A Half‑Day Floral Design Experience at Munstead Wood
On 15th July 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.
Blousy Free-Form Vase Design Workshop
The creative session focuses on a blousy free-form vase arrangement, beginning with a creative demonstration centred on movement, texture, and presence. You will then create your own to take home, using locally grown materials which have been selected in response to the gardens at Munstead Wood.
The session encourages a more expressive approach, developing a deeper understanding of colour, shape, and structure, to create an elevated naturalistic design.
Leanne will offer considered guidance on developing a personal floral language, taking a measured and curated approach to cutting from your own garden, and reflecting on the elements of Jekyll’s floristry that continue to influence contemporary floral design.
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 vase, and packaging for safe transport.
"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
