gardening WORKSHOPS

Looking to get in touch with nature this summer? These four spots can offer a whole host of creative activities

- Words Miriam Methuen-Jones

1 WILD GORSE

Bread-making in the south of France, a yoga retreat in Bali, painting classes in Tuscany... There’s something equally enticing that could be added to this list, and it's right here in Scotland. How about floristry school in the Highlands?

Julia Kirk, head of Belladrum studio Wild Gorse, has created a learning environment that feels as though it belongs in a dreamscape. The studio, in a peaceful corner of Inverness-shire, hosts a professional floristry course (two days every month for six months) which will lead you through the seasons and teach you an abundance of traditional techniques and approaches. There's also a sense of play alongside the practical help, with floral art being celebrated at every turn.

If six months is too much of a commitment, Wild Gorse’s shorter masterclasses are a great alternative. These are fully immersive two-day events exploring different elements of floristry. The recent summer masterclass in June took participants through the art of creating tablescape designs for alfresco dining.

Elsewhere on the calendar are weaving workshops and ‘Wild & Well’ days of forest bathing and restorative yoga.

Prices start at £30. wild-gorse.co.uk

2 BALGOVE LARDER