To mark the first day of spring (Thursday 20 March) and celebrate 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow, Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the season in full bloom and unveiling over 1,600 new gardening products; its largest ever spring gardening range.
More than 100 varieties of colourful spring bedding plants are now available to shop in Dobbies stores, including primroses, pansies, violas senetti and marguerites, along with around 20 new lawncare products, 300 new seed varieties and 72 new landscaping products. The garden centre is also adding 40 gardening tools, 22 composts and 22 garden power tools to its offering to cater to customers’ garden living needs.
With some favourable weather across the UK, Dobbies is seeing a strong start to the season, with demand for gardening products on the rise compared to this time last year. Lawncare is on gardeners’ minds, with Dobbies reporting a significant surge in lawn mower sales as customers begin the new gardening season.
Across March so far, Dobbies has also seen sales grow by over 50% across many plants, bulbs, seeds and gardening product categories, in comparison to last year.
Speaking about the new spring launch, Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton said: “We’re excited to be unveiling our largest ever range of spring products to help gardeners get set for spring and inspire them to enjoy the benefits of garden living.
“Whether you’re looking to improve your lawn, plant for colour, or invest in new tools, Dobbies is a one-stop-shop for all your gardening needs, and the helpful Green Team will be on-hand to help you find the right product for your garden.
“The early demand for gardening products shows that people are excited to spend time in their outdoor spaces this spring, and we can’t wait to help them grow!”
To explore Dobbies’ new spring products, or to find your local Dobbies store, visit: www.dobbies.com.
Schools, charities and local groups invited to apply to Dobbies Community Gardens
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for Dobbies Community Gardens, offering local schools, charities and community groups in Edinburgh the opportunity to receive support for their green spaces.
The garden centre is inviting groups to get in touch with information about the indoor or outdoor green space they are looking to transform, restore or start, and what they would be looking to do with Dobbies’ support.
Dobbies is passionate about giving back to the community, and in the last year has supported more than 350 local groups through its local initiatives.
Successful groups will get the Edinburgh store’s help through product, tools and plant donations to help bring this community space to life and keep it blooming throughout the year. Dobbies’ Green Team will also offer volunteer hours to support each project.
Dobbies’ Operations Director, Nick Anderson, is encouraging groups in Edinburgh to apply. He said: “There are so many fantastic local groups near our Edinburgh store and Dobbies Community Gardens gives us the opportunity to give something back.
“We want to hear from all types of groups, whether it’s a school looking to build a sensory garden, a charity group trying to expand their fruit and vegetable growing project or a community group looking to rejuvenate an unused space.
“Our store colleagues are looking forward to hearing from local groups who would benefit from their support this year. We’re always looking to inspire the next generation of gardeners or offer a helping hand to those groups looking to freshen up their communal garden areas.”
Laura Joyce from Newtongrange Community Garden, which aims to help local community members who might be suffering from food poverty and give those experiencing social isolation a place to come together, received support last year and strongly encourages anyone who has a green project to get involved.
She said: “The support from Dobbies last year was invaluable to our community garden. With the product donations and gardening expertise we’ve managed to expand the garden with accessible beds, making it an inclusive space for anyone looking to grow fresh fruits and vegetables.
“The application process couldn’t have been easier, and it’s given us the boost we needed.”
Applications are now open. Those entering must be within 20 miles of a Dobbies’ Edinburgh store.
All nominated projects will be invited along to the Edinburgh store for the free-to-attend Grow How session on Saturday 3 May, 10:30am, where one winning project per store will be announced.
Garden Centre announces new National Charity Partner
Dobbies appoints new National Charity Partner as the garden centre chain celebrates 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow
Dobbies and Alzheimer’s Research UK will work together to highlighting the benefits of garden living to support brain health, and to raising funds for a cure for dementia
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is pledging to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK as the garden centre announces its brand-new National Charity Partner today (Tuesday 18 February). This announcement comes as the retailer marks 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer[1] and right now, almost one million people in the UK are living with it, putting precious memories and lives at risk. This partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK will see Dobbies highlight the benefits of garden living for brain health, and through colleague and customer activity raise vital funds to support research to help find a cure for dementia.
This new partnership follows on from a successful national appeal made by Dobbies to charities across the UK. The partnership will launch from March 2025 with a year-round programme to educate on the impact of dementia and encourage donations that will fund research.
Dobbies Garden Centres’ CEO, David Robinson said: “When we were looking for a new charity partner that would be the right fit for us, and resonate with our customers, Alzheimer’s Research UK stood out as an ideal choice.
“As well as fundraising to help research into a cure for dementia, our aim through this partnership is to inspire people to keep their brains healthy. Gardening can really help this through stimulating both body and mind, and staying connected with other people is also very important.
“In our Edinburgh store we have everything needed to help people garden, and through our restaurant and events we also help bring people together.
“As we celebrate 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow, we’re really proud to be embarking on this important new partnership.”
Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, Hilary Evans-Newton, said: “Alzheimer’s Research UK is incredibly excited to join forces with Dobbies. Brains are like gardens, when well-tended and looked after, they can flourish.
“We’ll work together with Dobbies to inspire their community to protect their brain health through activities like gardening, while raising vital funds for a cure for dementia.
“If nothing changes, one in two of us[2] will be directly affected by dementia – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. Alzheimer’s Research UK exists to change this. With Dobbies standing with us, we will speed up our progress and end the heartbreak dementia causes sooner.”
For more information about the partnership with Dobbies Garden Centres and Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit | Dobbies Garden Centres.
Dobbies Garden Centres is encouraging paw-rents to show their pooches some love this Valentine’s Day at its brand-new dog event at its Edinburgh store that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
Renowned for its love of dogs, Dobbies is hosting this event from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 February, giving customers a great opportunity to take a paw-fect digital picture against the Valentine’s backdrop to treasure for years to come. Dogs will snuffle around the store in a sniff-ari trail, with a gift bag reward at the end featuring a Valentine’s dog toy, dog treats and money off vouchers.
Customers at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will be able to share the love and add a donation while booking the event, helping with Dogs Trust’s mission of caring for, rehabilitating, and rehoming thousands of dogs every year.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is looking forward to welcoming a variety of dog breeds to the event, supporting a wonderful cause. She said: “This is the first in our series of experiences for dogs at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this year and we’re excited to see every customer (paws included) enjoy all the fun that can be had at the My Paw-fect Valentine event.
“Share the love with your pooch, create a memorable moment and support Dogs Trust who are doing remarkable work for dogs in need.”
Well behaved dogs on a lead are warmly welcomed at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and in a dedicated area of the restaurant. Explore the fantastic range of pet products at Dobbies, with everything from healthy treats and dog attire to terrific toys.
Customers can take part in Dobbies’ monthly social media competition, Dogs at Dobbies, by posting a picture and using the hashtag #dogsatdobbies to be in a chance of winning a gift voucher.
Dobbies’ Paw-fect Valentine event at the Edinburgh store is priced at £12.50 per pooch.
For more information about the event and participating stores, visit www.dobbies.com/events.
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its Edinburgh store
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Edinburgh store this January.
Centered around houseplants, these sessions are open to people of all ages, from children to all levels of skill – whether an expert, a beginner, or for someone starting out a New Year hobby.
Dobbies’ popular Grow How workshop series will take place on Saturday 4 January, and Wednesday 8 January at 10:30am and 3:30pm, and then every Wednesday during the month at 10.30am and 3.30pm, and will focus on caring for houseplants.
January is the perfect time to put houseplants centre stage to help fill the empty spaces left when the Christmas tree and decorations come down, with the session covering different varieties of houseplants and advice and tips on their care.
Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club is designed for children aged 3-10 years old and will take place during the morning on Sunday 5 January at the Edinburgh store.
During the workshop, Dobbies’ colleagues will take passionate young gardeners through time, and across the planet, unveiling the origins of some of the world’s most popular houseplants while taking part in fun and interactive games.
Children will learn how to propagate their own Peace Lily and will take one home at the end of the session. They’ll also learn care tips, such as avoiding overwatering, keeping it out of direct sunlight and using the right amount of liquid fertiliser at the appropriate time based on the season.
Claire Bishop, Dobbies’ Senior Plant Buyer, is eager to showcase just how easy houseplants are to care for and the joy they can bring to the home. She said: “Your home deserves to look beautiful all year round, and these free workshops are designed to offer advice on choosing and caring for the perfect houseplant to complement their space.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for people getting started, offering a simple and accessible way to embrace caring for houseplants as a hobby. January is the perfect time, when it is cold outside, to enjoy the many benefits that houseplants can bring to your home.”
Quarter variant flies off the shelves with Edinburgh residents
Dobbies Edinburgh has introduced a new ‘Bakery to Go’ offering for local customers, just in time for the festive rush.
The new range, which is freshly baked in-store by the expert in-house team, offers a premium selection of cakes ideal for festive hosting and gifting.
Housed in convenient to-go boxes, Dobbies is offering a curated range featuring coffee and walnut; chocolate; lemon; and the classic Victoria sponge. However, since landing in the store, it is the quarter variant, which offers all four cake varieties in one, which has proven a huge hit with customers.
Customers can pick up a box from £8.99 for a single flavour or £9.99 for a mixed variant – perfect for sharing around the Christmas table, treating the family during the festive season, or gifting a sweet surprise to loved ones.
Amy Siergiejew, Head of General Merchandise at Dobbies Garden Centre, said: “We are really excited to introduce ‘Bakery to Go’ as part of our ongoing efforts to elevate the customer experience in Edinburgh.
“This offering delivers the exceptional quality and attention to detail that Dobbies is known for, in a format that suits the busy lifestyles of our customers.
“Combining the quality and freshness our customers expect, with the added convenience of a grab-and-go format, this reflects our commitment to delivering the best possible products for our customers – and our freshly baked cakes are ideal for the festive period.”
Now available at the Edinburgh and 16 stores across the UK.
50,000 sustainably British grown, quality trees land in garden centres across the UK
Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at Edinburgh and other stores across the UK now.
With a wide selection of 1-9ft trees to choose from, including pot-grown and freshly cut varieties, customers will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding their perfect real Christmas tree, and can take one home for as little as £20.
Dobbies’ pot-grown range includes the Nordmann Fir, Blue Spruce, Serbian Spruce, Noble Fir and Norway Spruce. Freshly cut trees are available in Nordmann Fir and Fraser Fir varieties, with slim options available to suit smaller spaces.
All of Dobbies’ real Christmas trees are sustainably grown in partnership with real tree grower, Needlefresh, in environmentally managed fields across Scotland.
Each tree is grown from specially selected seeds at the Needlefresh farms, taken from hand-picked cones which have been left to dry and nurtured into seedlings.
Specialist pruning techniques are used to create a bushy, uniform shape with emphasis on each individual tree’s features, and the work is done by hand to keep any impact on surrounding wildlife to a minimum.
Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton talks through some tips on what to look out for where choosing your real Christmas tree, and how to keep it looking its best for longer.
Nigel says: “Before you come to Dobbies to pick your real tree, make sure to measure the height, depth and width of your ideal Christmas tree space, and bring a tape measure to the store to double check the dimensions.
“However, don’t worry if your tree is a little too big when you get it home as you can always trim it to fit the space.
“Once you get your tree home, keep it outside in a sheltered area, cut 1 inch off the base of the trunk and stand in a bucket of water until you are ready to bring it indoors – this will help reduce needle drop.
“Once you bring your tree inside, position it in its water holding stand and ensure the water reservoir is topped up on a regular basis to make it last throughout the season. Ideally, you’ll want to position your tree away from any radiators or heat sources as this can cause the needles to dry out faster.”
For more advice, and to explore Dobbies’ range of Christmas trees for 2024, visit www.dobbies.com
Santa Claus will make his arrival at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this Sunday to get the festive events season underway, accompanied by a Scottish pipe band and dance group.
Families and friends are invited to join in the festive fun, meet Santa and create unforgettable Christmas memories at Santa’s Arrival, free-to-attend at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Sunday 24 November.
Children in attendance will have the chance to enjoy Santa’s as he arrives in his own special car, and get excited for the festivities. Adding to the excitement, children can get involved in face painting and glitter tattoos, and enjoy music from a DJ.
In addition to the fun, families can get a head start on their festive shopping with Dobbies’ one-day-only discount voucher available to collect at Santa’s Arrival and redeem that day. Families are encouraged to dress in their favourite festive attire with Christmas jumpers warmly welcomed.
Families can also enjoy Dobbies’ Kids Eat Free offer which runs through the day, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for free with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. This includes kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or a pick ‘n’ mix meal, plus a drink.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also be collaborating with IND!E Pop-Up to host SH Designs, a colourful stationery and gifts company that uses original artwork and pattern designs.
Customers can browse and buy these gorgeous products in-store from Monday 18 November, with the independent wrapping up the collaboration on Thursday 28 November, but set to return in December (Monday 9 – Sunday 15).
Jenna Bavidge, General Manager at Dobbies’ Edinburgh, said: “We’re so excited to welcome families to Santa’s Arrival this year. It’s such a special time, and we’ve worked hard to create an experience full of festive cheer to kick-start the celebrations.
“From Santa’s entrance to the live performances to entertain the crowd, there’s something for everyone in the community to enjoy at the Edinburgh store. We can’t wait to see the joy on the children’s faces as they see Santa arrive.”
Dobbies Garden Centres is getting ready to welcome residents to its Edinburgh store for the annual Christmas Shopping Night in collaboration with National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.
Gather the family and kick off the festivities at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Thursday 21 November with special offers, including £5 off £25 and £10 off £50 to spend on the night, tastings, demonstrations and entertainment, from 5-9pm.
Guests in attendance will be treated to a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival and get to experience Christmas, in every sense.
Those attending can enjoy tucking into freshly-baked Quarter Variant Cakes, that can be purchased for 20% off on the night, tasty condiments from Mrs Bridges, sweet treats from chocolatiers Lindt, and the adults can sample tipples from Secret Garden.
They can also take part in a raffle and get top tips during a live demonstration on how to make your own wreath, as well as the option to book into the restaurant for a special two-course Christmas menu for just £17. There will also be 20% off all Waitrose Christmas food on the night.
The Garden Centre will be unveiling a Christmas tree that has been decorated by Teenage Cancer Trust. There will also be entertainment from Chaplin’s Disco and Aurora who will be playing the flute, and Holy Trinity Handbells will be playing in the outside courtyard area.
Locals can also browse Dobbies’ 2024 festive collections, with a variety of themes and products to suit every taste and budget at a discount.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also be collaborating with IND!E Pop-Up to host SH Designs, a colourful stationery and gifts company that uses original artwork and pattern designs.
Customers can browse and buy these gorgeous products in-store from Monday 18 November, with the independent wrapping up the collaboration on Thursday 28 November, but set to return in December (Monday 9 – Sunday 15).
Matt Hopkins from IND!E said: “We’re thrilled to bring SH Designs, as part of IND!E’s pop-up experience, to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store for their Christmas Shopping Night.
“We want to connect local shoppers with independent retailers, and events like this are a great way to do this.”
Jenna Bavidge, General Manager of Dobbies Edinburgh, is excited to give communities near the Edinburgh store a festive experience. She said: “Our Shopping Night gives locals an opportunity to come together and celebrate the start of the festive season, exploring Christmas in every sense.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us with this event.
“We want to give everyone visiting the Edinburgh store a memorable visit, and we hope everyone enjoys the charity Christmas Shopping Night.
“Guests will also get to support Teenage Cancer Trust with their ticket purchase, a great cause that’s providing life-changing care and support to young people with cancer across the UK.”
Tickets are priced at £1, available at www.dobbies.com and in-store, and all proceeds from ticket sales and additional fundraising on the night will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust.
Garden Centre unveils festive dining for the whole family
This Christmas, Dobbies Garden Centres is serving up a series of festive restaurant experiences at its Edinburgh store. From enjoying a jolly time at Santa’s Breakfast to indulging in a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea or enjoying some seasonal drinks and cakes, customers are in for a treat.
Santa’s Breakfast at the Edinburgh store is packed with plenty of festive fun. Children over three years old can build and name their own festive soft toy stuffed with a little help from Santa and his elves, and those under three will receive a special pre-made teddy to cherish for years to come. With storytelling, festive games, and a chance to meet Santa, it’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season with the little ones.
The whole family will sit down and tuck into a delicious breakfast, with children choosing from either the regular or vegetarian menu, or continental option.
The regular options feature pork sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns and baked beans, accompanied by apple juice, orange juice, or water, while the vegetarian option includes Quorn sausages alongside scrambled eggs, hash browns and baked beans, with the same drink choices available.
The continental option includes a children’s croissant, jam, yoghurt and banana, with the same drink choices available.
Dobbies’ Festive Afternoon Tea, priced at £16 per person or 2 for £25, is the perfect way for couples, friends, and families to spend some quality time together, sharing the joys of the season while treating themselves to three tiers of seasonal delights that’ll make the taste buds go ho ho ho.
Enjoy all the classic elements of a traditional afternoon tea with a festive twist, including freshly prepared finger sandwiches filled with seasonal flavours like turkey and cranberry, brie and grape; and ham and mustard.
Indulge in Dobbies’ famous festive scones served with a thick and creamy Cornish clotted cream and jam, followed by a tempting array of sweet treats, including Christmas pudding loaf, mince pie, tiramisu layer cake and mini macarons, all complemented by unlimited tea or coffee refills.
For the kids, Dobbies offers a Children’s Festive Afternoon Tea for £10 per child, complete with turkey and ham sandwich flowers, a signature scone, carrot and cucumber sticks with dipping cream cheese, a Christmas pudding brownie, elf doughnuts, mini gingerbread men with dipping chocolate, and orange or blackcurrant squash, making it a delightful experience for the entire family.
For just £20 per person or 2 for £32, you can upgrade to a Luxury Afternoon Tea for a special treat over the festive period. This upgrade includes all the classic afternoon tea favourites, with an added touch of indulgence. Enjoy savoury delights such as cheese and tomato quiche and sausage roll, alongside a selection of elevated finger sandwiches, with smoked salmon, lemon mayonnaise and dill; cheddar cheese with green tomato chutney; and ham with rocket and wholegrain mustard.
Customers can also celebrate the most magical time of the year by taking advantage of Dobbies’ Festive lunch offer, with two courses for just £17 per person.
Available from 7 November through to 24 December, you can choose from a Christmas dinner or vegetarian Christmas dinner, followed by a traditional Christmas pudding served with custard, or reindeer cheesecake, baked vanilla flavour cheesecake served with a chocolate pretzel and a smartie nose.
With festive sweet treats including mince pie tart and a festive scone, as well as luxury hot and cold drinks such as gingerbread latte, gingerbread hot chocolate and raspberry lemonade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Adam Veysey, Head of Food Development at Dobbies, is excited to see families spend the festivities at the Edinburgh store. He said: “Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to spend the festive season than together with your family, friends and loved ones over some good food and wholesome activities.
“Our festive restaurant experiences are always popular with customers looking to relax and catch up and we’re excited to showcase this year’s offering. The reindeer cheesecake is a brand-new option this year and the tiramisu layer cake is a must-try. We’ve also extended the Santa’s Breakfast menu with a continental option for children.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone along to the restaurant to try out the new dishes and much-loved Santa’s Breakfast experience.”
Santa’s Breakfast in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store runs from 30 November through to 24 December and is priced from £8.60 per adult, £16.99 for children between 3 to 10 years old, £13.99 for under 3s.
Festive Afternoon Tea is bookable now at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and is priced at £10 per child and £16 per adult, or 2 for £25. Luxury Afternoon Tea is priced at £20 per person, or 2 for £32.
The Festive Lunch Offer runs from 7 November to 24 December, priced at two courses for £17pp, with a deposit of £5pp to secure your booking.
For more information about Dobbies’ festive restaurant experiences at the Edinburgh store and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events
