It's possible to achieve two colours from the bramble bush or as its known scientifically Rubus fruticosus. One being a purple tone from the berry and the other a muted yellow tone, which I extracted myself from the leaves and stems.

I forage for this plant in the autumn when it's at it's peak and a perfect source of colour when most of the summer plants have died off. It's a hardy plant, tolerant to most soils and accessible but can become intrusive if not managed, so foraging this plant for its colour source in moderation is a positive environmentally.

Brazilwood or Paubrasilia echinata trees are from the tropical Atlantic forests of Brazil. The dye extract that I use comes from the bark and trunk of the tree, producing a bright orange red colour in watercolour form.

Chlorophyllin comes from natural chlorophyll which is what makes plants green. It can come from a number of plants but most commonly alfalfa, mulberry leaves and nettles are used. Chlorophyll is also an anti oxidant and can be taken to boost health.

Fustic also known as a Maclura tincoria plant is found in the forests of Brazil and Caribbean. This tree which comes from the mulberry family produces a lovely golden yellow tone which is sourced from the trunk.

This bright yellow flowering plant found in North America is also known as Solidago. It blooms in the late season providing a great supply for the bees and creates a yellow/green shade in watercolour form.

Indigofera tinctoria is grown globally in warm climates, so is difficult to grow in the UK due to the frost. Indigo is most commonly known for dyeing denim however, it's been replaced in the industry with synthetic dyes, meaning the natural indigo from the leaves of the plant is now only used in artisan, independent, local, slow production.

Madder extract comes from roots of Rubia tinctorum and is a natural dye that has been used for centauries. Madder root grows well in the UK however native to south Europe and central Asia . It creates a rich reddish brown colour and provides a sustainable source if the thinner roots are replanted after harvesting to allow them to replenish of a second crop the following year.

This watercolour comes from the petals of the marigold flower and is the brightest colour in my pallet producing vibrant orange and yellow tones. It's possible to extract the pigment using fresh or dried flowers and is suitable to grow in the UK. The plant bloom throughout the summer until the first frost so a substantial amount can be harvested.

This is an extract that I went through the process of created myself and gathered the dye from acorns and oak leaves. It created rich browns which are useful for darkening other tones in my pallet and is a really good source of colour later in the year, around autumn/ early winter when all the summer flowering has died down.

The Sandal wood at the centre of the Pterocarpus santalinus tree creates a great extract for natural dyeing/ making pigments. Commonly grown in tropical Asia and south India this extract allows for warm pink tones in my pallet. I sustainably source my extracts from areas which replenish their harvest ensuring no environmental damage or sustained deforestation.

Sappan pink is wood from the Biancaea Sappan tree/ eastern brazilwood trees, native to India, southeast Asia, Bangladesh and Cambodia. The deep pink tones it creates allows for a range of possibilities and is frequently used in my work.

The dye you get from Weld comes from the entire plant and creates a light yellow/ green watercolour. Its a useful extract in my pallet as I like it to lighten other shades. The best harvest is early summer whenever the plant starts flowering and is suitable to grow in the UK.

Woad is a lighter more subtle shade of blue and is another plant which is good for growing in cooler climates. The leaves are where the colour is stored and the harvest is later in the summer when all leaves are fully established.