Architecture practice, WilkinsonEyre, was looking for a new gardener to provide some post-lockdown TLC to their office plants. During the COVID-19 lockdowns in London, the WilkinsonEyre team was working from home and the office remained closed. As a result, many of the interior and exterior plants had either died, or gotten overgrown and full of pests.

WilkinsonEyre’s London office has both a breakout area with lush jungle planting, and a terrace lined with herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses, providing staff with areas to collaborate and eat together. WilkinsonEyre as an architecture practice recognises that access to green space and biophilic design are key for workplace wellbeing. In fact, WilkinsonEyre counts the Royal Horticultural Society in its membership.

Once the office was gradually reopened, it was recognised that the plants could do with a haircut and a good, long drink. Potwell was called in to prune back both the interior and exterior plants, manage pests and provide general maintenance. The result made both the terrace and café area enjoyable to be in again, and renewed interest in these spaces by bringing indoors fresh herb cuttings for staff to take home. In fact, Sydney’s University of Technology published findings demonstrate significant stress reduction in workers when they had plants in their workplace. Plus, well, they look nice!

WilkinsonEyre also hosts an annual Wellness Week, where colleagues can participate in the likes of nutrition workshops and meditation sessions. Potwell provided a “Windowbox Wellbeing” session, showing attendees how to pot up and take care of their own winter veg and herbs.

In future, Potwell will introduce new plants, including more edibles and plants that promote wellbeing and support pollinators.