16oz dock leaves
8oz wool
Rusty iron water (water in which rusty iron has been soaked)

"Tear the leaves into small pieces and cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer for an hour. Strain off the liquid and add the clean wet wool simmering for about an hour. Lift out the wool and add rusty iron water stir and gently replace the wool. Simmer without stirring for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse in soft water with a cupful of vinegar added. Wash and rinse thoroughly. Using this recipe substitute Ragwort for the dock leaves. I have found it gives similar colours as the dock."(green, browns & yellows)

from diary of a west cork dyer

edit: my horticultural correspondent says nuh-uh to the the ragwort. apparently it's really toxic to horses and prolly not much better for people. there's even laws against it. blimey.