Highlights from the Sunshine Plant Collective
I had the pleasure of taking part in the Sunshine Plant Collective event, filled with good vibes, fellow houseplant lovers, and most excitingly, the very first Leaves and Prickles terrarium workshop. Curious to see how it all unfolded? Let’s dive in...
About Alex: The Visionary Behind Potty MCR
The Sunshine Plant Collective was organised by the brilliant Alex from Potty MCR. It took place on Sunday, 29th March 2026, at the New Cross bar in Central Manchester.
Alex and I first crossed paths as market traders. We initially bonded over our shared love for nature and houseplants, but that quickly grew into a great friendship. From going on long walks to Alex introducing me to the (very chilly!) world of outdoor swimming, we’ve shared some great memories. I’ve even attended a few of his fantastic painting workshops.
Alex is the face of Potty MCR, popping up across Manchester with a stunning selection of houseplants, pots, and his own merch. His plant knowledge is seriously impressive, and his positive energy is just infectious. When he asked me to join his event as a terrarium artist, I didn’t have to think twice. Hosting my first-ever terrarium workshop as part of his event was a "hard yes" from me!
The day featured a sold-out plant swap where Manchester’s houseplant enthusiasts exchanged cuttings and connected over their green passions. There was also a free repotting station sponsored by Soil Ninja, face painting, and plenty of shopping opportunities for new houseplants and handmade terrariums. Alex did an incredible job, and his passion is truly contagious. Be sure to check out the Potty MCR website and connect with Alex on socials!
Website: www.pottymcr.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pottymcr
Instagram: @pottymcr
The First Leaves and Prickles Terrarium Workshop
To say I was excited (and a little bit nervous!) would be a total understatement. However, I was lucky enough to have the most amazing group of people for my debut terrarium workshop. They made the whole experience so much fun.
I wanted to keep the session intimate, with space for just eight people. To my surprise, the tickets sold out in less than three weeks! During the hour-long session, we built unique "light-up" terrariums that illuminate with the press of a button.
Beyond teaching the group how to build and care for a closed terrarium, I wanted everyone to truly connect with nature. I encouraged everyone to get their hands stuck into the soil, explaining the surprising health benefits of working directly with natural elements. The feedback was lovely, with one attendee saying:
“An enjoyable and informative workshop for complete beginners like me. Monika made it fun and was easy to follow. I love my terrarium. Highly recommend it.”
What’s Next?
I’ve since been inundated with requests for the next date! I’ve officially caught the "workshop bug" and am already busy planning more terrarium workshops around Manchester and my hometown of Poynton, and I’ll continue to keep my groups small to ensure everyone gets plenty of 1-on-1 attention and leaves with a terrarium they are proud of.
If you’d like to join me at a future terrarium workshop, keep an eye on my Terrarium Workshops Page or sign up for the Leaves and Prickles newsletter to be the first to hear about new dates!
Monika C - Founder
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