Tag: Dobbies Edinburgh

Prepare your garden for Spring with Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre offers free Grow How workshops on seasonal planting

As the cooler days of Autumn approach, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting families and gardening enthusiasts to its Edinburgh store to gear up for a colourful spring with its free monthly Grow How sessions this September.

Grow How provides a welcoming space for gardeners of all ages and skill levels to learn, share, and get growing.

The series of informal workshops will take place at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on the first Saturday of the month, then every Wednesday throughout September at 10:30am and 3:30pm. The 15-minute demonstrations, led by Dobbies’ friendly and knowledgeable colleagues, are packed with practical tips and engaging Q&A sessions, making them a perfect outing for anyone looking to learn more about gardening.

September’s workshop, Getting Ready for Spring in September, is all about preparing for a burst of springtime colour as Dobbies takes delivery of over 6 million spring flowering bulbs across its stores.

Participants will discover the best bulbs for Spring displays, including top picks for the season – vibrant Tulips, cheerful Daffodils, and delicate Crocuses. These flowers are not only easy to plant but also promise a stunning array of colours, perfect for brightening up any garden.

Attendees at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will learn how to create a beautiful bulb lasagne, a technique of layering different bulbs in one pot, ensuring a continuous bloom from early Spring into the Summer.

This method is ideal for small spaces and adds a lovely splash of colour to patios and balconies. The workshops will also cover essential tips, such as choosing bulbs for cut flowers, selecting the best bulbs for pots, and understanding the proper planting depths to ensure healthy growth.

Dobbies’ Horti Manager, Simon Jefferey, is looking forward to helping people to get out into their gardens during September in preparation for spring.

He said: “These Grow How sessions in our Edinburgh store is a fantastic way for families to bond over gardening. We love seeing kids get involved, planting their first bulbs and eagerly awaiting the flowers.

“It’s a great introduction to the joys of gardening, an opportunity to connect with nature and get inspired for the seasons ahead no matter your experience.”

For more information about the Grow How sessions and to secure a spot, visit:

 www.dobbies.com/events.

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store celebrates National Allotment Week with free gardening workshops

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is celebrating National Allotment Week (12-18 August) by inviting gardening enthusiasts along to its Edinburgh store for a series of free Grow How workshops throughout the month, focusing on allotment gardening.

The sessions are designed for both seasoned allotment pros and those just starting out, gaining valuable skills and knowledge to make plots flourish, taking place on the first Saturday of the month, then every Wednesday throughout August at 10.30am and 3.30pm at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store.

Dobbies’ Grow How sessions will equip gardeners on the best late-summer crops to sow in August for a flourishing harvest later in the season, how to prune your summer fruits to maximise its yield and ways you can ready the allotment for any upcoming holidays with watering techniques.

For the month of August, guests attending Grow How sessions in the Edinburgh store will have the chance to donate to the Stroke Association, to mark National Allotment Week. Dobbies has supported Stroke Association for several years. Gardening is known to have a positive impact on both the physical and emotional recovery of stroke survivors and the charity supports several groups with allotments across the UK.

Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, is looking forward to welcoming people along to August’s sessions in Edinburgh. He said: “Growing your own produce is something that we’re really passionate about at Dobbies.

“It is also growing in popularity, as many gardeners recognise the benefits of growing fresh produce in both the taste and the positive impact it can have on physical and mental health. 

“A thriving allotment isn’t just about delicious homegrown produce – it’s about getting your hands dirty, enjoying the outdoors and feeling a sense of accomplishment. 

“We’re thrilled to be working alongside our friends at the Stroke Association to encourage gardeners of all abilities to learn valuable skills and discover how allotments can benefit wellbeing at our Grow How sessions in the Edinburgh store.”

Saul Heselden, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the Stroke Association, said: “Recovering from a stroke can bring lots of challenges, but finding joy in the simple pleasures of nature can make a real difference.

“Gardening can provide a much-needed boost to both your physical and mental health, and allotments provide an affordable way for people to experience the benefits of gardening, while also growing their own produce.

“Right now, the Stroke Association can only reach one-third of the survivors who most need support. We want to reach all those in need, but we can only do this with the generosity of our supporters like Dobbies. We’re incredibly grateful they have chosen to fundraise through the Grow How workshops at the Edinburgh store to raise vital funds for people affected by stroke.”

Dobbies is also a sponsor of the Stroke Association’s Strength in Bloom virtual garden, where visitors are invited to donate by planting symbolic flowers and trees, or selecting a plaque to dedicate to an individual affected by stroke.

Find out more www.stroke.org.uk/garden/virtual.

For more information about Dobbies’ Grow How August session in the Edinburgh store, visit www.dobbies.com\events.

Tips to brighten your summer garden with Dobbies

Garden Centre announces winners of community competition at monthly gardening workshop

Showing support for National Gardening Week (29 April – 5 May) Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is encouraging gardeners to brighten up their garden with summer bedding plants at its free Grow How session in its Edinburgh store, taking place on Saturday 4 May. 

Plus, all stores across the UK will simultaneously announce their winners for Dobbies Community Gardens.

Gardeners of all skill levels are invited to attend the session that starts at 10.30am and lasts around 10-15 minutes. They will be introduced to summer bedding plants, and get helpful hints and tips on how to introduce colour to garden beds this summer.

From Begonias, with their large flamboyant blooms, to Sweet Peas with their delightful fragrance and wide range of colours, there’s something for every garden, no matter the size.

Dobbies’ garden experts in Edinburgh will guide attendees through specific bedding plants that are in season in May, as well as how to create colour themes in pots or baskets by pairing large flowers like Dahlias as the focal point and enhancing space around them with summer bedding plants like Begonias, Petunias and Impatiens (Busy Lizzies).

This year’s winner of Dobbies Community Gardens from Edinburgh will also be announced at May’s Grow How session, with all entrants invited to attend to hear the result.

Dobbies Community Gardens launched in March to offer support for community and charity groups in Edinburgh to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

Dobbies Edinburgh store will announce the local group that they have selected to receive support through products, tools, plants and volunteer hours to make their indoor or outdoor green space flourish.

Ahead of the session, Dobbies’ Plant Buyer Nigel Lawton shares some expert advice on creating colour themes from bedding plants. He said: “Summer bedding plants can bring that special seasonal vibrancy to all shapes and sizes of garden space.

“The key is to combine plants with their needs; most summer bedding plants perform best in full sun, but some, such as Begonias and tobacco plants, can tolerate little shade.

“We would encourage people in Edinburgh to come along to this month’s Grow How session for help and advice on how bedding plants can breathe new life into gardens, patios and baskets.

“We’re also looking forward to announcing the winners of Dobbies Community Gardens and learning about all of the green spaces we will help to transform in the year ahead.”

For more information about Dobbies’ Grow How session and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.

Discover the magic of trees with Dobbies Edinburgh store

Garden Centre to host themed children’s workshop in May

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting children aged four to 10 to a free workshop in its Edinburgh store in May to learn more about trees and how to protect them.

‘Love Your Trees’ is the theme of next month’s Little Seedlings Club, taking place on Sunday 5 May, ahead of Love Your Tree Day on 16 May.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club provides interactive learning activities that allow children in Edinburgh to understand, explore, and connect with plants, wildlife and the environment around them.

During May’s workshop, children will learn about the most common trees in the UK, including the Alder, Beech and English Oak, and discover the value of trees and learn how to nurture and protect them.

They will delve into the anatomy of trees, exploring their different parts and understanding their fascinating lifecycle, from seedling to plant, as well as the difference between deciduous and evergreen varieties and how they change through the seasons. To add to the fun, there will be a special tree-themed 3D craft activity.

Dobbies’ colleague Liz Clare-Savage, who is involved in the delivery of the Little Seedlings Club, is looking forward to welcoming children along to May’s workshop. She said: “Our Little Seedlings Club is very popular with kids in Edinburgh, and we’re thrilled to introduce them to the wonders of trees.

“Learning about and encouraging the planting of new trees is a fantastic way to give back to nature and support our wildlife. Little Seedlings Club is not just about learning, it’s about fostering a lifelong connection with nature and having a great time.”

For more information about Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club May session or to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre unveils family-friendly fun

Dobbies, the UK’s largest garden retailer, is welcoming families along to its Edinburgh store this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions. 

The Little Seedlings Club workshop is taking place on Sunday 7 April and the Easter Holiday session is happening on various dates throughout March and April.

Designed to ignite a passion in gardening in an educational and engaging way, the sessions in Edinburgh give children aged 3-10 years old the chance to explore a new hobby, meet friends and learn about the wonderful world of gardens.

April’s Little Seedlings Club workshop will uncover what a wildlife friendly garden is, the importance of biodiversity, alongside common wildlife that can be spotted in the garden. From pollinators like bees and butterflies to birds, frogs, hedgehogs and squirrels, there’s plenty to spot in the garden as spring arrives.

Dobbies’ Easter Holiday sessions will give attendees in Edinburgh an introduction to spring, facts about the season, how to create a colourful garden full of flowers and vegetables at home, alongside learning about the vast variety of spring baby animals that can be spotted at this time of year. Children will also learn how to plant and care for Pansy seeds and get the chance to take some home.

Sarah Murray who has developed the Easter programme of activity at Dobbies is excited to welcome families along for some free fun. She explained: “Spring is the perfect time to get back into the garden and enjoy the outdoors, and we’re eager to share our love for gardening with passionate young enthusiasts.

“We know how tricky it can be to keep the kids entertained and busy over the school holidays, so bring the whole family to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store for a fun and interactive session.”

Alongside the family-friendly events, parents can enjoy cost savings with 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.

The restaurant is open Monday-Sunday from 9am, times may vary and customers are advised to visit dobbies.com to check the restaurant opening hours of the Edinburgh store.

For more information about Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club April session and the Easter workshop throughout March and April or to make a booking, visit:

dobbies.com/events.

Dobbies’ Edinburgh and Lothian stores invite nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

Committed to bringing a smile to its local communities, Dobbies is inviting anyone who has a community space that needs gardening knowledge and inspiration – indoors or outdoors – to get in touch, with applications now open.

Dobbies’ colleagues are passionate about gardens and plants, championing garden living all year round to create experiences that bring people and communities together.

The Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh store will select a project to support from the nominations that are made. The winning groups will receive products, tools and plants to help bring their community space to life during a personal-shopper session with a dedicated Dobbies’ colleague. In addition to this, there will be volunteer hours allocated to help bring the project to fruition.

Successful applicants will receive support over the year to keep their indoor or outdoor space blooming.

Nick Anderson, Dobbies’ Operations Director, is looking forward to hearing from groups across the country. He said: “There are so many brilliant community groups near our Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh store – from schools and nurseries, to In Bloom Groups and charities, and even local sports teams.

“Our store colleagues are ready to take on a fresh challenge for this year and we want to hear from groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians who would benefit from our support.

“If anyone knows of a community group that has a garden living project in need of our help, please encourage them to enter.”

Applications are now open and taking part couldn’t be easier. Those entering must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh store or five miles of the Stockbridge little dobbies store. For more information about how to get involved in Dobbies Community Gardens, visit Dobbies Community Gardens

Nominated projects will be invited along to the Edinburgh store for the free Grow How session on Saturday 4 May, 10.30am, and the winner will be announced. The Stockbridge little dobbies store doesn’t hold a free Grow How session, the winner will be contacted separately.

The winning team for each store will meet a colleague that will support them throughout the project.

Grow your own soft fruits with Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre hosts free gardening workshops

Research from YouGov shows that soft fruits make up four of the top five most popular fruits in the UK.1 Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.

Grow How will take place on Saturday 2 March at 10.30am, providing both aspiring and seasoned gardeners with an interactive setting to gain valuable insights from Dobbies’ gardening experts at its Edinburgh store.

The Little Seedlings Club, tailored for children between the ages of 4 and 10, will be held on the morning of Sunday 3 March. 

Dobbies’ Grow How session will be a live 10-to-15-minute demonstration, showing Edinburgh residents how to make the most of their outdoor and patio space by growing soft fruits. 

The session will cover what a soft fruit is and the different types, including strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.

Dobbies’ experts will guide gardeners through the process of growing soft fruits, from prepping the garden with the right soil before planting, to caring for the young plants and harvesting the fruits when ripe.  

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club session will also focus on soft fruits, with children in Edinburgh learning about fruit in general and getting the opportunity to participate in a strawberry growing activity, putting their newly acquired knowledge into practice. 

Zoe Stanmore, Dobbies’ Horticultural Expert, explains that soft fruits are easy for gardeners of all abilities to grow. She said: “Soft fruits come in so many delicious varieties, and they can be grown in compact pots, so you don’t need a big space to start growing your own.

“It’s not essential to have a large outdoor space – a pot in a well-lit space is ideal. Fertilise your soil correctly, and if you water and prune as and when needed, you can expect a good harvest. 

“The Grow How session will also allow for customers to visit our Edinburgh store and share any challenges they’ve had with growing their own, to get advice and feedback from our team.”

For additional information on free March sessions at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, visit www.dobbies.com/events.  

Dobbies’ stores spread Christmas cheer with real tree donations

Garden Centre set to give away Christmas trees

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is spreading Christmas joy to local schools and nursery groups in Edinburgh with real tree donations as part of its Not Your Average Community campaign, in partnership with sustainable real tree grower, Needlefresh.

Set to twinkle corridors and delight children with yuletide cheer, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and Stockbridge little dobbies will be donating Nordmann Fir Christmas trees to local schools and nurseries to create a centrepiece for celebrations and is now welcoming nominations.

All of Dobbies’ Christmas trees are sustainably grown in environmentally managed fields across Scotland where the growing team do everything from planting, pruning and harvesting by hand to reduce the impact on surrounding environment, wildlife and plants.

Dobbies’ CSR and Community Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, has been delivering Dobbies’ Not Your Average Community campaign for two years and is excited announce this year’s focus.

She said: “Community is at the core of Christmas at Dobbies and we love sharing the festive joy with those around us.

“We want to help create Christmas magic in local schools and nurseries in Edinburgh and hope that through the tree donations with Needlefresh, kids can come together, decorate the tree and make memories.”

Needlefresh Managing Director, George Hood, added: “Our sustainable Nordmann Fir Christmas trees make a wonderful centrepiece to festive celebrations as they are bushy and full, and good needle retention.

“We are excited to see how local schools and nurseries bring this classic tree to life through their decorations and we are delighted to be partnering with Dobbies on delivering a magical moment for children in Edinburgh.”

Nominations are now open. Entries close on Wednesday 25 October and successful applicants will be contacted in November to arrange a date to collect a Nordmann Fir tree from their local store.

For more information about how to get involved or make a nomination, visit Not your average community | Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store partners with Red Squirrel Survival Trust

Garden Centre hosts free Grow How session on endangered species


Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is announcing its support for national conservation charity, The Red Squirrel Survival Trust, ahead of Red Squirrel Awareness Week (2-8 October).

Dobbies are partnering to raise awareness of this endangered species at the free-to-attend Grow How session in Edinburgh, sharing advice on how everyone can create an inviting habitat for the red squirrel on Saturday 7 October at 10:30am.  

Spotting a red squirrel is a rarity. According to the UK Squirrel Accord the population has fallen from a high of around 3.5m in the UK, to the current estimate of 287,000. Around 75% of the population are found in Scotland.

In a bid to protect the biodiversity of Britain’s native woodlands, Dobbies and the Trust are highlighting the trees and plants that gardeners can grow in their outside space, to encourage and support red squirrels.

Grow How attendees in Edinburgh will learn all about these small agile animals, known for their fiery red coat, distinctive ear tufts and a bushy brown tail, and gain an understanding of the vital role they play in the ecosystem by spreading and regenerating tree species in native forestry and dispersing several species of fungi.

Autumn is a great season to spot red squirrels, and sightings often happen in mixed or broadleaf woodlands as these make for brilliant habitats. Dobbies’ horticultural experts will outline the best trees and plants to have in the garden and what can be done to encourage this creature to visit.

Walnut, hazelnut and holly trees are excellent food sources for red squirrels, and sunflower seeds, bramble and raspberry plants provide the creatures with an abundance of nutrients. These products can be purchased from Edinburgh.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, is eager to help the nation create a safe environment for the species to thrive. He said: “It’s important that our gardens provide a welcome home to a vast variety of wildlife, and there’s been a real emphasis on creating wildlife friendly areas, corridors, water and feeding zones to help protect a range of species. 

“Red squirrels enjoy a natural food source which make for a great addition to your borders, beds and planters. We hope this informal yet informative educational session provides our customers at Edinburgh with the knowledge they need to help us come together and make a real difference, starting with our gardens.”

In his capacity as an ambassador for the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, Alan Titchmarsh, Britain’s best loved gardener, is working to encourage gardeners to plant trees and shrubs which will help feed our native red squirrels.

“There are trees and shrubs suitable for gardens of all sizes and by planting them now they will grow and mature and be ready for when the reds squirrels come home,” says Alan. 

“A plentiful supply of appropriate food and fresh water is essential for the reds to breed. The most popular growing sources are walnuts, hazelnuts, conifer seeds, holly berries, crab apples, wild and bird cherries, Bullace, Dogrose and Guelder rose hips.”

The Red Squirrel Survival Trust Campaign Director, Vanessa Fawcett, is working with Dobbies to help make Alan’s recommendations available from their garden centres nationwide. 

She said: “It’s great to be partnering with Dobbies as we raise awareness of the declining population size of the red squirrel. There’s plenty we can do to nurture this animal and give it the best chance at survival, and I look forward to seeing the nation get involved this October.”

Get the whole family involved in Red Squirrel Awareness Week and head along to Dobbies’ free-to-attend Grow How session in Edinburgh. For more information about how to take part, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres


To find out more about the conservation work Red Squirrel Survival Trust is doing to protect this endangered species, visit www.rsst.org.uk

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store gets into the C******** Spirit with exciting line up of festive events

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, will make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year, with an incredible line up of fun and affordable festive events in its Edinburgh store to make the holiday season extra special for families. Tickets for all events are on sale now.

No Dobbies’ Christmas is complete without the famous Santa’s Grotto. Families in Edinburgh can enjoy an immersive experience where they’ll be guided by an elf through a Christmas tree forest, spotting magical characters along the way, before making a special item to take home. After that, they’ll spend time with Santa and get a special gift. Attendees can also choose to get a photo with Santa, so they’ll always have that special memory.

Santa’s Quiet Grotto will also be available on 8 December. This experience is designed to assist children with additional needs with customised sound and visual features to minimise anxiety.

Families with dogs will be thrilled to know that Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will be offering a Santa Paws Grotto experience. Dog lovers can bring their furry pals for doggie gifts and photo opportunities with Santa.

The always-popular Santa’s Breakfast is also taking place and is ideal for those under 10. Breakfast options will be available for both adults and children, including vegetarian selections. Kids can dive into exciting craft activities, enjoy festive games and receive a gift from Santa.

Dobbies’ Festive Afternoon Tea is the perfect opportunity for family and friends in Edinburgh to spend time together enjoying seasonal magic. There will be three tiers of tasty festive treats from finger sandwiches with honey roast ham to sweet treats like scones served with Cornish clotted cream, as well as unlimited tea and coffee. Attendees can also upgrade to enjoy more delicious savoury snacks like the prawn marie rose vol au vents, festive hot drinks, and even Prosecco for an additional treat.

It’s jingle bells all the way at Santa’s Arrival where lucky families will have the opportunity to see Santa at an informal opening night of the Grotto on 23 November. Santa will walk around the store, spending time with kids, taking selfies, and spreading holiday cheer.

Dobbies’ Christmas Shopping Night on 30 November is the perfect time for families to enjoy festive shopping while supporting Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust. They can pick from lots of great gifts, beautiful decorations, and seasonal staples.

The Little Seedlings Christmas Party will also be taking place, exclusively for Little Seedlings Club members aged 4-10. Members will receive a VIP invite to attend, and can anticipate Christmas games, dancing, and delicious food, alongside a special visit from Santa, bearing a special gift.

Sarah Murray, who has developed this year’s events programme, said: “We are filled with excitement about the upcoming Christmas events in our Edinburgh store. Seeing families and friends come together, sharing laughter, and creating special memories is at the heart of what we do at Dobbies.

“Our team has poured their passion into crafting an array of festive experiences that will truly bring the magic of Christmas to life. We can’t wait to see the happiness these events bring our customers and their loved ones.”

Customers in Edinburgh are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies’ Christmas events to avoid disappointment.

  • Santa’s Grotto runs from 23 November, £11.99 per child
  • Santa Paws runs from 2December, £6.99 per dog
  • Santa’s Breakfast takes place from 25 November onwards, £13.99 per child and from £9 per adult
  • Festive Afternoon Tea starts on 1 November and runs through December, prices from £13.50 for adults and £8.50 for children.
  • Santa’s Arrival takes place on 23 November from 4.30pm to 7pm
  • Christmas Shopping Night runs on 30 November, from 5pm to 9pm
  • The Little Seedlings Christmas Party takes place on 3December

To learn more about the events and bookings, please visit dobbies.com/events