January has always been a month of gentle living for me. It’s when the doors of Botanical HQ and the workshop close.
The fire is lit at home, and I allow myself to slow right down. Days become about resting, reading, eating whatever I want, and restoring my energy — usually with two dachshunds permanently curled up by me.
It’s a time for comfort, quiet reflection, and regrouping, and this January has been no different.
Although we’ve been a little quieter on social media, there’s been plenty happening behind the scenes at Botanical HQ and from home.
I’m absolutely delighted to introduce a new member of our team. From the 1st of February, Chloe will be taking over the Botanicals Instagram account, ensuring it’s nurtured and cared for in all the ways it needs (and all the ways I’ll happily admit I don’t fully understand!). I’m really excited to see what she brings to that space.
Nikki, as ever, continues her brilliant work looking after workshops and events — managing Eventbrite, newsletters, and processing our workshop review cards. After Christmas, she was handed a basket overflowing with hundreds of reviews from guests wanting to join our newsletter list. Reading through these cards has been genuinely heart-warming, and a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do.
And then there’s Jack — bless him — who keeps everything ticking along, answers my endless tech questions, and makes sure our blogs go out on time. I feel incredibly grateful to have such a supportive, talented, and loyal team around me.
Creativity has also been gently stirring again. A small bridal party in December reignited my floral wedding itch, and I’ve since held a couple of wedding consultations for 2026 — a lovely way to ease back into that world.
January also brought a much-needed workshop tidy-up. All of my silk flowers are now out of boxes and on display, which has made a huge difference to my clarity and creativity when designing.
Very soon, Nikki and I will be planning our Mother’s Day, Easter and other workshops. This year, there will be more options than just wreaths, with new designs and alternatives available.
The workshop can also be hired for private sessions for groups of six to ten — perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or relaxed creative get-togethers. Gift vouchers and wreaths in a box will also be a bigger focus this year.
As we say goodbye to the Year of the Snake — a year of reflection, shedding, and quiet growth — we step into the Year of the Horse, bringing movement, creativity, confidence, and momentum. It feels like the perfect energy for 2026.
January is a time to rest, recoup, and gently see what the new year might bring. I hope it’s doing all of that for you too.
Sending love, gratitude for the year that’s passed, and hopeful, creative wishes for 2026 — from all of us at Botanicals 🌿