Wild Botanica
14 - 19 June 2024
Welcome to an immersive journey into the craft of sustainable floral artistry, where every bloom tells a story of harmony between nature and creativity. Join us for a comprehensive 6 day course delving deep into the fields and meadows, where wild flowers await our discovery. As we unplug from the noise of daily life, we'll delve into various techniques to help you bloom into floral artists. Guiding us on this creative path is our esteemed guest host, Bex of Botanical Tales, whose expertise will illuminate our way as we learn to craft with foraged, dried, and organic flowers. Prepare to embark on a journey of blossoming creativity and sustainable stewardship, where each petal holds the promise of possibility.
Embark on an enriching journey at Wild Botanica: A Comprehensive Course in Sustainable Floral Artistry, where you'll master the art of crafting ethereal flower crowns, enchanting wreaths, captivating wild bouquets, and eco-friendly vessel displays, while delving into the intricacies of installation art amidst the breathtaking Tuscan backdrop.
What to expect?
Experience a 5-Night, 6-Day Journey into Sustainable Floral Artistry and Spiritual Connection
Day 1: Embark on Your Floral OdysseyArrive at our serene retreat sanctuary nestled amidst the Tuscan landscape, where the aroma of wildflowers welcomes you.
Immerse yourself in a tea ceremony with wild plants, grounding your spirit and opening your senses to the beauty that surrounds you.
After dinner relax with a crystal bowl sound healing session, allowing the gentle vibrations to harmonize your body, mind, and soul.
Day 2: Awakening Creativity and Connection
Awaken your creativity with morning movement and guided meditation, setting intentions for the transformative days ahead.
Learn the art of crafting beautiful dried flower wreaths, flower crowns, and wild bouquets, suitable for weddings or heartfelt gifts.
Dive into installation art, from breathtaking wild arches against the Tuscan backdrop to whimsical overhead displays in our yurt sanctuary.
Day 3: Wild Crafting and Nature's Gifts
Explore the enchanting world of wild crafting as you add your own flair to your wreaths and arrangements, using your own plant dyed ribbons and pressed flower art techniques.
Say goodbye to harmful foam as we create our own ceramic floristry frogs, honoring the earth with sustainable practices.
Delight in an afternoon of responsible foraging expeditions, uncovering the secrets of sourcing the finest blooms and cultivating your own organic flowers.
Day 4: Capturing Beauty in Every Frame
Master photography techniques to capture the essence of your floral creations, transforming them into timeless works of art.
Delve into the entrepreneurial aspects of floral design, exploring sustainable mechanics and ethical business practices.
Indulge in a sunset stroll through the meadows, connecting with nature's beauty and reflecting on your journey of growth and discovery.
Day 5: Nurturing Your Inner Light
Rejuvenate your spirit with a morning of guided yoga and meditation, aligning your energy with the rhythms of the earth.
Experience the exhilaration of wild swimming in crystal clear mountain springs, cleansing your body and invigorating your soul.
Gather around the communal table for a farewell feast, sharing stories and laughter as we celebrate the bonds forged during our time together.
Day 6: Blossoming into the Future
Bid farewell to our retreat sanctuary, carrying with you the wisdom and inspiration gleaned from your floral odyssey.
Embrace the path ahead with renewed passion and purpose, empowered to spread beauty and kindness in every corner of the world.
Meet Your Host
Meet Bex Partridge, the nature-loving floral artist and visionary behind Botanical Tales. With over seven years of experience in crafting and playing with dried flowers, Bex's journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for all things that grow. While her peers were painting the town red, Bex found solace in nurturing sweetpeas and cultivating her garden oasis—a love affair with nature that has been a constant thread throughout her life.
Driven by a desire to intertwine her love for gardening, teaching, and creating, Bex founded Botanical Tales, a sanctuary where floral artistry meets soulful expression. Her move to Devon amidst the pandemic was guided by an instinctual pull towards the sea and the woods, where the soothing quiet of nature captured her heart.
Bex's expertise and dedication to her craft have earned her recognition in various publications, where her enchanting creations have graced the pages of prestigious magazines. With Botanical Tales as her canvas, Bex invites you to delve into the art of floral storytelling, where each bloom holds a tale of beauty and resilience. Join her on a journey of discovery, as she imparts the skills and wisdom to create your own wild bouquets, installations, dried flowers, wreaths, and more. With Bex as your guide, prepare to unlock your creativity and connect with the abundant wonders of the natural world.
What’s Included?
5 nights luxury accommodation at a beautiful 2000 hectare nature reserve in Tuscany
Full board of plant based meals, homemade snacks & healing beverages cooked by our resident chef
Daily floral artistry workshops with Bex of Botanical Tales
Wildcrafting workshops using natural dyeing and hand built ceramics
Morning meditation, guided breath work, movement and yoga in an 8m Mongolian yurt
Nature hikes and wild swimming (rainfall dependant)
Daily sharing circles and earth honouring rituals
Herbalism and wild medicine making with the Wild Tea Lady
Photographing your blooms session
Free time to enjoy the land and dip in the salt water infinity pool
Evening music, crystal bowl sound healing and mid summer celebrations
A Meadowsweet gift or two
Not included: Airfare, transportation outside of that listed in the trip itinerary, alcoholic drinks, massages, gratuities for drivers and staff
Your investment
Standard accommodation is based upon shared twin rooms with another person joining the retreat, however if you prefer your privacy there are various rates for your own double room or the Fig Tree Cottage, with its own living room and kitchen.
Come embrace the art of floral design within a community of like-minded creatives passionate about flowers. Regardless of gender, our retreat provides double rooms and a cozy private cottage for those attending as couples or friends. Dive into an unforgettable summer experience dedicated to immersing yourself in nature, exploring sustainable methods, and savoring delicious farm to table cuisine—a journey sure to deepen your knowledge of the floral world.
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Light spacious twin rooms with their own private ensuite bathrooms with rain shower. You’ll be sharing with another guest of the same gender on the retreat.
£2250
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Light spacious double room with a beautiful floor to ceiling window overlooking the forest with a shared ensuite bathroom with rain shower and bathtub.
Olive Tree is a 5 minute walk from the main retreat house with views over the vineyards.
Standard Pricing after January 1st £2500
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Light spacious twin rooms with a shared ensuite bathroom with rain shower and bathtub. You’ll be sharing with another guest of the same gender on the retreat.
Olive Tree is a 5 minute walk from the main retreat house with views over the vineyards.
£1900
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Fig Tree cottage is nestled next to the retreat house and the nature reserve. It has it’s own private living room, kitchenette and king size bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Fig Tree is a retreat within the retreat.
£3250
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Beautiful private double rooms with their own private ensuite bathrooms with rain shower.
Each room is designed uniquely with panoramic views over the valley and vineyards.
£2600
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Discover rustic charm in our bell tents, nestled in the meadow or on the retreat house lawn. Shared with another guest, each tent features wooden bed bases, cozy mattresses, carpets, and storage. Shared bathroom access in the retreat house. £1500
If you would like to share any of these private rooms with a partner, family or friends you will be charged an additional £850 per person.
All prices are in £ GBP
FAQ
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Meadowsweet will organise a shared minibus to and from Pisa airport for at 1pm on the arrival day of the retreat and departing the villa at 11am on the final day of the retreat. Transfers are £75 per person and the journey takes just under 2 hours.
If you require a private taxi from Pisa or Florence airport at another time we can assist in booking a driver for you for £150.
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if you have not organised a payment plan, we require you to pay the full amount upfront to secure your spot.
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We are able to offer payment plans, please e-mail us to find out more. As our retreats are small and intimate, every spot on the retreat is incredibly important to us so please book with intention to make it.
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Refunds for the remaining amount depends on when we receive the cancellation. Should you need to cancel with more than 6 weeks until the retreat date, we charge a £250 cancellation fee and you will be refunded the remainder of your payment. Should you need to cancel between 6 and 2 weeks of the retreat date, you will forfeit the £500. Finally, under no circumstance will there be any refunds given for cancellation requests made within 2 weeks of the retreat date.
*Due to current COVID restrictions and the unpredictability of what the next months will hold, we will continuously monitor the COVID situation in the Italy. Should we have to cancel the retreat, we will notify you as soon as possible and issue a full refund.
**All guests must obtain their own medical insurance before attending Meadowsweet Retreat as we are in a very wild location with mountainous terrain and there is the possibility of seeing snakes.