with present A Celebration of English Flowers with Shane Connolly May 20 th to May 26 th, 2018 A collaboration with Shane Connolly and FlowerSchool New York
Introduction After much planning, FlowerSchool New York is very excited to collaborate with renowned designer Shane Connolly, one of the great florists in England, holder of a royal warrant of appointment to HRH, the Prince of Wales. In this seven day trip, we will visit London and the English countryside where Shane has personally chosen the itinerary, which will include flower classes in his studio, a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show and a stay in the beautiful Herfordshire countryside. In the country we will visit flower farms and gardens that not generally open to the public. To add to the experience, Shane has chosen a two-location itinerary. These venues are very different to each other but are a perfect illustration of the two counterpoints in Shane s creative life: London and the country. Price for Single occupancy is $10,500 and for shared room $9,500 per person.
Itinerary Sunday, May 20 th 2018 Arrive at London Heathrow on overnight flight from New York (depart New York Saturday 19 May) We would recommend an evening flight so that you arrive at Heathrow from midday onwards, as your check-in at the hotel would be from 3pm. Transfer from Heathrow to The Knightsbridge Hotel, SW3 Rest of the day to relax, explore and acclimatise to UK time. Drinks reception in hotel followed by dinner nearby in Knightsbridge.
Monday, May 21 st 2018 7.00 am Collected from hotel and taken to New Covent Garden Flower Market. Meet up with Shane and be guided by him around the market and meet his favourite suppliers and wholesalers, seeing what is seasonal at this time of year. 9.30 am Breakfast at Brunswick House surrounded by their amazing and eclectic stock of architectural reclaimed objets. 11.00 am Transfer to Shane s London studio in Latimer Rd for a day of master-classes with him. Includes lunch. 4.30 pm Transfer to hotel. 7.30 pm Dinner in private dining room at the renowned River Café.
Tuesday, May 22 nd 2018 9.30 am - Transfer by coach to The Land Gardeners at Wardington Manor. Run by Bridget Elworthy and Henrietta Courtauld, this is one of Shane s go-to flower suppliers. They have transformed the derelict Edwardian walled garden which is now both beautiful and productive. 11.30 am Talk from Bridget & Henrietta about their approach to growing flowers followed by tour of the garden. Followed by lunch in the dining room. 2.00 pm Master-class from Flora Starkey at Wardington Manor. Flora is one of the United Kingdom s greatest new generation of flower designers and Shane is a huge fan, so would like you all to experience her unique take on flowers. 4.00 pm Transfer by coach to The Hyde, Worcestershire. 5.45 pm Arrive at The Hyde. Half group transfer to The Freeth. 7.30 pm Dinner at The Hyde helping Shane to create the tablescape beforehand.
Wednesday, May 23 rd 2018 From 8.00 am Breakfast at The Hyde and The Freeth. Day spent at two wonderful Herefordshire gardens. Court of Noke, owned by interior designer Edward Bulmer who has been restoring the eighteenth century water gardens. Lunch in their dining room with a chance to also look around his wonderful home. Transfer to Lucy Vaughan s inspiring and magical garden which she has created from the scratch. 5.30 pm Free time before dinner 7.30 pm Drinks and dinner at Netherwood Manor as guests of the Countess of Darnley. Help Shane to create the floral arrangements for the table.
Thursday, May 24 th 2018 From 8.00 am - Breakfast at The Hyde & The Freeth. 9.30 am Transfer to The Hope, Shane & Candy Connolly s home. 10.00 am Tour of the garden. 11.00 am Master-class with Shane. 1.00 pm Lunch. 2.30 pm Master-class with Shane. 3.30 pm Transfer to The Knightsbridge Hotel, London. 8.00 pm Dinner near to hotel at Bibendum Restaurant in the iconic Michelin building.
Friday, May 25 th, 2018 Prompt breakfast at Knightsbridge Hotel. Arrive at Chelsea Flower Show before the gates open. Free time in evening and choose own restaurant for dinner. Saturday, May 26th 2018 Depart for Heathrow for return flight to New York.
London The Knightsbridge Hotel Accommodation This is part of the Firmdale portfolio of hotels, designed by the internationally renowned decorator, Kit Kemp (The Crosby Street and Whitby Hotels in New York are part of the same group). The Knightsbridge is formed from a series of town houses,which imbue it with a wonderful sense of staying in a private house, albeit one designed with enormous style and flair. An inspirational place to stay for anyone interested in the use of colour, texture and mixing everyday objects with very special pieces, to great effect. It is located on a quiet, tree-lined street within walking distance of the world-renowned department stores of Harrods and Harvey Nicols and the shopping streets of Sloane St and Brompton Cross.
Herefordshire/Worcestershire Border The Hyde Built around 1285, The Hyde is a rare example of a surviving medieval domestic architecture. It has won awards for its restoration and is a member of the Historic Houses Association. Situated on the ancient Netherwood Estate owned by the Earl and Countess of Darnley, this is in a beautiful very rural position, so is the perfect contrast after the hussle and bussle of London. It is a short drive from here to the Connolly s home. Following its restoration it is now very comfortable, spacious and beautifully decorated with a real sense of history. It is a house for exclusive private hire, rather than a hotel, so there is not a 24-hour concierge service but meals and drinks are provided and it is a rare opportunity to stay in such an old and unique building. The Hyde has 10 bedrooms in total. Therefore for a group of 12-14 guests, to enable single occupancy, we suggest that half the guests stay here and half stay nearby at The Freeth on the other side of the Netherwood Estate (see next page).
Herefordshire/Worcestershire Border - The Freeth If the group of guests numbers more than 10 in total (including FlowerSchool representatives) then we suggest splitting the party between The Hyde and another historic house, The Freeth. The Freeth is on the other side of the Netherwood Estate, a few minutes drive from The Hyde. This is a former hunting lodge from the days when the Estate had a noted deer park and the name Freeth means house by the wood. Like The Hyde, it is very comfortable and stylishly decorated, in a beautiful location surrounded by a large, very pretty garden with far-reaching views over the Herefordshire countryside. It also has a private indoor swimming pool. If you decide to split the party across two locations, we would recommend 6 guests staying here and the remainder stay at The Hyde. Transport will be provided between the two houses and any other venues. Breakfast will be served in each house, but all other meals will be taken together. Please note that these are exclusive-use houses rather than hotels and do not provide the same services. However, they are very comfortable and have an amazing sense of history