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Fabric and plants in a yellow dye bath

Plant-Based Fabric Dyeing

This is a members-only program. Not a member? Click here to join!

Many of the plants grown at the Arboretum have been used as natural dyes for centuries: goldenrod for yellow, stinging nettle for green, madder or bloodroot for pink. Join fiber artist Maggie Ruth Haaland for a workshop to learn about and practice some of these natural dyeing methods. After a short introduction, the class will embark on a walk to see and learn about the plants and the dyes they create; then participants will return to the Hunnewell Lecture Hall to try their own hands at dyeing, using dye baths prepared by the instructor. Participants do not need to bring their own fabric or other materials, and will go home with dyed fabric of their own. Participants may also get a chance to try their hand at eco-printing.

*Important: This is a small-capacity class, so please only sign up if you are sure you can attend, and use the cancellation button on your confirmation email if your plans change.

Accessibility: This program includes an outdoor walk over mulch and gravel paths, pavement, and off-path terrain.

Audience: This members-only program is geared towards adults.

Inclement weather policy: Participants will be notified via email at least one day in advance if a program needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather, and will be notified by phone if a program must be cancelled with less one day’s notice. Click here to view our full inclement weather policy. If you have questions about the status of a program, please email publicprograms@arnarb.harvard.edu (inbox monitored on weekdays) or call the Visitor Center desk between 10:00am and 4:00pm at (617) 384-5209.

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Date

Aug 17 2025

Time

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

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Formats

Workshop

Location

Hunnewell Lecture Hall
8V4H+WM Boston, Massachusetts
Subject Matter
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Hunnewell Lecture Hall

Directions

Learn about accessibility at the Arboretum.

Hunnewell Lecture Hall

By subway

Take the MBTA Orange Line to its southern end—Forest Hills. Exit through the door marked “Arnold Arboretum,” cross Washington Street, and walk up Arborway to the Arboretum’s Forest Hills Gate on your left. To reach the Arboretum’s Arborway Gate and the Hunnewell Building, continue along the sidewalk on the Arborway to the Arborway Gate (about 12 minutes), or go through the gate, bear right at the pond, and continue to the Hunnewell Building, which will be on your left. The Lecture Hall is located inside the Hunnewell Building.

By bus

Take the #39 bus to the South Street @ Bardwell Street stop in Jamaica Plain. Walk down South Street away from Bardwell Street, take a right on Custer Street, and walk down Custer Street until it ends. Turn right and walk about 300 feet down Arborway to the Arboretum’s Arborway Gate, which will be across the street. The Lecture Hall is located in the Hunnewell Building, just inside the gate on your right.

By car

There is public street parking on Arborway, including six designated accessible spots on either side of the gate. Parking on Arborway can sometimes fill up and you may need to walk a little ways from your parking spot to the gate. Please allow for extra time to account for this, especially during the spring and for large programs like lectures and performances.