A Half‑Day Floral Design Experience at Munstead Wood
On 16th September enter the private world of Gertrude Jekyll, and experience floral design within the house and gardens where one of Britain’s most influential horticultural legacies was shaped. Gain rare access to Jekyll’s gardens, create a sumptuous floral design, and develop a deeper understanding of her enduring approach to colour, form, and seasonality - leaving with both practical confidence and a beautiful arrangement for your home. You shall also be helping to preserve and maintain this internationally important space.
To Begin
The morning begins with rare access to Munstead Wood’s historic gardens, conceived and planted by Gertrude Jekyll as both a working landscape and a place of quiet experimentation. On a privately guided walk, you will trace the garden’s original paths, encountering its carefully composed vistas and more intimate spaces, while gaining insight into Jekyll’s enduring approach to colour, form, and seasonality.
Returning to the house, you will pause in the floral‑filled flower room—an integral part of Jekyll’s daily practice—before entering her private floristry and craft workshop to begin the creative session.
The workshop is led by Leanne of Wildstone Botanica, whose work is rooted in a deep sensitivity to place, material, and narrative.
Statement Centrepiece Bowl Arrangement
The workshop opens with a thoughtful design demonstration focused on the foundations of a centrepiece bowl arrangement. Core principles such as balance, proportion, and colour harmony are explored in detail.
You will then create your own statement centrepiece to take home within a beautiful footed ceramic bowl by The Dish Girls (pictured) using chicken wire as the mechanic. All fresh materials are locally grown and selected in response to the gardens at Munstead Wood.
Throughout the session, Leanne will share professional insight into creating multiple centrepiece designs for events, using sustainable mechanics effectively and sourcing seasonal materials with intention and creativity.
To Conclude
The experience concludes with tea and cake, served either in the house or on the lawn, weather permitting.
Details
This experience is open to beginners while offering depth and refinement for those with prior floristry experience. It is also well suited to those planning a DIY wedding, who wish to build confidence and technical understanding ahead of their event.
Priced at £250.00 per person and includes refreshments, tuition, and all materials, including a ceramic bowl and packaging for safe transport.
Tickets available to book soon - Join the mailing list to be notified
"Gorgeous day at Munstead Wood - really informative and interesting tour of the house and gardens - very special experience. LOVED the floristry course. Would definitely come again”
About Leanne
Wildstone Botanica is a botanical design studio led by floral artist Leanne Smith, creating bespoke installations and immersive floral experiences for private clients and brands. Leanne’s work is informed by seasonality, material integrity, and a quiet, editorial sensibility, resulting in designs that feel both contemporary and deeply rooted in place.
Additional Information
All flowers and materials are provided
Secateurs are available for use; guests may bring their own if preferred
Gloves and aprons are not provided
Finished arrangements will be carefully packaged for transport
Guests are advised to bring an old towel to protect their vehicle from any spillages
Suitable footwear is recommended for the garden tour, as paths may be uneven or slippery
Participation is limited to eight guests, preserving a calm and intimate atmosphere
