Secret Natural Dye gardens in London

For centuries, plants like woad, madder, and indigo have given us natural dyes. Many people are trying to re-invigorate this art form, not least because natural dyes use fewer natural resources like water, and are more sustainable. It is not however common knowledge where the dye gardens are in London, so I have collated the ones I know about .

1.        Brockwell Park, Lambeth

 A small dye garden in the Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses garden. Occasional natural dye workshops are held, though none are planned in 2025 at present.

2.        Hornimans museum gardens, Forest Hill, London,SE23

There is a small dye garden in the sunken garden area with good plant labelling. . No use is being made of this resource currently.

3.        Morley College, SE1, Lambeth

A recently introduced dye garden, in conjunction with Permablitz. The dye plants are in raised beds to deter foxes. Access is limited to Morley Students. There is an excellent seasonal natural dye course running annually at Morley College. These can also be taken as standalone courses of five weeks.

4.        Garden Museum, SE1, Lambeth

There is a dye garden at the Garden Museum in the Healing Garden. There are no forthcoming sessions on natural dyeing.

5.        Chelsea Physic Garden, London SW3 

There are dye plants which are part of the Garden of Useful Plants at this garden. There are no forthcoming sessions on natural dyeing.

All dye gardens are in magical spaces, so visit if you can.