Gardens & Wildflowers

Next Retreat: 7 nights from 22nd to 29th April 2023

 

We’re excited to once again be offering this exclusive wildflower -and garden- themed holiday, timed to coincide with the glorious spring orchid season, an unmissable spectacle in this part of Italy.

Hosted by garden experts Rosie Yeomans and David Hurrion, together with garden photographer Sarah Cuttle, there’ll be wildflower walks, garden tours and visits to stunning historic towns, PLUS garden planning and planting tuition, together with photography workshops.

There will also be time to relax, swim and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of Villa Pia at the heart of historic Lippiano in glorious scenery on the Umbrian-Tuscan border.

The cost for the garden week will be £1500 per adult in a single room en suite and £1250 in a shared room en suite. Included in the price will be:

  • Transfers from and to Perugia Airport, and transport for visits
  • Accommodation at Villa Pia, Lippiano, Umbria in en-suite rooms as required
  • Breakfast each day
  • Buffet lunches and 4-course dinners at Villa Pia during the week (on most days)
  • 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 orchids, wild flowers and spectacular landscape views led by your expert hosts and guides.
  • Full-day excursion to the spectacular Tuscan town of Cortona, and a visit to La Scarzuola created by Tomaso Buzzi from a 13th Century hilltop convent.
  • An exclusive tour of the exquisite gardens of La Foce in southern Tuscany, designed by Cecil Pinsent with Iris Origo. Plus time to explore beautiful Pienza.
  • A visit to the fascinating Apothecary Museum in Sansepolcro, as well as a tour of the award-winning project Archeologia Arborea which safeguards heritage fruit orchards carpeted with wild flowers.
  • Time to explore the picturesque, local hilltop town of Anghiari and its delightful, bustling market.
  • Rosie Yeomans will present a lecture and follow-up workshops on garden planning and planting.
  • An exclusive talk and Q&A session with David Hurrion who’ll share tips from a lifetime of gardening.
  • Photography workshops with Sarah Cuttle, who will also give individual support on walks and visits to get the best shots of flowers and landscapes.

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

*This provisional itinerary may be subject to minor changes due to operational reasons..

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:

“Beautifully organised trips to fascinating destinations and delicious fresh, Italian food. A richly rewarding insight into the glorious landscapes and gardens of this area” – Phil, April 2022


“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