Workshops and Demos

Flower Farming, Sustainable Floristry and Small Business Workshops, Demos and Retreats in Somerset and online

Led by flower farmer, florist and author Georgie Newbery, our workshops, demos and retreats are the perfect way to spend some time, whether as a treat for yourself or a gift for someone else.

Running throughout the year, both online and here at the farm in Somerset, Georgie shares all her experience, knowledge and tips across topics including flower farming, sowing and growing, sustainable floristry, and small business practice.

Founding Common Farm Flowers in 2010, Georgie Newbery was one of the first of the new kind of artisan flower farmers to establish in the UK. She is renowned for her expertise as a flower grower, sustainable florist and business coach. Georgie has been teaching people to grow and arrange flowers and foliage sustainably for almost as long as she has been flower farming. She is also a RHS floristry judge, RHS gold medal winner and External Chair of Flowers from the Farm. She truly believes in sharing everything she knows, so more people can learn to grow cut flowers themselves.

If there aren't currently dates available for a topic you're interested in, keep an eye on our website, social media or newsletter (sign up for free here) for news of new dates.

Check our full workshop calendar for the complete list of dates. It's constantly evolving, so it's worth checking back if you don't see something listed here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the workshops and demos last?

Online demos usually run for 60 to 90 minutes, depending on questions asked during the sessions. Online workshop timings vary by topic. See each listing for details. In-person workshops and retreats at the farm typically begin with a coffee at 9:30am, with the sessions starting at 10am and finishing around 4pm.

How many people can attend an in-person workshop?

Our workshops and retreats at the farm are generally limited to around 10 people, so they often sell out. Booking your place well in advance is recommended.

What does the price include?

The price for ‘at the farm’ sessions includes refreshments during the day and lunch at our local farm shop, with the exception of the Farm Tour. All materials needed for our workshops and retreats at the farm are provided.

If you book and online workshop or demo you will get access to a recording of the session for a period of time after the session has taken place. Online workshop participants will also be sent brief workshop notes after the session has taken place.

Can I still book if I can't attend an online session live?

Yes you can. Book your place as normal and you'll get access to the session recording shortly afterwards.

Where is Common Farm Flowers?

Common Farm Flowers is in Somerset, South West England, just off the A303 between Bruton and Wincanton, about two hours from London. The nearest train stations are Gillingham (Dorset) and Castle Cary.

Do I need experience to join?

We’ve added information to each demo, workshop and retreat description to suggest who each session is suitable for. Many of them suit a wide range of experience and knowledge, from complete beginners through to those who’ve been growing or arranging for many years. If in any doubt, please just contact us and we are very happy to advise.

How much do workshops cost?

Prices start from £60 for an online demo and range up to £1200 for a 3 day workshop or retreat at the farm.

Members of the Common Farm Club (paid Subscribers on Substack) receive a 10% discount on all demo, workshop and retreat bookings.

We also offer an instalment plan for people booking a 3 day workshop or retreat.

Workshops and Retreats at Our Farm in Somerset

Held in our studio and out on the farm itself, our in-person workshop and retreats are generally limited to around 10 people, so they often sell out. Price includes lunch at our local farm shop (excluding the Farm Tour) and all materials needed on the day.

See all workshops and retreats at the farm →

Flower Farming Workshops and Demos

Whether you're hoping to earn an income from a cut flower patch, want to grow flowers purely for pleasure, are starting your very first garden, or have ambitions to grow flowers for a wedding, our flower farming and growing workshops and demos are a chance to learn directly from Georgie.

See all flower farming workshops and demos →

Online Sowing and Growing Demos

Whether you grow for profit or for pleasure, our online demos help you succeed at sowing and growing flowers and foliage in your own cut flower patch.

See all sowing and growing demos →

Sustainable Floristry Workshops and Retreats

Looking to build new floristry skills, or move to a more sustainable way of arranging flowers? Whether you love growing flowers but aren't sure how to arrange them, or want to DIY your own or a friend's wedding flowers, our floristry demos and retreats offer something for you.

See all sustainable floristry workshops and retreats →

Small Business Workshops and Retreat

Georgie has run a successful small business since 2010 and shares hard-won, practical lessons and knowledge with other small business owners. Many sessions suit small business owners of any kind; others are aimed specifically at flower farmers and florists.

See all small business workshops and our retreat →

Consultancy with Georgie

Sometimes you need more specific, personalised advice than a group workshop can offer. Join Georgie for a small business consultancy sessions, tailored to your situation.

More about consultancy with Georgie →

Farm Tours at Common Farm Flowers

Our 2-hour Farm Tour takes place once a year and is limited to a maximum of 20 guests.

The Common Farm Flowers Farm Tour →

Looking to bring a group? We have very limited availability for group tours each year, so the sooner you get in touch the better. Contact us to discuss.

Workshop Venue

Some workshops and demos are held here at Common Farm Flowers; many are held online via Zoom.

If joining us at the farm: we're in Somerset, South West England, just off the A303, between the towns of Bruton and Wincanton, about two hours from London. Nearby train stations are Gillingham (Dorset) and Castle Cary.

Stay a While

Turn your workshop or retreat into a short break. There are plenty of cheerful local B&Bs and places to visit nearby, including the Hauser & Wirth art gallery and National Trust Stourhead. We've linked some of these places here.