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The Weaver’s Shop Dye Garden

Dyes derived from plants such as those growing in this display garden were used to create the warm and bright colours in woollen materials. Natural dyes from wild and cultivated plants provided a rich palette of earthy tones that were incorporated into blankets, socks, and even woollen undergarments that protected the wearer against the harsh Canadian winter.

In early Ontario, sheep were among the most important animals raised by the pioneers, as they provided not only food but also wool for making clothing and household items. Here are some dye plants and the colours that the plant material would yield in the dyeing process.

  • SunflowerHelianthus annus - Yellow
  • CalendulaCalendula officinalis - Yellow to Orange
  • St. John’s WortHypericum perforatum - Yellow
  • MadderRubia tinctorium - Red
  • BedstrawGalium verum - Red, Yellow and even Brown tones
  • TansyTanacetum vulgare - Green-Grey
  • WoadIsatis tinctoria - Blue
  • SorrelRumex acetosa - Green-Yellow
  • GoldenrodSolidago spp - Yellow, Brown
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