Wood Flower Florists Retreat 2026
April 23-26, 2026
This year, we’re approaching the Wood Flower Florists Conference & Retreat a little differently.
Over the years, many of you have asked about virtual options, and in 2026 we hope to incorporating new ways to learn and connect online. At the same time, we know that one of the most meaningful parts of WFFC&R has always been being together in person so we can share space, have honest conversations about work and life, and connect in ways that just don’t happen on a screen.
Because of that, we’re hosting an in-person retreat that’s intentionally more relaxed and grassroots in nature.
Retreat Overview
This is not a heavily programmed or polished event. Instead, we’re envisioning a casual gathering centered on connection, camaraderie, and community. Time to talk, to listen, to laugh, and to be together. There will be opportunities for optional, lightly guided conversations and discussions around shared topics or challenges. We’re also imagining space for creating together so bring along extra supplies, odds and ends, and to simply enjoy the process of making for the sake of making.
Venue
Gina's Happy Place
Fortescue, New Jersey
Gina Zeck of Creative Twists has graciously invited us to her seashore retreat!
Fortescue, New Jersey
The building blocks of this year’s retreat came together quickly in a very organic way while chatting during Wood Flower Happy Hour. What started as a casual conversation quickly turned into something more, and Gina generously offered her Jersey seaside retreat as the home for the Wood Flower Florists Retreat 2026.
This little piece of paradise has been in Gina’s family for generations, filled with rich memories of summers spent there during her childhood. After the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy, the family’s vacation retreat was lovingly rebuilt in 2016, ready for a new chapter of memory making.
Gina continues the tradition set by her parents by opening her Happy Place to friends and extended family, inviting others to experience the charm of Fortescue for themselves.
​
!!PLEASE NOTE!!
Fortescue is a small seaside town. There are very few stores, restaurants, shops close by.
What's Included
Opportunities for Creating & Convos
Experience without Expectations
Participate in the activities that resonate with you
Space:
Inside & Outside
Indoor/Outdoor creating areas
Quiet space to read or think
Parking
Food:
2 Meals & Snacks
Lunch & Dinner on Saturday
Light snacks and soft drinks
Water
FAQs
What is the space like where we will be hanging out? There will be plenty of space for us to sit back, relax and enjoy time with our Wood Flower Friends! There is a large open lot next to Gina's house, right on the water, where we can set up tables and chairs, a tent, etc. to enjoy the outdoors/craft. If weather does not permit, Gina has a large garage and covered deck area, where we can set up tables. Also, the Airbnb next-door to her home, has a large living room, as well as a large table in the dining room, where we can share meals, play games, etc.! There are also 2 piers on the properties, that we are welcome to use to relax, go fishing, have morning coffee. The world is our oyster! Gina also has a solo stove fire pit, that if wind permitting, can be used to make some s’mores!
How are meals NOT included being handled? More to come on this. You are welcome to do your own thing, or you can coordinate other meals with your house mates.
Do I have to participate in everything? Short Answer: No Long Answer: We would love you to! But this is YOUR retreat weekend! If you want to steal away to talk with your wood flower friends you never see IRL, go ahead! If you want to mess around with your airbrush with people, have at it! If your sleepy and your body wants rest, take a nap! If you want to read some of that business book you NEVER make time for, do it! The expectation of you is that your honor yourself in participating in what feels right for you!
What's the deal with dinner on Saturday night? Located about 10 houses away, is the charming restaurant on the island, called The Charlesworth. This one of a kind, hundred year-old landmark with a beautiful waterfront view of the Delaware Bay and breathtaking sunsets. It brings people in from all over the East Coast! The owner Syboll, is one of Gina's best friends of over 40 years, as they grew up together in Fortescue. A prefixed menu will be offered for $40pp. More details on this are coming! This meal is INCLUDED in Retreat Registration and Sola Bros registration. Here's to a great meal & making great memories, with our Wood Flower Friends! https://www.charlesworthrestaurant.com/
Places to Stay
New Jersey Ave in Fortescue New Jersey will be the main hub of the retreat fun!
Fortescue is a little beach town, located on the Delaware Bay. Most of the accommodations in the area are rental houses, cottages, or efficiencies.
In an effort to make sure some accommodations were available, Stacy booked a few houses through VRBO.
Please consult the spreadsheet linked HERE for links to the houses, pictures, and a breakdown of the bedrooms available at each house.
​
How to Reserve a Bedroom
1) Register for the retreat to "Save your Seat".
2) Comment on the bedroom you would like on the Google Sheet.
3) Rooms will be confirmed in the order that registrations are received.
​
!!IMPORTANT!! Any empty houses will be released on April 9th. NO EXCEPTIONS.
What if I want to stay some where else?
No worries at all! The roommate thing isn't for everybody! Just come to Gina's for the activities during the day!
Does registration INCLUDE accomodations?
No. Accommodations are completely separate from registering for the retreat. This gives attendees the flexibility of staying where they want.
How do I put a house reservation in my name?
If one of the houses that Stacy booked is a good fit for you, you can make a comment on the spread sheet and email her at Admin@WoodFlowerFlorists.org.
Stacy will coordinate with you and VRBO to move the reservation into your name.
What airports are the closest?
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY): 40-50 miles
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): 50-60 miles
Light
Itinerary
This will likely change and evolve as the weekend approaches.
Thursday April 23rd, 2026
Some flower friends start coming into town.
Friday April 24th, 2026
More flower friends arrive!
Welcome In. Get Settled.
Play games. Catch up.
Saturday April 25th, 2026
Sunday April 26th, 2026
Prep houses for check out.
Pack up.
Good bye for now and see you soon!
Partners
The Sola Bros
Bring your partner along to the 2026 WFFR! Lovingly referred to as the Sola Bros, our partners can enjoy their own activities during the day while we dive into shop talk and creativity. In the evenings, they get to join in the fun, hang out, and meet your flower friends! It's the perfect way to share this amazing experience!
Registration is Open
Space is Limited
Save your Seat
for the Weekend