My friend Liz has been back in the States for several months, but it took her imminent departure for us to finally get together. Our friendship is such that we can simply pick up where we left off, regardless of time passed. Liz is also a gardener I admire and look up to.
Liz has the unique distinction of gardening through one spring and two summers. She spends part of her year in California, the rest in beautiful New Zealand. She taught me and some friends how to felt on one of her trips home. I hope to learn how to eco-dye from her one day, too.
On her visit today, she came bearing gifts…and lunch! So much for my hosting skills. We enjoyed delicious, home-made, vegetarian burritos while sitting on the patio talking shop.
You probably need to be a gardener to fully appreciate the first gift: a bag of worms and worm castings. I feel like a real gardener. I have a worm bin, a kitchen scrap container, and soon my tumbling composter will arrive at my door. I’ll be brewing garden goodness all winter long.
Worm Bin
In addition to worms, I am also the lucky recipient of several eco-dyed pieces, one-of-a kind art made with natural dyes, leaves and flowers. The small pouch is made from reclaimed materials, printed with leaves, dyed, then hand-stitched.
Eco-dyed Pouch
The three pieces pictured below use a similar technique, but with paper. I love the artistry.
Eco-dyed Art Print
Eco-dyed Paper
My dear friend is not a fan of pictures, but she did let me take a closeup of her t-shirt. She bought the shirt at a thrift store, wrapped it around rose leaves, and dipped it in a natural dye. It’s exquisite.
Eco-dyed T-shirt
You can learn more about eco-dying from India Flint.
Gardening Nirvana 
Cool friend. She sounds like she has evolved herself into a wise and beautiful being.
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You would love her, Bob.
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I would somebody to give me a bag of worms! What a thoughtful gift… and you’re quite right when you say that only a fellow gardener would understand this. I got SO excited last year when my top soil arrived and then I went around the garden digging for worms to put in the new beds!
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Yes! I knew you would understand. Ah…new topsoil. It does a garden good! Thanks PJ.
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Beautiful friendship Alys, that’s so touching. I can see you both in your garden talking shop and getting all excited about worms while the kitty’s patter around. Her earthy artwork sounds immensely personal, how awesome that she’s created something for you. I have a friend like Liz, we’ve been friends since grade one (saddly it was her dad Dale that just passed away this summer). Just like your dear Liz, we can always pick up right back again even though she lives far away. I’m travelling to see her next weekend. So excited!
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I’m a lucky woman to have the friends that I have. I’m so glad you’ll be spending a weekend with a childhood friend. She must really miss her dad and will no doubt enjoy the chance to reminisce with you about Dale and other memories you share. Where does your friend live?
Be sure to get a photo of the two of you. Would love to see your smiling faces together.
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Deb & her Hubby live on Arrow Lake, near Castlegar BC, about 10 hours drive. They own and operate a marina. Here’s her website http://www.scottiesmarina.com/
Their views are to die for and Deb’s flower beds are amazing. We’re going to do a bunch of golfing. They have a new puppy since last we visited, so OMG I’m going to be all over that. Her dad Dale would have been 75 on Sept 15th, so I’m glad I can be with her for that. I’m sure there will be a photo op and I’ll be sure to drop it on FB.
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Gosh, 75 seems so young these days. I’m glad you and Deb will be together on his birthday.
It sounds like a fab trip. Friends, flowers, puppies and a lake. What’s not to like?
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Love This Life 🙂
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Go to this site http://www.inleaf.blogspot.co.uk if you are looking to do natural dyeing – I think it is amazing.
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Thank you so much for sharing this site! I’ll go take a look.
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Wow! Her pieces are gorgeous. Thanks so much for the connection. I just subscribed to her blog.
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You’re welcome – I must put the link in my Blogroll – I have a few more to add – just keep forgetting to update. I will try and section off the Art / craft ones I have other gorgeous sites I know of so check back next week I might have got them added on. Viv
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I will! It takes time to go back and add those details, I know, with all the other things going on. Can’t wait.
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