semester- made from corn and seaweed/lyocel), more bobbins and a book- my library is growing!
A nice surprise is that it rained all night and part of the day- so my garden got quite a watering while I was away- it was good that I added the new mulch around the plants as it prevented "mud and flood" syndrom!

Some like it Hot!

Today we had record temperatures in PA. upper 90s and feels like...So did the plants-I have checked out my top soil and after watering every night, I seem to have large cracks in the beds.  This top soil which seems to be clay-like drys out quickly.  Another trip to the nursery with a dirt sample.  Louise at Edge of the Woods nursery, http://www.edgeofthewoods.com/ , said the soil looks fine- but needs some compost or a mulch on the top to help hold the moisture.  I also found a good compost source, it is obvious that I will need to investigate getting a composter to keep up with this soil.

I also learned that if rain does finally arrive, too much will pack this soil like clay- so adding the mulch and compost should improve the consistency and manage the moisture better.

Since the weather is so hot, with a slight breeze- it is a good day to wash wool/fleece and let it dry outside on racks.  I did wash the fleece from the CA Red sheep, Deisel. Here is the entire coat in the raw (unwashed)

Road Trip #1

My first road trip was off to Wrightstown, NJ- about a 2 hour drive.  I was off to visit Apple Rose Farm owned and operated by Elizabeth Ferraro and her son Leonard.  Driving to the area was quite easy- taking the PA turnpike to NJ turnpike, then down 206 & 68 to Monmouth Road.  Check out the website:

 

http://www.applerose.com/  A beautiful drive and a gorgeous day- Lots of farms from vegetable to horses to sheep!  The purpose of this first trip was to buy a California Red fleece (wool) 
(when the plants are ready for harvest I will need a natural fiber to dye soI have chosen this fiber as it takes dye well and is a very versitile wool fiber.  It doesnt have much lanolin, cleans well and easy to prepare.)

When I visited the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, I had seen "Deisel" a male California Red sheep on one of the exhibition sheep barns.  I left a note that when he was sheared- I sure would like to buy his fleece. So Elizabeth called me last week and I got my fleece and met Deisel!  She said they hand shear- that means very little second cuts (short fibers) His fleece is about 28-30 microns and 4-6" lengths. As you can see, Deisel has a coat on- that's not because he lost his coat!  She covers many of the sheep so the fleece stays clean with little vegetation.  The characteristic of the CA Red is the face and legs have a beautiful reddish color with a creamy fleece. Sometimes the red hairs are mixed in giving the fleece a heathery effect.
This breed was developed in CA - by an extension specialist at Univ. of CA, Davis in 1970s.  (I use a new book, The Fleece & Fiber sourcebook for lots of good info on fibers & breeds)
Elizabeth also raises Cormo sheep (another of my fav fibers) and Angora goats.  She sell fleece and dyes much of it herself- she is also a felter.  A most interesting woman, a doctorate degree from Columbia Univ in education, a long a unique career and then at 65 started her venture in fiber animals- settling on sheep, a 51 acre farm in NJ with lots of gardening too.  Thanks Elizabeth- my day was fantastic and so enjoyable meeting you and hearing about your journey and careers. An inspiration!!!!

Angora goats- 2 new babies

Cormo sheep(white) next to CA Red

Into the Beds!

After choosing my first plants and spacing them in the beds- happy to say they are planted, watered and all getting acquainted with the suburb!  I am waiting to see if any of our wildlife population finds these new plants tastey!  So I will be watching for rabbits, chipmunks, deer  or bear (yes- each got lost and wondered into the burbs) and any other plant eating "squatters"  I purchased plastic fence posts- easy to  insert into ground (Tractor Supply/2.00 each) and I will get what is called Deer fencing- light weight, netting that can be easily attached to posts.
Waiting for this.....may be it will not be necessary.

After watering the first night, I noticed that the native top soil I am using drys quite quickly- I may need to see what I might want to do for moisture.  I have a rain barrel that I have hooked up to a drainpipe- waiting for rain now- but have a hose running up to this garden for supplimental watering. 
  I still have quite a pile of dirt- so I purchased 3 more raised beds- 2 I will put at the end and I think I will try stacking one so that I have a 16" deep bed vs the 8" deep beds.  Each kit comes with clamps to do this.  Might as well use some!

Let's Grow Something!

The soil is in! Back over to Edge of the Woods nursery. This time I spent chatting with Sue (co-owner and Master Gardner) It is great to hear about their story of "re-inventing" oneself and going back to college-starting a new path, and a new business.  So all of you out there that keep thinking of new ideas and life journeys- try it and do it!  Sue is so excited about my new venture and sharing some collaboration of what I do and what she does-

Both Sue and Louise are so knowledgeable and if they dont have the answer, the computers are there to help with the investigation.  Louise had sent me a list of dye plants they had in stock.  She suggested a book, Dyes from American Native Plants. Timber Press.  (best publisher for plants- check out the website: http://www.timerpress.com/)  So here is my first selection:

My cart is full, so I will see what to add after I plant my first group.

It is hard to know how many that I really want to plant in each bed as I know they will grow quite a bit so that is a must to calculate in your purchase and placement.  For some dyes, the roots are used so that means destroying part of the plant.  So far I have chosen only plants that I can harvest leaves or flowers for dyestuffs.  I am also sticking with alum mordants as it is easy to find, less expensive, safe to use- versus other mordants. So here is my list:

Indian grass, Liatris squarrosa, Monarda fistulosa, Stiff goldenrod, Campsis radicans (trumpet vine), Blue eyed grass, yellow buckwheat and rhubarb.  All of these take full sun- and that's what I definately have!

The Big Dump

Surprise! Saturday morning the soil arrived.  I am using screened top soil from the area.  The soil is clay- like and a light brown color- very typical of this area.  As you can see I have about 8 cu yards of soil.  Somewhat more than I need to fill my 5 beds- I guess I will purchase 2 more raised garden beds and then use the remainder of the soil for a berm in the yard. Filling the beds did not take long so after spacing the beds so that there is enough space to pull a wagon between beds- I also spaced the beds with some degree of alignment.  I found a great wagon at Lowes- one that can withstand alot of weight, and the wagon can be raised to dump soil easily into beds.

Five beds filled and ready for plants!

Framing Up

I discovered some great recycled raised garden frames.  The size is 4' X 8' and a depth of 8".  They can be doubled for a higher bed.  It takes about 14 cu ft of soil to fill each.  Made from composite lumber, made in USA by Greenland Gardner.  Cost: about $40-50 for each frame.  Extremely easy and quick to put together! Even though I like the look and idea of real wood- this seems more practical, cost effective and a good way to use recycled material.

nothing but dirt

As you can see the dig and leveling has occurred, but no top soil yet. Waiting for the coordination of digging and dumping has taught me some patience.  Also the weather!  I did find a great nursery for native American plants and just a few miles away.  Check out http://www.edgeofthewoodsnursery.com/ !  What a find and especially so close.  The owners are extremely helpful and knowledgeable!  I made a quick visit there yesterday to find out what plants they may have on hand- lots!  No problem-and with many choices.

The Big Dig

Since this is a sodded area and all shale under the first layer- I cant imagine doing this without a backhoe!

I can finally start!

It is already June 1 today and I can officially start the first part of this endeavor.  The excavator finally came on Memorial Day.  The big dig.  See my photos.  I have been doing research on preparing the ground, patio area including pavers, soil beds and yes- plants.  My library is growing.  Just to focus on my excavation- I found a Paving company /Roy Danner-( like driveways), who on his "off day" was able to bring a backhoe and dump truck to do the job.  As you can see it is about 15' X 45'.  Somewhat level and so now the top soil is to be delivered next. 
I found recycled-wood planting bed frames that snap together.  As soon as the bedframes are in place- the top soil mixed with organic peat moss will fill each one.  I am starting with 6 double beds, but after I visit the plant/nursery today, I may have to add more!
It is 95F in sunny PA today (and yesterday) so will be hot up on my hill!

It's Earth Day 2011!

What an appropriate date to start my blog. (Earth Day)  This blog is about a summer long adventure and project that hopefully will "grow" into a prosperous suburban garden of indigenous dye plants, a colorful harvest of natural dye and an assortment of documentations that I can share. 
I have thought about all aspects of this project for quite some time- planning, where to do it, how to do it, what I hope to accomplish, the research, workshops and ...the cost.
So, I want to first thank Pratt Institute (where I teach) for awarding me a grant that will help immensely launch the endeavor. This grant is from the Faculty Development Fund for 2010-2011.  So a big- thank you!

  I made my first purchase today- a rain barrel- and what timing!  It's suppose to rain for 4 days. So tomorrow I start researching and digging! As you might have guessed- I live in the suburbs- (quite a different scene from the countryside where I grew up)  So my plan is to first attempt to construct a natural garden in a mondain, suburban setting- starting from scratch- no topsoil, no trees, etc- a pretty pathetic spot!  (In other words, my back yard!)

I am sure 50 years ago this was a rich, rolling country side with wild indigenous plants and a landscape that provided a beautiful natural setting- but now all the original soil is gone, as are the trees, and plants, all replaced with cement, houses, sod and ornamental stone. 

I wonder if all of the indigenous plants will find the suburbs a great place to thrive again-  to be continued.