The Dye Garden is an almost secluded garden along the southwest corner of the larger Herb Garden. This garden exhibits an almost wild and unkempt look as it contains plants that grow in a variety of shapes and sizes. This cultivated wildness produces the leaves, berries, roots, stems and sometimes flowers that are the source for obtaining natural dyes. Many of these dye plants give up their color reluctantly and therefore must be mixed with a mordant, usually an inorganic oxide.
The Dye Garden contains a large collection of native plants. Many dye plants have a history of medicinal use and are also found in the Medicinal Garden in the Herb Garden.
Please click below to enjoy images of the plants in the Dye Garden.