Wild Botanical Colours of Vermont

Here’s the start of my year long journey for finding colour in nature in Vermont.

Inspired by a natural dyer I follow on social media who creates seasonal color wheels, I decided to search for color in the woods and fields in Vermont.

Searching for botanical colors in nature can be a little overwhelming. Anything can create color.

Here’s a lovely and surprising color the came from lilacs.

Hammered, dye bath & dye bath plus iron.

Hiking with my dog, I usually wear a fanny pack. That way I can hold natures treasures back home with me.

Sometimes, I just choose something at random and decide then and there to harvest. Taking only 10% of whats there as to not disturb nature too much. It grows there for a reason!

Other times, I see something, make a note and take a look at my botanical book and come back to it.

Heres a little sample of the color you can get from lichen. So earthy & lovely.

Vermont state flower- Red Clover

Driving by this field of lupins, I’m not sure if they are wild or if they were planted there years ago. But I wanted to test them regardless.

Common Nettle, not so common color!

I have dyed with this plant before using a different fabric and mordant and it had a much different reaction.

This dye bath before the iron created a wonderful chartreuse!

Creeping Butter Cup.