Come learn about the history and future of naturally derived colors for food and fiber and the importance of color in our lives at the next meeting of the Austin Herb Society at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3 in the Zilker Botanical Garden Auditorium. Check-in for the program, entitled "The Wonderful World of Color," begins at 9:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

Presenters Molly Ogorzaly, AHS president; Sheila Larkin, Programs VP; and Barbara Kaul will teach enough kitchen chemistry to demonstrate how to dye eggs, corn husks, silk and cotton using natural products sourced from our gardens and grocery shelves. NOTE: Member donations of old panty hose, blown-out eggs and carrot tops are appreciated.

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Meeting “early birds” will be able to make and take their own colored spring eggs. Attendees who bring a pint-sized, leak-proof plastic or glass container are invited to take home dye.

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About our speakers

The trio of friends met almost 50 years ago in mycology class at the University of Texas. Their shared interest in botany and crafting led them to found the Petal Posse, a group always ready to get in the weeds exploring fun ways to play with plants.

Molly has been dyeing with plants for more than 50 years. She presented as part of the Bicentennial Celebration in Philadelphia while working at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania. Molly has also lectured on plant dyes at the University of Texas. Barb and Sheila combine their botanical backgrounds with a lifetime of fabric crafting.