Workshops, Classes & Retreats

From our small corner of Yorkshire, with a garden full of flowers and foliage, and with a familiar grey-green backdrop of fields and dry stone walls that have been “built to last”, I have taught many people my way of “doing the flowers” and encouraged them to pursue their own dreams and their own way with flowers.

Simply by Arrangement Fritillaria mid grey
Simply by arrangement workshop student with bouquet
Photo by Helen Warner
Occasionally I find other places to teach from – gardens I love; historic buildings that have just the right light. Wherever the class might be, we (that’s me, Jill Shaddock and a small black-and-white dog) provide a warm and nurturing environment in which to learn. Much tea will be drunk and lightness and laughter, as well as masses of flowers and good food, are the main ingredients for every class. If you end up with some stunning photographs of your work, they are yours to treasure as a memory of time well spent. In some of our classes you’ll also take home a vessel to use time and time again. And always, you’ll take away flowers and ideas.

What you learn is up to you...

 You might be new to flowers and looking for a day of relaxation, you might be a traveller in need of a break, an aspiring florist or an experienced florist in need of inspiration. Once you get in touch we will create a bespoke day, or half day, just for you. From the smallest buttonhole to the most exquisite bridal bouquet or table centre to a breathtaking installation, you choose the theme for the day. 

Autumnal Neutral Bowl Floral Arrangement
Urn floral arrangement simply by arrangement workshop

I spend time each year teaching and training with internationally recognised floral designers and photographers. My own philosophy for life is to never stop learning and also, through kindness and generosity, to pass on to others anything that might help them in life, business and wellbeing. Many of our previous guests are now connected to each other to continue the never-ending exploration of the flowery world.  I have learned something new from every one of them.

Play Video about Simply by Arrangement workshop students

Photo & film by Sarah Mason

We can also help with starting or enriching your floral business or maybe improving your photography skills – whatever you need, we can set you on the right path.

Current Workshops

From time to time we offer classes for groups, often at different places and often working with others to provide days that we know will be interesting. You can find details of our current group classes below.

There May Be Irises

30th May 2024
A one-day class from the Worcestershire flower field, garden and studio of Vervain; with India Hurst of Vervain, garden photographer Éva Németh, and Simply By Arrangement
Find out more

Cambo Autumn

2nd-4th September 2024

Three one-day classes in a magical garden in the East Neuk of Fife with Rachael Scott of Hedgerow and Simply By Arrangement.

Find out more

There May Be Irises

30th May 2024
A one-day class from the Worcestershire flower field, garden and studio of Vervain; with India Hurst of Vervain, garden photographer Éva Németh, and Simply By Arrangement
Find out more

Cambo Autumn

2nd-4th September 2024

Three one-day classes in a magical garden in the East Neuk of Fife with Rachael Scott of Hedgerow and Simply By Arrangement.

Find out more

One to One Classes

Our one-to-one (or one-to-two) classes run throughout the year and  can be booked privately at any time.  Prices vary depending on the scale of what we create. Typically a half day class starts from £275 and a full day is from £495, installation class prices vary according to scale. Prices for group classes might be less, although ‘retreats’ are priced differently.

Tea and Simply

Anytime throughout the year

One hour session that can be done by telephone or other remote means, here in the garden, or in your own working environment.

Find out more

Contact Us

Please fill in the form below or call me on 07772518298 if you would like to discuss booking a workshop place or mentoring session.

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Previous Workshops

2021 – A Year in Two Parts: The Colour Version

Doing the flowers for the wedding of Rachel and Reece, on the first really hot day of the year, also seemed to bring back the colour to our lives. Working with a neutral palette isn’t that easy to achieve in June, but we managed it and the new Mr and Mrs James had the wedding of their dreams at the most tasteful location, captured by one of the best wedding photographers there is – Benjamin Wheeler.

Wreath encounters with Ethel…

Late last year we were asked if we could help with the front cover of the Christmas edition of the Live Ribble Valley magazine. Beautifully