The Curious Case of the Colorful Garden: Growing Your Own Natural Dyes 2026

Class Time: Friday April 24, 2026 at 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Location: St. Louis Community College - Meramec Campus, 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Check in at Registration 15 minutes prior to class starting at PE Building for location.

Room: Communications, Room 227

CONTACT NOTE: Failure to provide your email address and/or opt out of marketing updates will result in no communication from the Festival about updates or from your  instructor. Our system does not permit us to reach you through other means. If you choose to decline and do not provide an email address, please ensure that all necessary details have been noted down.

Instructor: Gina Levesque w/ Across Generations

Natural dyes offer an environmentally friendly way to bring color into your world, and cultivating these dye plants in your own garden adds a remarkable layer of sustainability and self-sufficiency. In this workshop, we shall don our gardening gloves and our detective caps to investigate the full lifecycle of a successful dye garden.

Together, we will examine how to begin your plot using seeds, cuttings, and established plants, and uncover reliable sources for obtaining each. We’ll study the unique growth habits of various dye-yielding botanicals, determine when to harvest for peak color, and learn how to preserve materials for future dye sessions. Just as importantly, we will discuss the safest and most environmentally sound methods for disposing of spent dye baths and plant remnants, ensuring that your garden remains as honorable as Dr. Watson’s moral compass.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this class will equip you with the knowledge to cultivate a thriving dye garden and to unlock Nature’s palette right outside your door.

Skill Prerequisite: None.

Ages: Middle School, High School, Adult

Supplies: Included in Class Cost: 

• Handouts

Additional Supplies Needed: 

• Pen or pencil
• Notebook

Homework: None.

Class Policies

• The class minimum is 4 students. If we are unable to fill these spots, we will cancel the class and provide a full refund.
• By signing up for this class, you have admission to Friday Night Vendor Marketplace Preview.
• If a class is sold out, click here to be placed on the Wait List.
• No refunds will be issued after April 1, 2026.
  
• For any cancellations prior to April 1, 2026, a $25 administrative fee will be assessed.