Rediscovering the Art of Natural Dyeing: From Seed to Sustainable Style

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions. Welcome to The Cutflower Podcast! Hi, I’m Roz Chandler, your host, and I’m thrilled to take you on another journey into the world of flowers, creativity, and sustainability. In this episode, I sat down with the amazing Susan Dye and Ashley from Nature's Rainbow. Together, they’ve built a life around growing natural dye plants and educating others about this beautiful craft. Episode Summary I had the privilege of learning about Susan and Ashley’s story, from childhood inspirations to creating a dye garden in Hitchin. We talked about their journey into natural dyes, the technicalities of extracting colours, and the sheer joy of wearing or using something made entirely from scratch. We also explored how some dye plants can double as cut flowers and why reconnecting with these sustainable practices is so rewarding. Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss: Natural dyeing is a beautiful blend of art, science, and sustainability. Key plants like madder, woad, and weld are not only vibrant but also steeped in history. The preparation process is crucial for achieving bright, long-lasting colors. Workshops and mentoring bring the joy of natural dyeing to life for everyone. There’s something special about creating with plants you’ve grown yourself—it’s a soul-nourishing experience. Resources for You Explore Susan and Ashley’s incredible work at Nature’s Rainbow . Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (links on their website). Join our growing community: The Cut Flower Collective Facebook Group . Get Involved! If this episode inspired you, tag us with #TheCutflowerPodcast and #Nature’sRainbow. I’d love to hear your questions and comments! You can also pop into The Cut Flower Collective on Facebook to join the conversation. Let’s Stay Connected Are you thinking of starting your own dye garden? Susan and Ashley’s workshops and blog are a fantastic place to start. I know I’m inspired to dive in and try something new. Let me know if you’re joining this journey, too! https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection