As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, winter may seem like a time to hibernate.

But for those passionate about plants, the cold season offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the world of botanicals. Scotland, with its lush landscapes and rich horticultural history, is home to a variety of workshops that embrace the beauty of nature even in the frostiest months.

I’ve scoured the internet and found you the 7 best botanical-inspired winter workshops* available this side of Christmas. At the time of writing, all classes have places available and can be booked via the links in each description. I’ve found you everything from classic wreath-making to botanical cocktail-making to get you into the festive spirit! 🌲

*all workshops were selected by myself, Rachael Hunter and are of my opinion alone. I do not earn any affiliate commission.

23rd November | Christmas Makerie: Dried Festive Wreath Workshop with Fìor & The Barn Arts

Using beautiful, dried materials, learn how to design and create a contemporary yet natural piece. Receive a step-by-step guide on design, techniques and sustainable methods. You will be provided with all the materials you need, including beautiful British-grown weaved willow bases and natural accessories, to create your unique piece. Add a seasonal statement to your home by creating your everlasting festive wreath.

Emily is a seasonal florist based in Aberdeenshire who practices sustainable and foam-free techniques. With over a decade of experience, her creativity is inspired by the Scottish landscape, leading her to explore and forage, uncovering the natural beauty she harnesses in all her floral designs. Meaning ‘true’ or ‘real’ in Scottish Gaelic, FÌOR is sustainable, natural, wild and real. All flowers and foliage are responsibly sourced and, where possible, seasonal and locally grown.

£65pp | 📍 Banchory, Aberdeenshire

Visit The Barn Arts for more information or to book

1st December | Winter Embroidery with Kirstie Campbell Creative & Scottish Craft School

Using a variety of hand stitches and high-quality threads and fabrics, you will spend a meditative day making hand-embroidered pendants and /or hanging decorations inspired by winter flora, fungi and images from nature. You will be provided with lots of small designs for you to choose from and customise, and Kirstie will also be on hand with her creative design skills to help you create your bespoke design. There will be a variety of small frame sizes and shapes to choose from, and you can customise your creation with a selection of different jewellery chains or ribbons so it is ready to wear or gift!

There will be a selection of gorgeous linens and naturally dyed embroidery silks and wools for you to use, and you are also welcome to bring along small pieces of fabric from your stashes to use up – please note if doing so, a light or mid-weight fabric works best!

This hand-embroidery workshop is a great way for complete beginners to engage in mindful stitching. Whether you’re new to embroidery or a more advanced stitcher, all are welcome to learn, re-learn or discover new stitches and techniques.

£85pp | 📍 Dunblane, Stirlingshire

Visit the Scottish Craft School for more information or to book

1st December | Christmas Wreath Workshop with Fìor & Glen Tanar

Unleash your creativity by joining Emily from Fior for a magical Christmas Wreath Workshop. Create your very own festive masterpiece, perfect for hanging on your door or gifting to a loved one.

Join Emily of Fior for a festive workshop in the Coats Room at Glen Tanar, crafting the perfect Christmas wreath to adorn your door this holiday season.

£60pp | 📍 Aboyne, Aberdeenshire

Visit Glen Tanar for more information or to book

5th December | Christmas Wild Cocktail Workshop with Highland Boundry & Bowhouse

Enjoy an afternoon with Highland Boundary, which includes a short foraging walk, exploring and identifying different edible plants, and then cocktail/mocktail mixing and tasting.

You will learn Festive Cocktail/Mocktail ideas and garnishes, focusing on warm cocktails for cold nights.

Over 18’s only. Safe transport home is required (you will not be able to drive if you are drinking cocktails, so please arrange a taxi, lift or ensure you have a designated driver who is making mocktails only.)

£55pp | 📍Anstruther, Fife

Visit Bowhouse for more information or to book

7th December | Botanical Skincare Christmas Workshop at Bowhouse

If you are thinking of making your own Christmas presents or you would like to enjoy an afternoon of self-care and well-being, then come along to this Sustainable Living Workshop and LEARN how to make four natural, plant-based botanical skincare products.

Using natural salts, plant oils and organic teas with forest scents & winter botanicals, you will make ~

Floral Bath Bombs – using salts, organic oils and petals, make and mould natural bath bombs.
Salt Soak – layer sea salts and Epsom salts with winter botanicals.
Botanical Lotion – using aloe Vera and plant oils, make a lotion which naturally cleanses & hydrates.
Face Mask – use organic teas and clays to make mini face masks which detox & refresh.

You’ll also learn how to sustainably gift wrap them for Christmas using vintage botanical prints, organic twine and fresh foliage.

£50pp | 📍 Anstruther, Fife

Visit Bowhouse for more information or to book

7th December | Christmas Maker: Botanical Gift Wrap with Aymee Charlton & The Barn Arts

Textile artist Aymee Charlton will guide participants on how to use easily accessible botanical colours to create beautiful, dyed silk ribbons and cotton fabric for the upcoming gift-giving season. Participants will experiment with various botanicals to see how they interact with silk and cotton. Then, create beautiful prints alongside leaf printing. Once the fabrics are set and dry, you will be introduced to traditional Japanese wrapping, known as Furoshiki, using our newly decorated fabric and ribbon.

Aymee is a textile artist from Aberdeen and a Gray's School of Art alumna. She enjoys working with botanicals to apply print and pattern on silk and other natural materials. Her art practice embodies the idea of ‘care’ in both artwork and products created.

£55pp | 📍 Banchory, Aberdeenshire

Visit The Barn Arts for more information or to book

11th December | Herbal Winter Wonder with The Honeybee Sanctuary

Take some peaceful and creative time-out in this pop-up exhibition space to enjoy the bespoke installation by Eilidh Muldoon. I’ll be adding to the programme of creative and reflective offerings; the same workshop is offered on two dates:

Wednesday 11th December, 7 - 8:30pm;
Sunday 19th January, 10:30am - 12:00 noon.

Together, you'll explore locally growing seasonal herbs which can be used to support peace and reflection at this time of year.

I will introduce you to a wild & native herbal tea blend which supports the central nervous system,
We'll make a warming herb-infused massage oil to support circulation to the peripheries - fingers & toes!
Craft a herbal beeswax candle to bring a little light into these darker months.

The workshop is about inspiring a connection with nature through plants with purpose.

The ticket price includes a 25% contribution towards the Scottish Seabird Centre’s environmental and conversation work, and you can read more about this here.

£25pp | 📍 North Berwick, East Lothian

Visit The Honeybee Sanctuary for more information or to book

7 of the Best Botanical-Inspired Winter Workshops