If you are interested in visiting our Craft Centre, for the preparation of reports, or any other journalistic project, please contact us. We have lots of interesting information about the company, the production of organic products, as well as print-quality photos, and other information.
This section also contains basic information about the brand Botanicus.

Contact for journalists: Petra Novotná, novotna@botanicus.cz, tel.: 325 551 235.

Basic information about the brand Botanicus
How is your company different from other companies producing natural cosmetics?
Botanicus is unique in that the company is a closed cycle: grower - manufacturer – seller, all within the same company. This cycle is "figuratively" expressed by the three Latin words in the company name: HORTUS (gardens) - APOTHICUS (pharmacy - production) - BOTANICUS (name of shops). Growing plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables in our own gardens is the basis for the production of extracts and oils. The extracts are made from fresh herbs, not dried (as is the case in most cosmetic products of other companies). The close proximity of the garden and manufacturing facility provides immediate processing of natural raw materials. All these raw materials that come from our gardens, are classified as organic.
This certified material we use not only as ingredients for cosmetics but also in Botanicus food products such as marmalade, cordials, chutney, etc. The whole range of our products is produced in small batches to conserve their natural characteristics. The production of cosmetic products and food takes place in manufacturing facilities that meet strict hygiene standards, with the majority of products being hand made. Modern technology is employed, where necessary, to meet and exceed global standards and requirements but traditional values are at the core of everything we produce and Botanicus cosmetics contain the highest possible quantity of plant material. The whole range of products can be purchased in Botanicus or franchised shops in the Czech Republic and other countries.

What is the difference between conventional farming and organic farming?
Conventional farming has developed into an industrial/chemical industry which cares little for its impact on the environment, or the poisons which are spread on and left in the soil. The organic farming movement, however, works in harmony with nature, putting goodness back into the land, and never using artificial fertilzers or pesticides.
Organic farming must meet certain criteria, which are controlled by specialized agencies.
These are basic principles, such as:

In orchards and vineyards there must be vegetation cover, which can be combined with covering arable land. Mulch tilling the soil in a friendly manner, with a view to improving soil physical properties, fertility and anti-erosion activity. The use of only fertilizers, soil conditioners, supplementary plant preparations and substrates allowed for organic agriculture.

• The use of organic seeds and seedlings, or in exceptional cases, untreated conventional seeds, 
• The use of only natural products, processes or plant protection products approved for organic agriculture in the implementing regulation, 
• Crop rotation contributes to the reduction of the population density of weeds, disease and pests of plants. 
• The cultivation of plants to maintain a balanced crop rotation, aimed at maintaining and improving soil fertility and organic matter content in the soil, providing nutrients for plant growth and minimize the loss of nutrients, 
• Farmyard manure, which is not originaly from an organic farm must be composted or fermented. 
• Never to use livestock manure originating from poultry cage systems and systems in which farm animals are permanently housed on slatted stalls. 
• Never to use sewage sludge and waste water from their own organic farm, cultivation and storage of materials shall not use any chemicals, or only those that are allowed for organic farming.

On the basis of meeting all the criteria above a certificate will be awarded for crops that are either sold as fruit, vegetables or herbs, or become the basic raw materials in the production of organic-foods labeled organic stamp.

Where do you sell your products?
Botanicus products can be found in our own BOTANICUS shops, or franchised outlets, in the Czech Republic and also in other countries. A specific feature of the company's business is the BOTANICUS shop in Ostra near Lysa nad Labem. This shop offers a range of our cosmetics and food, as well as seasonal fruit and vegetables from our organic gardens.

What products do you focus on?
Our principle product range is natural cosmetics and food products from our own gardens. A complementary range is dried plants, candles, handmade paper, etc. Our goal for cosmetic products is to achieve the highest proportion of natural ingredients including extracts, essential oils and other similar materials.
Wherever possible, we try to produce products without preservatives. One of the first of these is a range of shea butter masks from the Dead Sea, and a range of organic soaps. This is the direction we want to take in the coming years.
The majority of raw materials for the preparation of food that we produce is grown in our gardens. They are processed and manufactured in small batches, mostly by hand, so genuinely can be called "HAND MADE".

Botanicus includes the Craft Centre and Gardens. What was the reason for its construction?
The Craft Centre and gardens blend together. The reason was not only to build gardens for growing plants and herbs for the production and further processing, but also for the benefit of Craft Centre visitors through interest, knowledge and relaxation. People can just walk or use the extensive garden space to explore the botanical species of trees and herbs. It also includes vegetable and fruit gardens.
The Craft Centre was established as an idea to show not only the forgotten crafts, but also the importance of natural materials in the production of ordinary things that surround us in daily life. Therefore, apart from demonstrations, visitors can try many crafts themselves. These activities are always hugely popular with the many school visits we welcome.

The World of Botanicus is the World of Plants. Nature, plants and especially trees, all have their own long-term development and will mature in their own time. Both Botanicus and the gardens are intended for future generations as well as our own.