Wildflowers, Landscapes & Gardens of Umbria and Tuscany.

Next Retreat: 7 nights from 30th April to 7th May 2021.

 

With sweeping views of the beautiful Umbrian countryside, there can be no better location than Villa Pia for this exclusive garden-themed holiday. And the trip has been timed to coincide with the glorious spring wildflower season, an unmissable spectacle in this part of northern Italy.

Hosted by garden experts Rosie Yeomans and David Hurrion, together with garden photographer Sarah Cuttle, there’ll be wildflower walks, local cultural visits, garden and planting design tuition, as well as photography workshops – all in the most inspiring surroundings.

There will also be time to relax, swim and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of Villa Pia set atop the hill village of Lippiano.

The cost for the garden week will be £1300 per adult in a single room en suite and £1100 in a shared room en suite. Included in the price will be:

  • Transfers from and to Florence Airport, and transport for visits
  • Accommodation at Villa Pia, Lippiano, Umbria in en-suite rooms as required
  • Breakfast each day
  • Most lunches and dinners at Villa Pia during the week
  • Fresh fruit, coffee, tea, alcohol and soft drinks available all day
  • Expert hosts, local guides, entrance fees and tutoring

For bookings and enquiries, please get in touch via the VILLA PIA BOOKING PAGE.

Itinerary Highlights Planned*

  • Guided walks to see wild flowers and spectacular landscape views led by local walking guide Giovanni and accompanied by the expert hosts.
  • Planting design lectures and workshops with Rosie Yeomans. There will be one-to-one sessions with plenty of garden tips and advice.
  • David Hurrion will share his wealth of plant knowledge to show how to succeed with a range of Mediterranean plants and reveal ways to help climate-proof your garden.
  • Photography workshops with Sarah Cuttle, who will also give individual support on visits to get the best shots of flowers and the landscape.
  • Visits to local sites of cultural interest, including La Verna monastery, where St Francis of Assisi made his pilgrimage, and a walk through the wildflowers along the Camino di Francesco.
  • A tour of the exquisite, world-famous gardens of La Foce in southern Tuscany, designed by Cecil Pinsent with Iris Origo.
  • In addition we will visit The Aboca herb fields and Apothecary Museum in Sansepolcro, as well as the option to tour the award-winning project Archeologia Arborea which safeguards heritage fruit orchards carpeted with wild flowers.

PLEASE NOTE: there will be easy to moderate (full day and half day) walking on paths and woodland trails.

*The final itinerary will be confirmed nearer to the time, once we know what is possible whilst following Covid safety guidelines.

Rosie Yeomans

About Rosie Yeomans

Rosie has had a long career in horticulture. She worked in nurseries and gardens before lecturing at horticultural colleges in a wide range of subjects including planting and garden design.

She is renowned for her enthusiasm, wealth of knowledge and friendly delivery. Wild flowers and walking are a passion. The Garden Media Guild awarded Rosie ‘Best new Talent in Broadcasting’ for appearances on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time ‘From the potting shed’.

At present Rosie writes practical tips and features for the BBC Gardeners’ World magazine and is a gardening expert for BBC Radio Solent. She has lead many garden tours, including one to the local Flowers Week at Villa Pia.

David Hurrion

About David Hurrion

Having started gardening as a child, David has been growing plants for more than 50 years. His extensive knowledge and experience of plants and growing techniques is based on a botanical and scientific training, complemented by an in-depth understanding of garden design, wildlife, geology and climatology.

He is currently Associate Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and is a Judge for the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as sitting on their Tender Plant Committee.

David has travelled to every continent, with the exception of Antarctica, to discover plants and gardens, and on more than 50 trips accompanying groups of gardeners.

Sarah Cuttle

About Sarah Cuttle

As a professional garden and plant photographer, Sarah’s career spans 18 years and has taken her across the UK, Europe and the Americas. She is a regular contributor to Gardeners’ World magazine, working with the presenters and production team from the BBC series.

She works with other magazine titles such as RHS The Garden, The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, House & Garden and Country Living and has had the privilege of meeting passionate plant specialists, garden designers and garden owners.

Sarah also works with the RHS for the coverage of their Annual shows and enjoys the title of Associate Photographer for the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

What people are saying about the hosts:

“I was very grateful for the individual time which Rosie gave me about my garden on our Villa Pia trip in 2019. I have started carrying out her design suggestions already.”


“Sarah has a genuine passion for gardens, plants and the beauty of garden making, but also working with people. Her images show this in all she does – whether it’s a shoot that focuses on the people who’ve made the outdoor space, or the plants that happily grow there.”


“During our cruise holiday David was the perfect horticultural guru and companion –  accessible, helpful, hugely knowledgeable, never overbearing or patronizing. He listens carefully and is thoughtful with his replies. His group talks are truly interesting, well researched and interactive.”


“Rosie was excellent at making us feel welcome and for giving us a truly great experience not only in regard to her own interest, but also in liaising skillfully with all the guides. Giovanni’s local area knowledge complimented Rosie’s and together they made a superb and cheery team.”


“David’s knowledge of plants from all corners of the world, never ceases to amaze together with his professionalism, care and concern for clients, and infectious smile, all goes hand in hand to make him a great host and person to share your travels with!”


“Torrential rain or blinding sunshine? Sarah tackles the challenges of garden photography with both professionalism and humour