Fresh Leaf Indigo Study 2023

I’m happy to be starting my third season growing Japanese Indigo (persicaria tinctoria) in my backyard garden.  This year is extra special because I am participating in a multinational fresh leaf indigo study coordinated by our mentor Britt Boles @seaspellfiber.  

The study will last for 12 weeks. We are using a Tatak-izomé (leaf pounding) technique to document weekly leaf progress. We will be gathering information such as seed lineage, soil information, growing conditions, as well as our sensory experiences.  

In Timmins, a small Northern Ontario town, traditional lore suggests that seedlings planted after June 13th should be safe from frost; so I’m joining the study a little later than some, but am excited to see what this growing season will bring. 

I started my fresh leaf study on the summer solstice, June 21st and the last picture was taken by the light of the Summer Solstice sunset. Sun and moon side of the leaf is represented on a scoured linen cloth. I'm excited to invite you all to follow along as I add layers to my Summer Solstice Mandala each week.

Special thanks to my friend Joanna @joannafayemillson for starting and tending to the indigo seedlings and to @sproutboxgarden for their raised garden bed. 

 pour avoir démarré et entretenu les semis d'indigo et à @sproutboxgarden pour leur jardin surélevé.