PLANT A DYE GARDEN!

From pincushion flowers to dyer's chamomile to marigolds... keep reading to learn more about the many natural dyes that you can grow in your very own garden!

As we start seeds for this year’s garden and select seedlings from local nurseries, now is the time to consider another great reason to grow our own – dye color!

For centuries, botanicals have been a rich source of textile color but today the majority of our clothing and its color is synthetic, and we’re becoming increasingly aware of the effects of the microplastics they shed continuously. However, learning to dye with plant-based colors is a satisfying way to connect with the natural world, create beauty in our gardens, and besides – it’s fun!

READ MORE

FOOD SYSTEMS & COMMUNITY LEARNING

Educator and steering committee member Margot Schwarz teaching a student how to milk a dairy goat. (May 2024)

This week, our Steering Committee member Margot Schwarz wrote about her experience as our first intern this past Spring! Margot is passionate about community-building, regenerative food systems and empowering folks to learn from their neighbors.

Read about how she deepened her passion for food systems and place-based community learning in her work with Tarweed!

READ MORE

THE PRACTICAL ARTS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Educator and steering committee member Rose Holdorf teaching students how to complete the rim of their pack baskets. (July 2024)

Our guest writer this week is Rose Holdorf. Rose is a founding member of Tarweed Folk School and on our steering committee. An educator, woodworker, and basket weaver, Rose's love for the folk school and craft education comes from a joy of strengthening our connections between each other and the environment. Adapted from her speech in March at the 2024 Sustainability Coalition Town Hall, Rose shares how craft, practical arts, and folk school learning can embody a practice of sustainability.

READ MORE