Tag: Dobbies

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store celebrates National Pet Day with garden living tips for dogs

To celebrate National Pet Day today (Friday 11 April), Dobbies Garden Centres has unveiled its garden living tips for dogs, giving pet-owners advice on how to create an outdoor space the whole family can enjoy this spring.

Known for its love of dogs, all Dobbies stores are dog-friendly, and the garden centre runs a dedicated programme of events for dogs throughout the year, including Hopping Hounds, Pup-kin Patch, and Santa Paws.

With around 50% of Dobbies customers owning a dog, the garden centre is passionate about helping create harmonious garden living spaces that both pets and owners can enjoy.

Here’s what Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, recommends when it comes to creating a safe and welcoming environment for your pup this spring:

Choose your plants wisely

Playful pups bring lots of joy to the garden, but their energy could be a bit much for delicate plants. That’s why Nigel recommends choosing your spring bedding plants with care.

He says: “Young plants and those with delicate stems might not stand up well to excited paws dashing through flower beds, so consider planting those in raised containers or protected spots.

“In your flower beds, opt for sturdy shrubs and hardy, well-established perennials that can handle a bit more activity.”

Plant protection

When it comes to protecting your hard work, Nigel recommends utilising raised planters and containers to keep plants away from curious dogs.

He says: “If you’ve got a young puppy or particularly lively dog, making the most of container displays will mean you can enjoy spring colour in your garden without worrying about playful paws causing damage.

“All spring bedding plants at Dobbies can be planted in pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets, so you can still create an interesting flower display that your dog can sniff without getting too close.”

Create a dedicated zone for dogs

Your dog loves the garden just as much as you (maybe even more!) so if you have the space, Nigel recommends giving them their own special area for play.

He notes: “To keep your garden looking its best and give your dog a fun outlet, why not create a designated play area for digging, using sand or bark, and sniffing, using dog-friendly plants?

“Filling the area with their favourite toys and treats will stimulate their senses and decrease the risk of them digging elsewhere in your garden.

“Dog-friendly plants like Cornflowers and Calendula, and herbs like Rosemary, Sage and Thyme are safe for dogs to sniff so can be planted to give them a dedicated area to explore with their nose.”

Create shady areas

Nigel says it’s important to be aware of the amount of sun your dog gets in the garden, especially as we approach the summer months.

He comments: “To ensure your garden is a fun and safe space for your dog this summer, it’s a good idea to create shaded areas where they can keep cool.

“You can do this with sun parasols or naturally with trees, like Birch or Maple, or even large shrubs like Camellias can help provide shade for your dog during hot weather spells. You can also add a pet-friendly water feature to your garden to give dogs extra entertainment and keep them hydrated on warmer days.”

Renowned for its love of dogs, Dobbies sells a wide range of dog food and accessories. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are warmly welcomed in all Dobbies stores and in a dedicated area of the restaurant, where Puppacinos are available. 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. 

For more gardening tips and advice, visit www.dobbies.com.

Hop along to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this Easter

Garden Centre invites families along to a series of brand-new Easter events

Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming families and four-legged friends to hop along and get set for spring at its brand-new Easter-themed events, taking place at its Edinburgh store.

Families can book a brand-new Easter Bunny Afternoon Tea, taking place on Monday 21 April.

Children can tuck into a selection of freshly made bunny shaped sandwiches, filled with jam, cheddar cheese, ham, and tuna mayonnaise.

They can also enjoy Dobbies’ famous scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and a pot of jam, and a delicious selection of sweet treats, including a mini doughnut, gingerbread man and a waffle finger with dipping chocolate and sugar strands & chocolate chip toppings.

For £8.75, adults can select a hot drink of filter coffee or tea, plus a slice of triple chocolate cake, coffee and walnut cake or Persian lemon cake. And for £16, adults can enjoy Afternoon Tea – three tiers of delicious sweet and savoury treats.

After everyone has eaten, children will seek out the Easter Bunny, who will be hopping about the Edinburgh store, and get involved in spring inspired activities and games including the bunny hop relay.

They’ll then enjoy a hands-on planting experience, learning how to grow their very own lettuce. During the event, children will also be given a mini Malteser chocolate bunny.

Also new for this year, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is hosting its Hopping Hounds event. Dogs will get the chance to sniff out an Easter egg trail around the store before receiving an Easter themed toy and money off vouchers for the garden centre and restaurant.

There will also be photograph opportunities with the Easter Bunny to have a keepsake of the experience.

Customers will be able to add a donation while booking the event, helping with Dogs Trust’s mission of caring for, rehabilitating, and rehoming thousands of dogs every year. The event is priced at £12.50 per dog.

Well behaved dogs on a lead are warmly welcomed in the Edinburgh store and in a dedicated area of the restaurant if paw-rents are hoping to make a day of it. Explore the fantastic range of pet products at Dobbies, with everything from healthy treats and dog attire to terrific toys.

Customers can also 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.

Back by popular demand this year is also the Easter Bunny Breakfast, taking place on Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April, is a great opportunity to gather the whole family for a fun-filled morning.

Families at the Edinburgh store can get stuck into an egg-cellent breakfast, with children and adults having the choice of a traditional cooked breakfast, a vegetarian breakfast or a breakfast roll.

Children can also opt for a continental breakfast of croissant, jam, yoghurt and banana. Kids will have the choice of an apple juice, orange juice or water, and adults will be able to choose from a pot of tea or regular coffee.

After everyone has eaten, children will seek out the Easter Bunny, and take part in the same themed activities as for the Afternoon Tea.

Tickets are priced at £8.75 for adults and £11.99 for children.

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is excited to welcome families along to the in-store activities this Easter. She said: “We’re looking forward to launching our new Afternoon Tea event in our Edinburgh store, bringing an alternative option to families, and a nice activity for grandparents to get involved in.

“Our Easter Bunny Breakfast is always popular with families across the country and is a great way to bring everyone together for a morning of seasonal fun, packed full of activities to keep the kids entertained.

“Dog events are becoming increasingly popular for dog owners to spoil their pooches, and we can’t wait to see welcome our four-legged friends for a fun event this Easter.”

For more information about the Easter events and participating stores, visit:

 www.dobbies.com/events.

Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops in Edinburgh

Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations

Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Grow How and Little Seedlings Club workshops return for spring, as the garden centre unveils its largest ever spring gardening range. This April, the Edinburgh store are offering garden fans of all ages the opportunity to get involved in interactive, educational, and hands-on sessions, completely free of charge.

Dobbies’ Grow How sessions take place on Wednesday 2 April and Saturday 5 April at 10.30am and 3.30pm, with a focus on wildflowers and how to create a thriving natural space, inside or outdoors.

Attendees at the Edinburgh store will gain valuable insight into growing wildflowers, soil testing, and the role of trees, ponds, and wildflower meadows in supporting biodiversity. The session will also cover how planting can help welcome wildlife into gardens and green spaces. As part of the workshop, customers will get the chance to plant their own wildflower seedling to take home to add to their own window box.

These Grow How demonstrations are designed to be fun, flexible, and interactive, lasting around 30 minutes and featuring a live demonstration from the Dobbies Green Team from the Edinburgh store. Participants can also take part in an ‘ask the expert’ session, where they can seek advice and tips tailored to their gardening needs.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club is another free-to-attend workshop that’s designed for children aged 4-10 years old and will take place on Sunday 6 April.

This month’s session, Earth Day and Wonderful Wildflowers, will inspire young gardeners to think about ways to be kinder to the planet while also learning about the vital role of wildflowers in keeping the earth healthy.

The workshop will introduce children to the significance of Earth Day (Tuesday 22 April) and simple ways to help protect the planet. They will discover fun facts about wildflowers and why they are important for biodiversity. A hands-on crafting activity will give them the chance to create wildflower seed balls to plant at home.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Easter Holiday Club will also return in April at the Edinburgh store with a special Spring Has Sprung session, running throughout the Easter holidays.

This fun-filled workshop will celebrate all things spring, with children exploring the signs of seasonal change both above and below the ground. They will learn about the animals and insects returning to gardens, springtime celebrations around the world, and even get to make their own kite.

Ayesha Nickson, Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager said: “Our workshops at the Edinburgh store are the ideal way to celebrate the start of spring while encouraging people of all ages to connect with nature, learn new skills, and have fun.

“Whether you’re looking to bring more wildflowers into your garden or get children involved in hands-on gardening activities, our free sessions are the perfect way to grow your knowledge and enjoy the season. With our largest ever spring gardening range now in store, we have everything customers need to make the most of garden living and spend time outdoors.”

To find out more about the free workshops at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and to secure a spot, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres.

Dobbies marks first day of Spring with largest ever spring gardening range

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.

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store welcomes applications for community gardens initiative

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.

To find out more information about Dobbies Community Gardens and to fill out an application form, visit Dobbies Community Gardens | Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK

 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.

Strike a paw-se: New Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies’ Edinburgh

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.

New year, new houseplants: advice at Dobbies’ free workshops

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.”

To find out more about the free workshops at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres

Freshly baked cakes land at Dobbies Edinburgh

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.

It’s real Christmas tree season at Dobbies

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