Fox Botanics

We had such a lovely festive evening warmly hosted by Helen. She took the time to explain everything we needed to do to make the wreaths, described the materials available and remained on hand to advise and support throughout the evening. We even got some festive fizz and treats too!

Visiting Fox Botanics for the first time was overwhelming! There were so many gorgeous plants to choose from, and the setup was just beautiful. Very helpful that the plants are set up in the best area for them ie the bathroom is full of plants suited to humid conditions, the living room was split with plants that need bright light and those that can tolerate shade and so on. Helen is on hand to answer any and all questions, not just about her plants but your plants at home, too. (For more hands-on help, she offers repotting and plant hospital services). I came away with both small and large plants and would definitely visit another open day in the future.

Helen was welcoming and very informative throughout. The workshop was brilliant fun and it was lovely to see such different looking wreaths come from everyone since we all had access to the same things to work from! The fact that everything came from Helen's own garden was lovely and the kitchen smelt absolutely amazing with all the festive foliage. I've had plenty compliments about my beautiful wreath and loved the workshop!

Had a lovely afternoon looking around all the plants, succulents and paraphernalia. The team running the pop up were super helpful and chatty, and the venue was a stunning townhouse just by Queens Park. If you can make it tomorrow (4 Feb, 2024) order online ☺️

Unfortunately what you see is NOT what you get! The plant looked absolutely stunning in the pictures and I went ahead and bought it thinking that since it's the only plant and it's a smaller business/ shop it will be exactly what I saw in the pictures. I was very wrong indeed. The website is quite misleading as it leads you to believe that the owner has a love of plants and you'll be getting superior quality and are paying a little extra for the priviledge. Makes you believe that each plant is cared for more thoroughly and better knowledge than any plant at a big retailer. Sadly the quality just doesn't seem to be there and the plants are advertised as large but come quite a bit smaller than you would expect. When I went to pick it up I was given the plant all wrapped up in brown paper at the entrance (which Helen claims was to protect the plant). What a mistake not to unwrap and look there and then! It came with bugs and eggs in the soil. (Very poor for someone who advertises workshops on their website.) The plant was in a relatively poor condition and very sparse compared to the pictures! All of the leaves are damaged and some have holes presumably eaten out by the bugs that were on the plant. Absolutely disappointing experience and would definitely not recommend. There are better plants to be had at Lidl! Edit: Fungus gnats(?) hatched and had a party in my house within days of bringing the plant home. Unfortunately it has spread to two other plants that were within close contact of this plant soon after I brought it home and before I'd realised the plant had an infestation. Unfortunately as I was away for a few days I came back to quite a situation. I have sent an email back to Helen at Fox botanics but I'm yet to hear anything. Extremely disappointed because apart from the money I paid for her plant I will probably lose another two plants which were doing okay before they came into contact with the Calathea Orbifolia from Fox Botanics. Lesson definitely learnt. And yes I know these plants fold up at night that's one of the reasons I wanted a Calathea to begin with. My plant hardly did the expected folding up at night but instead the leaves started curling down and looked like they began wilting. Then more signs of the plant being eaten by something appeared and I started seeing random bugs happily going about their business on and near the plant.

Turning my attention to the New Year and thinking about getting some new plants, decided to take a look at Fox Botanicals again having had several from Helen in the past. Felt bad I hadn't reviewed for those so making up for it with this in-advance one! Helen's plant knowledge is inspiring and I will be getting over to her when she is open again in January. My Prayer Plant, bought almost exactly a year ago, is looking very lovely today, so think I'll get another one plus something for my north facing, chilly living room. Sad I missed the Open Day!

Love my brand new monstera thai constellation. No better place plant's in general. Also highly recommend the terrarium workshop

Helen led a really excellent workshop on indoor plant care that I found really helpful - I will be more confident now to take care of my plants 🪴 and in a friendly setting with her beautiful plants all around. Thank you Helen!