Foraging & Floral Composition
Step into the landscape, gather seasonal plants and flowers with care and transform them into thoughtful floral compositions.
- 13-15 Nov 2026
- max. 11
- English
Winter Wreaths
A Saturday dedicated to creating natural wreaths using branches, foliage, and seasonal materials. The simple act of weaving becomes a moment of focus and calm. Each participant returns home with their own wreath and a small ritual to bring nature indoors during the winter season.
Floral Designer Facilitator
Chelsea Fuss
Chelsea Fuss is a sustainable floral designer whose work centres on reconnecting people with the natural world through the art and joy of floral composition.
Her book Field, Flower, Vase: Arranging and Crafting with Seasonal and Wild Blooms was published by Abrams in 2021. A lifelong gardener, Chelsea especially enjoys foraging for materials, often working with seasonal flowers, wild plants, and overlooked natural elements in her arrangements.
Program
(Indicative times, subject to slight variations depending on the season and the retreat)
FRIDAY
- 15:00
Arrival & check-in.
Welcome drink.
- Evening
Welcome dinner featuring local, seasonal ingredient
SATURDAY
- 8:30 - 10:00
Breakfast
Free time: rest, walk the land, swim or discover the region.
- Afternoon
An afternoon with Chelsea Fuss dedicated to learning floral arrangement techniques, in a tranquil and immersive environment, where each participant creates their own arrangement with close guidance and at their own pace.
SUNDAY
- 8:30 - 10:00
Breakfast
- 11:00
Depart
What's Included
Two nights' accommodation (breakfast included).
Welcome drink on arrival.
Friday dinner (non-alcoholic drinks included).
A curated Saturday afternoon programme, with all materials included.
Afternoon tea: tea, herbal infusions, and a homemade cake or light refreshment are served in the afternoon.
Time and space to rest, walk, read, and simply be. Full access to all shared spaces: natural swimming pool, sauna, and rooftop.
Freedom to walk peacefully around the farm and the surrounding land.
Not Included
Flight tickets.
Trip Insurance (please see our FAQS here).
Massage treatments (available by appointment).
Horse Riding (available by appointment).
Alcoholic beverages (available to order on site).
Practical notes
Intimate group
Materials included
No previous experience required
FAQs
How do I get there?
For guests arriving from abroad, we can organise a group transfer from Lisbon, which is included in the prior private transportation. Closer to the date, we will share the meeting point and timing.
If you live in Portugal and drive, we will send you detailed directions in advance; if you come by bus, please send an email to reservations@asociedaderural.com and we can send all the information.
Private transfers can also be arranged upon request (at an additional cost).
Please note: flights are not included in the program price.
Are the program suitable for beginners?
Yes. The program is designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Are practices indoors or outdoors?
We have beautiful indoor and outdoor practice spaces.
Whenever weather conditions allow, we enjoy practising outdoors, always adapting to the season and conditions.
How many people attend each retreat?
This is an intimate and exclusive experience, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 participants.
Is there a packing list?
In addition to your usual travel essentials, we recommend bringing:
• Comfortable clothes
• Walking or hiking shoes
• Bathing suit & flip flops
• Sunscreen, hat & sunglasses
• Layers for cooler mornings and evenings
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in: from 3:00 pm
Check-out: by 11:00 am
What should I do during free time?
Free time is an invitation to rest and reconnect.
You might choose to:
• Walk or sit quietly in nature
• Writing, drawing, play games
• Enjoy mindful conversations over tea
• Swim or use the sauna
• Book a massage or a local activity (not included)
Doing nothing is also very welcome.
What is the food like? Is alcohol included?
Expect seasonal, nourishing, local food, prepared with care.
Alcoholic drinks are not included, but are available to order on-site.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing personal travel insurance, especially if you are coming from abroad. In the rare event that the retreat needs to be cancelled or rescheduled due to force majeure, we can only refund the retreat cost itself and cannot cover additional expenses such as flights.
We recommend a policy that includes:
• “Cancel for any reason” option
• (Some credit cards also offer travel insurance benefits.)
What is your cancellation & transfer policy?
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for full details here.
Tickets may be transferred to another person up to 3 days before the retreat start date, by contacting us via email.
After this period, our standard cancellation policy applies.
Purchasing travel insurance is strongly advised.
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