Preparing the soil in spring, sowing seeds, watering and protecting plants from pests are the tasks that shape my year. The weather too plays a vital role - each plant has its own growth cycle that is influenced by factors like temperature, rainfall and frost. Some plants, like Marigolds, thrive in warm weather, while others, such as Coreopsis tolerate cooler conditions.

Harvesting comes in late summer and fall when plants are in full bloom, and leaves, stems and roots have grown large. In late fall it is time to further collect seeds and prepare the garden for winter. At the end of each year, I have harvested thousands of plants, and my seed collection is refilled, stored and ready to use next spring.

This way of following the cycle of the season grounds me in the presence and lets me experience the small changes that happen in my garden and within myself throughout each week, month or year. It is also a reminder of the unpredictability of our surroundings. Working in the garden gives a space to adapt and respond to these changes, making the act of using my harvest to dye my fabrics inherently tied to nature’s own pace.