farm experience:
the joy of natural dyes
The Joy of Natural Dyes: Playing with Colour on South Mountain
2.5 hours • $115 per adult (ages 15+) • Max 8 people
about the host
Jessica is an artist, farmer, and mother; an experimenter and collector of hobbies, and a dreamer for a brighter future.
Jessica has been creating since childhood. She has been manipulating fabric in various ways for over three decades and she is excited to share that enthusiasm with others. Growing up, her family always had a small garden plot and the joy of watching plants grow from seed to usable material stuck with her. In 2012 she, her wife and their young child realized a farming dream and established a small fruit and nut farm in Connecticut, USA.
Moving to Nova Scotia and starting a larger farm has given Jessica the space and drive to grow dye plants and other art materials, bringing those two passions together - growing things and making art.
the farm
Nerdy Girls Farm is a regenerative farm. We use organic methods in our planting and pest management systems. We believe restoration agriculture as the best path forward in our changing environment and we are working hard to restore the soil of this century-old farm through biodiversity and low-till soil disturbance.
Nerdy Girls Farm is on the unceded land of Mi’kmaki. The ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaq people. As new arrivals, we are still learning about the peace and friendship treaties and we recognize the responsibilities we have as treaty people.
the experience
Reconnect with your playful side and discover a world of colour and creativity at Nerdy Girls Farm. Learn the craft of natural dyes with Jessica and her decade of dye plant experience where you will delight in the creation of an original piece of art.
Explore the fields and gardens together with Jessica and an inclusive group of other crafters and artists, stepping into the unknown with joyful curiosity.
Hands-on Art Creation
Let your creativity flow while you learn a new skill and make something to take home
Rural Nature
Peaceful, natural setting with views of the Minas Basin and Cape Blomidon
Local Beverage + Snacks
Enjoy some treats from the land while sampling a few of the Nerdy Girls Farm teas and edibles
Working Herb Farm
See what’s growing on Nova Scotia’s South Mountain and get inspired for your own garden
Centuries Old Barn
Spend time in the original pole barn, a cozy space to work away from the elements if needed
seasonal variations
Spring (May and June)
While the plants are just getting started we will use last year’s plant materials to create steamed silk scarves.
Summer (July and August)
When the garden is abundant in color we will harvest fresh plants and flowers, using hammers to transfer the natural color onto hand-made cotton/linen napkins. Hearing protection is recommended for part of this experience.
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Fall (September and October)
As the garden sets seed and prepares to sleep for the winter we will explore the patterns created on cotton with indigo dye, thread and objects from around the farm.
what to bring
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A re-fillable water bottle or mug
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Sturdy shoes for walking around in the garden and fields
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Cothing appropriate for the weather and season (sun hat, parasol, windbreaker, raincoat, etc.)
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Participants in July and August may want to bring their own hearing protection
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An open mind and your creative spirit
price +
booking details
$115 per adult (ages 15+)
Accessibility to art and crafting events is extremely important to Jessica. Accessible pricing is available in limited quantities for each experience. $65 per person (18+). Please reach out if you need a payment plan.
Art and nature should be enjoyed at all ages! Look for family dates if you wish to bring younger kiddos along. Due to the nature of the materials, children MUST be 8+ years old and children MUST be accompanied by a paid adult ticket on select family days. $50 per child (8+) Look for dates with child tickets available.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Booking Cutoff: 24 hours before the event
policies
Cancellation Policy:
Full refund with 48 hrs notice. 50% refund up until the start of the experience. No-shows will not receive a refund or be eligible to rebook their experience.
Cancellation Cutoff:
Full refund with 48 hrs notice. 50% refund up until the start of the experience
Max people per experience:
8
accessibility + additional information
Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, food allergies) or physical accessibility accommodations.
Accessibility Notes:
The farm has uneven ground in some places that we will be walking.
The washroom is up several steps inside the house.
