Join us at Castello di Potentino (an unforgettable castle lying in a valley in a secret corner of Tuscany, Monte Amiata) for a floral retreat that will change your life. Together we will spend five unforgettable days in this wonderful castle, sleep in beautiful, warmly decorated rooms, eat local cuisine, and rejuvenate our hearts while we learn the art of floral design amongst nature and history that will inspire our souls. The medieval Castello di Potentino was built on an ancient Etruscan site and is surrounded by unspoiled countryside, dotted with vines and ancient olive trees which we will enjoy as we take long walks soaking up the glorious June days.
During the workshop we will dig deep into the heart of creativity, and how we can discover our place in the world as floral artists. We will create wildly romantic bridal bouquets and near the end of the week we will create an incredible floral installation together using the environment as our guide.
Ponderosa workshops are designed for new and experienced florists as well as photographers, stylists, creatives and dreamers that want to grow and expand their skill set for more flexibility and creativity in their work. This floral retreat will be dedicated to the process of finding your own personal creative flow and how to approach floral design basics in a way that pushes your boundaries.
Attendees are responsible for all travel arrangements to get to the workshop (including airfare and car rental/train fare/etc.)
Most convenient airports:
• Pisa: 2hrs 15 minutes
• Florence Peretola: 2hrs 30 minutes
• Rome Fiumicino: 3hrs
• Rome Ciampino: 3 hrs 30 minutes
As there are no local taxi services on Monte Amiata, we recommend that guest arrive by car as it gives the maximum amount of freedom.
Once you are registered for the workshop you will be able to reach out to fellow guest through the Facebook group to arrange ride-sharing.
Please feel free to email with any questions.
Accommodations at the Castello di Potentino are included in the price of this event.
Room options:
• Shared Room (Single Bed)
• Private Room (Double Bed) +$300
WiFi is available in some parts of the castle, free of charge. We recommend checking your cell phone plans if traveling internationally to check on service cost and availability.
We will also have acess to a very beautiful swimming pool in the olive groves above the castle where there are trees that are over a thousand years old.
We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance in case of natural disasters, flight issues, or cancellation.
Arrival
Welcome dinner and drinks
Breakfast and 1:1 sessions
Group intros + Business basics talk
Lunch
Floral demonstration | "Wild and romantic bridal bouquet” - a lesson in large and dramatic editorial bouquets
Hands-on floral session | Wild and romantic editorial bouquets
Dinner and wine
After dinner | group reflection
Breakfast and 1:1 sessions
Foraging
Finishing the bridal bouquet
Lunch
Lesson on posing flowers
Photo shoot (bouquets)
Dinner and wine
Floral demonstration | Bridal bouquets - a lesson in applying editorial techniques for your real brides
Hands-on floral session | Bridal bouquets
Breakfast and 1:1 sessions
Hands-on session | "Creating installation shapes"
Editorial shoot with installations, bouquet, and model
Farewell feast and wine
After dinner | Group reflection
Breakfast and 1:1 sessions
Debrief/ Group reflection
Goodbyes and send off with sack lunch
*Please keep in mind this schedule is subject to change slightly
All accommodations/lodging for 5 days and 4 nights (ss per room selection: single bed in shared room or double bed in private room)
Hands-on floral design instruction and learning
All meals:
• 4 Breakfasts, lunches, dinners and drinks (including the special ones!)
• Snacks & beverages throughout the workshop stay
All materials for the workshop including:
• Apron & Welcome Gift
• Flowers
• Silk ribbon
• Beautiful floral scissors
Group discussions and private 1:1 Session with Katie Davis
Mini hands-on photography session “Photographing your flowers for social media”
Access to the Castello di Potentino sites and scenery
Professional headshot
Beautifully styled photo shoots
Ability to use images from shoots for portfolio, website, and social media.
Once you’ve signed up for the workshop we’ll add you to our private Facebook group and there you can team up with someone to share rooms/and arrange transfers to the Castello di Potentino.
By registering the attendee agrees to the workshop terms:
• Your seat is reserved for (1) attendee only, please do not bring friends/spouse/children to the workshop.
• ALL final payments are due by May 11, 2018.
• Invoices will be issued within 5 business days for those opting to pay via the Payment Plan option.
• ALL payments are non-refundable, and subject to our cancellation policy.
• Airfare and all transportation are NOT included.
Cancellation Policy:
If you sign up please be sure you are able to come. The workshop is non-refundable unless you can find someone to take your place. We strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance in the unlikely event of natural disasters, or other unforeseen events. In the unlikely case that Ponderosa & Thyme must cancel the workshop, all deposits and registration fees will be refunded within 90 days.