When award-winning florist Joanna Whitaker helped transform a hospitality box at Royal Ascot into a spectacular floral display, her work received royal approval.

“When Queen Camilla heard about the colourful floral decorations, she asked to see the box and said it looked wonderful,” Joanna recalls proudly.

It has been a memorable year for the London-based florist and mother of three, who also received her second award from the Worshipful Company of Gardeners earlier this year for the floral arrangements she created for insurer Howden’s reception.

On Saturday, 27 June 2026, Joanna returns to Madeira for a special floral arrangement workshop at Casa Velha do Palheiro, where participants will have the opportunity to learn some of the techniques behind her craft and create their own nature-inspired floral arrangement using flowers and foliage from the Palheiro Nature Estate.

Joanna, who has a deep affection for Madeira’s flora and has been visiting the island for more than 25 years, strives to work with seasonal flowers and foliage whenever possible, creating arrangements in a natural, relaxed, and country-garden style.

In addition to her work at world-renowned events such as Royal Ascot and the Guineas Festival at Newmarket Races, Joanna has helped transform major music festivals and prestigious venues in London, including the Guildhall, Spencer House, and the V&A Museum, as well as castles, hotels, and private estates throughout the United Kingdom. Outside the UK, she has also been invited to decorate the National Gallery of Denmark in Copenhagen.

“I am delighted to be returning to a place I love so much and to have the opportunity to share some of the techniques I use in my profession,” says Joanna.

The workshop will begin at 9:45 a.m. with a welcome session and herbal teas at the Pavilion, followed by an introduction to flowers, tools, and techniques. Participants will then enjoy a guided walk through the gardens and trails of the Palheiro Nature Estate to identify flowers and foliage for use in their arrangements, before taking part in a practical session featuring a live demonstration by Joanna Whitaker and personalised guidance while creating their own floral designs.

The event includes a welcome herbal tea, coffee break, tea/coffee, and the opportunity for each participant to take home their own floral arrangement.

Event Details

Event: Floral Arrangement Workshop with Joanna Whitaker
Date: Saturday, 27 June 2026
Venue: Casa Velha do Palheiro, Madeira
Time: 9:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Price: €85 per person

Includes: Welcome herbal tea, coffee break, tea/coffee, and your own floral arrangement to take home.

Bookings: +351 291 790 350 | sales.pne@palheiroestate.com