Does the blowsy beauty of peonies bring out the painter in you? Do roses inspire romantic verse, or something more unexpected?

We get so much pleasure decorating the cabins with flowers, and evoking different moods and stories with them, we thought you’d like a go too!

This weekend retreat celebrates the creative power of flowers, from the joy of styling them in interesting ways to using them as prompts for whichever art form appeals, whether that’s photography, painting or poetry.

A flower lover’s fantasy…

Using our historically-inspired cabins as a canvas, you’ll get a whole weekend, ahead of British Flowers Week, to enjoy creating with gorgeous seasonal blooms.

With the wonderful Georgia from The Sussex Flower School as your guide, you’ll discover the historic meanings of roses, peonies and other early summer flowers and learn to make a tussie-mussie (a small victorian bouquet, imbued with meaning and given as a gift), an arrangement in a vintage vase and a wearable corsage.

Armed with lots of ideas and plenty of flowers, you’ll then have free rein to adorn your cabin and, if you wish, get your notepad, pens or camera out to capture the beauty.

To help relax you into creativity, you’ll also enjoy a treatment using rose oil by our massage therapist Mollie. And there’ll be a tea break too, with delicious cake from Great Park Farm Shop.

You’ll also have the opportunity to pick your own flowers at nearby Flitterbrook Flower Farm - perfect if you want a fresh bunch or two to take home. And you could visit some of the world-class gardens near us too. Great Dixter, Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Pashley Manor are all within easy reach.

No experience or expertise necessary, this retreat is for anyone who wants to learn more about the meanings of flowers and have a fun and relaxing weekend creating with them!

About Georgia

Georgia runs The Sussex Flower School and has been in the floral world since 2011. She is an expert in the history of floristry and her degree was in art history. Georgia will lead you into the magical world of the language of flowers - from ancient Egypt to modern day.

What’s included?

• A 3-night stay in your own cabin inspired by women’s history

• Half-day workshop with historical flowers expert, Georgia from The Sussex Flower School

• Gorgeous seasonal British flowers, including peonies and garden roses, to use for your creations

• 30 minute chair massage by Mollie Florence Holistics, including a hand massage with rose essential oil

• A copy of The Language of Flowers by Odessa Begay from our local independent bookshop, Rother Books

• Floral tea and delicious cake from Great Park Farm Shop adorned with edible flowers

Cost

£520 for single occupancy

£345 per person with two people sharing a cabin*

*Make sure it’s someone you know well! You’ll need to be comfortable sleeping in a double bed together and sharing the space for your creations.

How to book

Email us to secure your place. Cabins are assigned on a first come, first served basis.