Daily Archives: June 4, 2023


Saturday, June 10, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Botanical Dyeing Intensive

This Berkshire Botanical Garden craft-and-carry class on June 10 from 1 – 4 is designed to walk students through the process of natural dyeing. In this workshop, we will discuss preparing your fibers for natural dyeing, perform color extraction baths with food waste, local season plants or flowers, and a natural dye extract as well as pH shift lesson and color modifier discussion. We will use communal dye baths to create fabric swatches, cotton market tote and a silk scarf for students to take home with them. Watch as goldenrod flowers create a sunshine hue, blueberries create a brilliant purple and onion skins create a moody olive. Plus, everyone will receive Maggie’s Natural Dyeing E-Course ($50 value) so they can dye at home. Led by Maggie Pate. 

Maggie Pate is the designer and purveyor of Nåde. She began her career in fashion modeling internationally then retired to work for a label in New York City. Her work in textiles is a cross-section that explores the synthesis of textures, repetition and geometry. It forms a poetic visual language that ignites the potential of figurative rhythm — a visual synesthesia where shapes, colors and mood transform into a kaleidoscopic canvas. The last few years, her focus has shifted to cultivating a 100 percent sustainable and eco-friendly studio by capturing color with predominantly food waste collected from local restaurants and farms.

BBG members $150, nonmembers $165. Register at www.berkshirebotanical.org


Sunday, June 11, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Through the Garden Gate: A Tour of Dover’s Private Gardens

Peek into the world of eight private gardens in Dover, at “Through the Garden Gate” a special event in conjunction with the Dover Benefit Fund. At this limited access Tour, you’ll drive to eight locations to see residential gardens of all types, including the pollinator garden and sensory garden at Powisset Farm. Upon arriving at the Powisset stop on the Tour, you’ll sample an infused beverage, and enjoy cookies and lemonade in the Farm Store. The garden tour starts in Dover Center, where a special marketplace will feature food, face painting for children, live music and more.

The June 11 Tour begins at the marketplace, 32 Dedham Street in Dover Center, where ticketholders check-in. The event is rain or shine. Tickets are limited and may be purchased at this link in advance.