Highlights from RHS Bridgewater Houseplants Event

Taking part in the RHS Bridgewater Houseplants Weekend for the second year in a row was a real pinch-me moment for leaves and prickles. On Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January 2026, I spent the weekend in the main visitors’ building with my ready-made terrariums, surrounded by so much talent and creativity.

I was lucky to be alongside Kathryn from Cactus Parlour, with her beautiful hand-knitted cacti and succulents, and my dear friend Alex from Potty MCR, who brought his lush jungle of houseplants and even hosted a talk on First-time Parenting for Houseplants. The atmosphere was inspiring, friendly, and full of plant lovers, exactly my kind of place.

RHS Garden Bridgewater is the Royal Horticultural Society’s fifth garden, set across 154 acres in the historic grounds of Worsley New Hall in Salford. It’s known for its modern design, strong community focus, and stunning features like the Paradise Garden glasshouses and the Chinese Streamside. It’s also one of my favourite places to visit, so being part of one of their events honestly felt surreal. It was a very special moment for my small business, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.

This weekend was also special for another reason. It marked the end of an era for my handmade terrarium candles. Leaves and prickles began with terrarium candles, and in 2025, I finally introduced terrarium kits and plants, something I had dreamed of doing for a long time. I’m a true nature lover, and working with plants and natural materials brings me so much joy. As my terrarium kits and plants have grown, I made the difficult decision to stop producing candles and fully focus on what lights me up creatively.

I never expected what happened next: I sold out of every single remaining candle. I didn’t bring a single one home. It truly felt like the perfect, full-circle moment, a clear and beautiful end to one chapter of leaves and prickles.

I’m so grateful for this experience, and I’m already hoping to be back again next year.

Monika C - Founder