Hello everyone, how have you been? Today, I want to take you with me to something truly special — a flower arranging workshop in Madeira. It took place at one of my favorite spots on the island, Palheiro Gardens and the charming Casa Velha Hotel.

Maybe you’ve seen me share this place before in earlier videos, but this day felt extra magical. Surrounded by nature, history, and creativity, I joined a small group of women for a workshop led by the incredibly talented florist, Joanna Whitaker, who flew in from England to share her art with us.

It turned out to be a full day of beauty, inspiration, and connection — a reminder of how much joy flowers can bring when you give yourself time to slow down and create.

A Flower Workshop in Palheiro Gardens

The workshop was hosted by florist Joanna Whitaker, whose work I’ve admired for a long time. She brought such grace and knowledge into the room, and I felt genuinely honored to be learning from her.

We were a small group of just five women — all creative, all curious, and all excited to learn something new. There was such a comforting energy in the room, like we were all connected by a shared love of flowers and beauty.

Joanna had already gathered most of what we would use, carefully choosing flora that are either endemic to Madeira or naturally growing here on the island. It felt so special to be working with flowers that belonged to the land we were standing on, tying our arrangements to the place itself.

Before we began, Joanna invited us on a little garden walk — the perfect way to set the tone for what was to come.

Walking Through the Historic Gardens

Before picking up any tools, Joanna led us on a gentle stroll through Palheiro Gardens. It was the perfect start — walking among ancient trees, breathing in the scent of foliage, and letting the surroundings awaken our senses.

These gardens date back to the early 1800s, when they were founded by the Count of Carvalhal, and you can really feel the history in every corner. The age of the trees, the layers of plants, and the bursts of color create an atmosphere that feels both grounding and inspiring.

Sharing this walk with other women who love flowers as much as I do made it even more special. It felt like we were stepping into nature’s own classroom, gathering inspiration before creating something of our own.

Learning the Art of Flower Arranging

Back inside, it was time to begin. Joanna’s approach to a flower arranging workshop is refreshingly organic — instead of strict rules, she encourages you to let the flowers and branches guide you. Of course, there are techniques to follow, but the emphasis was always on creating something that felt personal.

We started with the base: greens and foliage, the “fillers” that give structure and depth. I wanted my arrangement to feel like a dense tropical forest at first, so I kept adding layers of green, almost forgetting that this was only the beginning.

Then came the flowers. I picked the ones that made me feel something — bright and delicate blooms that reminded me of morning sunlight. The clearer my vision became, the more excited I felt. Around me, I could see the same spark in the other women. The whole room seemed to hum with creativity, like we were sculpting nature into art.

Watching Joanna work was mesmerizing. She made it look effortless, like a dancer gliding across a stage. Every move had grace and intention, yet she gave us the freedom to play and explore.

Creativity, Connection, and Shared Energy

As the morning went on, the workshop became more than just arranging flowers — it turned into a celebration of creativity and connection. Each of us approached our arrangement differently, and it was beautiful to see how much personality and flair shone through in every piece.

There was laughter, concentration, and the quiet joy of women creating together. It felt like a bonding experience, where we weren’t just working with flowers, but also weaving our own stories and emotions into the arrangements.

Joanna brought such a gentle, supportive energy into the room. She gave us the freedom to express ourselves without restriction, but was always there to guide us if we felt stuck. It was the perfect balance — structure when needed, and space for individuality everywhere else.

Looking around, the room was filled with color, texture, and soul. The flowers felt like dancers, and we were their choreographers. Together, we were shaping something far greater than the sum of its parts — a collective expression of beauty.

Table Decorations with Herbs

Before lunch, Joanna guided us in making smaller table decorations — simple arrangements using herbs. It was such a thoughtful idea. Not only did they look beautiful, but the fragrance they brought to the table was incredible. Rosemary, thyme, and other fresh herbs filled the air with a subtle, grounding scent.

There’s something so special about making something yourself for the table you’re about to share a meal at. It felt intimate and feminine — a gesture of wanting to bring beauty and care into a shared space.

Each little arrangement reflected the hands that made it, and when we placed them all together, the table looked perfect. Even if each piece wasn’t flawless on its own, together they created a harmony that felt just right.

Lunch at Oxalis: A Flower-Inspired Feast

When it was time for lunch, we walked over to one of my favorite restaurants — Oxalis. Joen and I had been here a month earlier, and I already knew how creative and talented the chefs were. But today, they outdid themselves with a special flower-inspired menu created just for us.

The dishes that arrived at the table were more than food — they were art. Plates decorated with edible flowers, colors arranged like a painting, and flavors that matched the beauty of their presentation. Honestly, some of the plates were so stunning I almost felt guilty eating them. Almost.

The interior of Oxalis is calm and classy, and with our own flower arrangements on the table, the space felt even more alive — full of beauty, care, and feminine energy. Lunch became another extension of the workshop, blending food, flowers, and creativity into one unforgettable experience.

Reflections on a Day of Beauty

As the day came to an end, I felt deeply grateful for the experience. What began as a simple flower arranging workshop in Madeira became so much more — a day filled with beauty, creativity, connection, and inspiration.

Working with flowers reminded me how naturally we are drawn to create, to bring beauty into our surroundings, and to share that energy with others. And doing it together, surrounded by inspiring women in such a magical place, made it even more meaningful.

From walking through the historic gardens, to shaping our own arrangements, to sharing a flower-inspired meal at Oxalis, every part of the day felt like art. It was a reminder that beauty isn’t just something we see — it’s something we create, nurture, and live.

Thank you for being here with me. I hope you felt some of the joy and inspiration that filled this day. Let’s keep the conversation going on Instagram @DearJamilaa.

Hugs x