Love nothing more than relaxing with a beautiful garden book? Whether you’re a keen gardener or just love visiting gardens and learning about plants, this unique reading retreat will leave you full of the joys of spring.
You’ll arrive on Friday afternoon to find an arrangement of flowers from our cutting beds and a garden-themed booked pick just for you by your host, Sarah Wilson of the Roots and All podcast. Spend the evening leafing through that, on your bed beneath the stars, and perusing the carefully curated selection of books in your cabin.
On Saturday, you’ll make your way to the Veteran’s Growth garden in nearby Westfield. You’ll join Sarah for a seasonal workshop, followed by a special book group. She’ll share some of her all-time favourites, such as Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy and The Wild Within by Brigit Anna McNeill, and you can discuss the book she picked for you too.
Sunday is free for more reading, or you can visit one of the incredible gardens near us. There’s Great Dixter, always exuberant and full of inspiration, Pashley Manor’s Tulip Festival and Sissinghurst Castle Garden, a true romantic vision in spring.
Then it’s flower crowns at the ready, because this unique retreat falls on May Bank Holiday - extra special in 1066 Country thanks to Hastings’ Jack in the Green celebrations. Head into the Old Town on Monday to see the parade and watch Jack unleash the spirit of summer on the West Hill. The perfect ending to your bookish spring stay.
About your host
Sarah Wilson is the host of the Roots and All podcast, where she has thoughtful, down-to-earth conversations with gardeners, ecologists and creatives about how we connect with nature — often touching on the kinds of ideas, stories and themes you might happily unpack in a book group. She is also the CEO of Veterans’ Growth, a charity supporting military veterans through horticultural therapy. Alongside this work, Sarah champions wildlife-friendly, sustainable gardening, teaches and speaks widely on ecological growing, and, as a lifelong bookworm, brings a deep love of reading, reflection and open-minded discussion to everything she hosts.
What’s included?
Three night’s accommodation in one of our beautiful cabins
A nature garden-themed workshop with Sarah Wilson, amidst the therapeutic surroundings of the Veteran’s Growth garden
A garden-themed book gift, chosen according to your interests by Sarah
Bird & Blend tea and some delicious locally-baked treats to enjoy as you read
A book group meeting with Sarah, where you can discuss your favourite gardening books and get recommendations
A spring arrangement of flowers from our cutting garden
Some seeds chosen by Sarah to attract wildlife into your own garden, allotment or shared green space
A midday check-out
Optional
Group bonfire at the cabins on Friday or Saturday night
Visit one of the world-famous gardens nearby, with options including Great Dixter, Pashley Manor and Sissinghurst Castle Garden. There’s also the walled garden at Ashburnham Place, just round the corner, where they grow fruit and veg in no dig beds.
Head into Hastings to experience the Jack in the Green celebrations on Bank Holiday Monday
Cost: £495
Email us to book. A non-refundable 30% deposit is required to secure your place, with the rest of the balance due 6 weeks before the retreat start date.
To note:
Each cabin sleeps 2 (double bed), let us know if you would like to share with a friend or partner and we can offer a reduced rate
This retreat requires transport. Let us know if you think this could be an issue and we’ll do our best to arrange lifts