Tag: Dobbies

Dobbies offers free festive-inspired workshops at its Edinburgh store in November

This November, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will host free festive-inspired events, giving people of all ages the chance to create garden-inspired gift ideas and Christmas decorations through fun, hands-on activities.

The month kicks off with Dobbies’ popular Grow How workshop series, which begins on Saturday 2 November, and continues every Wednesday throughout the month at 10:30am and 3:30pm.

The workshops will focus on gardening gift ideas, just in time for the festive season. Attendees will learn how to forage from their gardens or outdoor spaces to create thoughtful, sustainable gifts for loved ones.

The sessions will include demonstrations from Dobbies’ colleagues on how to create DIY natural decorations, such as wreaths and centrepieces using foraged materials, as well as instructions on crafting homemade Christmas gifts, like potpourri.

For younger attendees between the ages of 3-10, the Little Seedlings Club workshop will take place on Sunday 3 November at different times throughout the morning.

This session will centre on the four seasons and the garden-inspired gifts that can be created throughout the year. Children will learn the science behind the change in seasons, share stories about Christmas and exchanging gifts, and enjoy fun games and activities. As part of the workshop, they will also decorate a pot and plant a festive bulb to gift to someone special, encouraging them to share the joy of giving.

Ayesha Nickson, Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager said: “Our free November workshops in our Edinburgh store provides a fantastic opportunity to get creative and make something personal for your loved ones this Christmas, using materials from your own garden.

“The Little Seedlings Club is especially magical for children, as they get to learn about nature and make gifts that are truly meaningful. It’s a great way for families to spend time together and kick off the holiday season.”

Both events are free to attend, but spaces are limited.

To find out more and to book, visit dobbies.com/events.

Garden Centre hosts Christmas Shopping Night in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

Dobbies Edinburgh store will mark the start of its festive events season with the return of its late-night Christmas Shopping Night this November, in support of its National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.   

Dobbies’ Christmas Shopping Night, taking place on Thursday 21 November from 5pm to 9pm, is offering customers the chance to experience Christmas, in every sense, as it opens its doors for the popular late-night shopping event.

From fragrant tree displays, twinkling lights and eye-catching decorations, to the sounds of Christmas music and jingle bells, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and experience the magic of Christmas at Dobbies, while browsing its 2024 festive collections and taking advantage of special offers.

On arrival, guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of fizz and invited to browse up until 9pm to experience Christmas, in every sense. Guests can enjoy some festive food treats and live demonstrations throughout the store, as well as enjoy a special two-course Christmas menu in the restaurant for just £17.

Local community groups can also apply to take part in the evening’s festivities by decorating their very own faux Christmas tree to be unveiled on the night. Entries are now open for schools, charities and community groups, with a number of stores selecting up to three groups to decorate their tree in time for Christmas Shopping Night. Selected groups will be invited to put on a special tree-side performance, with carols, readings and songs. The decorated trees will form part of Dobbies’ magical festive displays and remain on show in the store in the run up to Christmas.

Ayesha Nickson, Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager said: “Our annual Christmas Shopping Night is a fantastic way to get into the festive spirit, while contributing to a great cause. We have raised more than £1.39million for Teenage Cancer Trust since the start of our partnership.

“We’re excited to welcome local groups to take part in this year’s celebrations, including the unveiling of the specially decorated Christmas trees. You can also get your Christmas shopping off to a great start with special offers and gift ideas for all your family.”

Donna Bednarek, Senior Relationships Manager for Teenage Cancer Trust, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Dobbies for their ongoing support and dedication to raising vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust.

“Events like the Christmas Shopping Night help us to continue to provide life-changing care and support to young people with cancer across the UK. We’re thrilled to be part of such a magical evening, and it’s heartwarming to see the community come together to support our cause.”

Tickets are priced at £1, available at www.dobbies.com and in-store, and all proceeds from ticket sales and fundraising on the night will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust.

For more information on Decorate your Christmas Tree with Dobbies, visit: events.dobbies.com.

Explore Dobbies’ new season ranges and browse festive inspiration at www.dobbies.com.

All aboard Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre gives children a magical grotto experience

Dobbies Garden Centres is unveiling a magical line up of festive experiences for all the family to enjoy this Christmas at its Edinburgh store, including the much-loved Grotto which is back with a brand-new look.

Santa will take residency at the new Little Seedlings train-themed Grotto this November and December at the Edinburgh store, spreading the joy of Christmas to families in the area.

After a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station, children will get to experience snowy scenes, spot woodland characters, find hidden nutcrackers, all culminating in the chance to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas. Here, families will have the chance to capture the moment with a photograph of Santa, making a lasting memory of the experience. 

Dobbies will also offer a sensory-friendly Quiet Grotto experience at its Edinburgh store on Friday 6 December, designed to help reduce anxiety and provide a customised environment for children with additional needs. Lighting, sound and visual effects will be minimised, giving kids that cherished moment with Santa. Session times are extended to allow for a slower, relaxed experience.

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson is looking forward to welcoming kids along to the brand-new Little Seedlings train-inspired Grotto at the Edinburgh store.

She said: “Whether little ones are meeting Santa and his elves for the first time, or it’s a family tradition, our Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences aim to create magical moments that can be treasured for years to come.

“There’s the chance to gather the whole family for a range of our festive experiences including our delicious Festive Afternoon Tea, charity Christmas Shopping Night in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, or a paw-dorable picture moment at Santa Paws. A visit to Dobbies will really be a treat for all the senses this Christmas.”

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

  • Santa’s Grotto runs from 28 November until 24 December, £12.99 per child
  • Santa’s Quiet Grotto takes place on 6 December, £12.99 per child

To learn more about the Christmas events at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.

Autumn adventures at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre rolls out series of free October events

Dobbies Garden Centres is embracing the autumn season with a series of free-to-attend events at its Edinburgh store throughout October, including Grow How, Little Seedlings Club and Little Seedlings Holiday Club.

These seasonal activities aim to inspire gardening enthusiasts of all ages to embrace the wonders of autumn, while learning valuable gardening tips and taking part in fun, hands-on activities.

Kicking things off is Dobbies’ Grow How session, taking place in the Edinburgh store on the first Saturday of the month (5 October), then every Wednesday throughout October at 10:30am and 3:30pm.

Dobbies’ gardening colleagues will show participants how to channel their creativity to decorate their doorway for autumn and Halloween.

The session covers the best pots and plants for dressing doorsteps, shade-loving plants for porches, and vibrant autumn annuals for a cottage garden feel.

Attendees will also explore ideas for hanging baskets, window boxes, doormats, garden lighting, and crafting autumn wreaths using homegrown vegetables.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings workshop, taking place on Sunday 6 October in the Edinburgh store, is for children aged 4-10 and will be delving into autumn as a season. Kids will explore the seasonal changes in nature, learning why leaves change colour and how animals prepare for hibernation during the colder months.

They’ll also discover the journey of seeds and what happens after fruit and vegetables are harvested. The workshop includes a craft activity where children will make their own leaf fossils, adding a fun, hands-on element to their autumnal learning experience.

Taking place the third week of October at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, the Little Seedlings Holiday Club brings fairytales to life and explores how to bring a little bit of magic to the garden.

Children will learn the origins of some of their favourite fairytales like Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and Beauty and the Beast. The workshop will include an interactive storytelling session, toadstool-making craft and fairy garden creation, ensuring a magical experience for all. 

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, knows just how important it is to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays and is anticipating high demand for these autumnal workshops.

She said: “Our fantastic range of free autumn events in our Edinburgh store are aimed at giving families a fun and creative activity to get involved in. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply looking for some family fun, we have something for everyone.”

To learn more about Dobbies’ free autumnal events at its Edinburgh store, visit dobbies.com/events.

Autumnal styling, sandwiches and scones at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

For October, Dobbies Garden Centres has launched a brand new autumn edition of its hands-on planting experience, combined with a tasty Afternoon Tea in its Edinburgh store.

Planting and Afternoon Tea: Autumn Edition is taking place on Tuesday 8 and Saturday 12 October, offering attendees the chance to create a seasonal style piece that can feature as a home or front door decoration.

Attendees at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will get to participate in a hands-on 90-minute workshop led by one of Dobbies’ horti experts with a demo, Q&A session and the opportunity to craft your very own succulent planter, made from a pumpkin, to spook-ify autumnal decor (worth £40).

Dobbies will provide a terracotta pot, pumpkin and a mix of succulents such as Echeveria elegans, Aloe artisata and Graptopetalum pentadrum, all selected by Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop, who featured as a judge at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year.

Attendees will be invited to carve out a pumpkin to display the terracotta pot in, and then have the joy of picking succulents with a variety of colours and textures. Once Halloween is over and the pumpkin starts to fade, it can be recycled and the succulents can be used in the terracotta planter for an all-year-round display.

Before creating the seasonal succulent pumpkin, attendees at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store can enjoy a Traditional or Luxury Afternoon Tea, delving into three tiers of sweet and savoury delights. There are unlimited tea and coffee refills and the chance to upgrade the hot drink, or enjoy a glass of prosecco.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea offers an assortment of freshly made finger sandwiches, including smoked salmon with cream cheese, egg mayonnaise with watercress, and ham with rocket and wholegrain mustard.

Customers 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 rainbow meringue kiss and lemon mousse. The upgrade to the Luxury Afternoon Tea is an additional £4 extra per person.

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is excited to see what centrepieces customers at the Edinburgh store craft during this workshop. She said: “Our Planting and Afternoon Tea experiences have been hugely popular and this version with an autumn twist is the perfect opportunity to create a seasonal decoration that could be styled in your home or entrance way. 

“Whether you’re a novice and have little experience with plant styling, or are looking to have some interior fun this autumn, this experience in our Edinburgh store is a great way to try something new. Plus our Afternoon Tea in the restaurant is a great way for attendees to enjoy a delicious array of sweet and savoury treats.”

The Planting and Afternoon Tea: Autumn Edition is priced at £45 per person and is now bookable at dobbies.com/events.

Dobbies offers a programme of autumnal events. Families can get involved in Dobbies’ Little Scare-lings, a frightfully fun Howl-o-ween party taking place across various dates throughout October, priced at £10.99 per child and £7.40 per adult.

If you’re looking for a pumpkin picking experience, Dobbies’ Pumpkin Patch is kicking off on Saturday 19 October across 20 stores, offering children the chance to enjoy some activities, seasonal treats and pumpkin of their choice to take home, priced at £9.99 per person.

Known for its love of dogs, Dobbies has also introduced a Pup-kin Patch for those who want their pooches to join in the fun. Priced at £8 per pup, this event allows dogs at Dobbies to explore the Pup-kin Patch and pick out a Halloween-themed toy to take home before getting their photo taken in an autumnal setting by a Dobbies colleague.

To learn more about the autumnal events and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.

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.

Cultivate calmness with Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club Edinburgh

Garden Centre hosts free mindfulness children’s workshop

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is nurturing the next generation of gardeners with its free Little Seedlings Club workshop this September in its Edinburgh store, inviting young gardeners to explore mindfulness in a fun and engaging way.

This monthly workshop is designed for children aged 4-10 and takes place on Sunday 1 September at 11am.  

Promising an enriching experience that blends the joys of gardening with the calming practices of mindfulness, this upcoming session in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store focuses on Mindfulness in the Garden. Children will get a chance to learn about the benefits of being present in the moment and connecting with nature.

Dobbies’ colleagues in the Edinburgh store will guide young attendees through mindfulness, explaining what it is and why it’s beneficial. The session will highlight how using the five senses can enhance the gardening experience, encouraging children to notice the vibrant colours, fragrant scents, and soothing sounds of their surroundings.

Kids will discover how mindfulness can be practiced in the garden, helping them relax and focus.

Whether it’s the feel of soil between their fingers or the sight of a blooming flower, these experiences can be incredibly grounding and stress-relieving.

The workshop in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also provide practical tips for practising mindfulness at home, making it easy for families to incorporate these calming practices into their daily lives.

Dobbies’ Horti Expert, Emma Drain, is looking forward to welcoming children along to September’s Mindfulness in the Garden session.

She said: “The Little Seedlings Club in our Edinburgh store is a fantastic way for children to learn about the natural world and introducing kids to mindfulness through gardening can help them build a positive relationship with nature and their own emotions.”

For more details about the Little Seedlings Club and to book a spot, visit:

 www.dobbies.com/events.

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store hosts free Show and Tell gardening workshop

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is inviting children aged 4-10 to its Edinburgh store for a free and interactive Little Seedlings workshop on Sunday 4 August, that includes a dedicated gardening Show and Tell.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club provides a fun and engaging environment for children to learn about plants, wildlife, and the environment.

The August workshop, Show and Tell and Growing, includes a demonstration by Dobbies’ colleagues who will guide children through the various stages of growth, from a tiny seedling to flourishing adult plant.

The session in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store covers the importance of plants, with Dobbies’ colleagues sharing hints and tips on how to grow strong and healthy plants. Children will also discover the different parts of the plant and their roles, like the vital function of roots in absorbing water and nutrients. They’ll also explore the diverse habitats where plants can grow.

In celebration of the children’s efforts at home, the workshop will have a special show and tell session. Children in Edinburgh are encouraged to bring a plant they have been growing and nurturing at home, ideally a mature example, to share their green-fingered achievements with the group.

Hannah McAtamney who delivers Little Seedlings Club workshops said: “Our Little Seedling Club workshops at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store are really popular with families in the area, and we can’t wait to take kids on a journey of discovery by exploring the lifecycle of plants, and the benefits and importance of gardening and growing.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some of the plants they are growing at home, and we know they will be excited to show them off too! By encouraging kids to connect with nature at a young age, we hope to inspire the next generation of gardeners.”

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

Garden Centre invites families to enjoy a Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting families to roll out the picnic blanket and gather around this summer as it unveils its brand-new event at the Edinburgh store, Teddy Bears’ Picnic, where children get to make their very own teddy bear keepsake to take home.

This interactive 90-minute session, taking place during the summer holidays, is designed for families with children aged 3-10 years old and is taking place in the afternoon on Saturday 27 July, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August at the Edinburgh store. Families with younger children can also get involved and enjoy the picnic experience.

Dobbies’ Teddy Bears’ Picnic allows kids to have a go at building their very own teddy bear to take home. Children will get the opportunity to stuff, fluff and name a teddy bear of their choice, with a teddy birth certificate to mark the occasion. 

Dobbies’ colleagues at the Edinburgh store will uncover tales of bear adventures at the storytelling corner, gathering everyone around for a group reading, and host a variety of games and activities inspired by teddy.

Kids will also get to tuck into their own picnic box that comes with the choice of a cheese, ham or tuna sandwich, a drink and selection of snacks. Adults can enjoy cake and a hot drink as part of the experience.

Sarah Murray at Dobbies developed this event and is looking forward to welcoming children of all ages along to the Teddy Bears’ Picnic at the Edinburgh store.

She said: “This brand-new event is a great opportunity for kids to come together and experience the wonderful joy that comes with making their very own teddy bear to take home. Children will also enjoy a picnic experience, filled with food, fun and storytelling.

“We’re encouraging families cosy up and get comfy by bringing their own picnic blankets, beach towel or cushions.”

Tickets are priced at £15.99 for over 3s and £7.99 for under 3s, adult tickets are priced at £7.40. Creating your own teddy bear is only suitable for children over three years old, and under 3s are encouraged to bring their own favourite teddy.

For more information on Dobbies’ Teddy Bears’ Picnic, visit:  

www.dobbies.com/events.    

Take care of your summer garden with Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre offers free summer plant care workshops

As the days grow longer and brighter with the start of summer drawing closer, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting gardeners along to its Edinburgh store for a series of free Grow How sessions focused on caring for summer plants.

The live demonstrations will take place on the first Saturday and every Wednesday throughout the month of July, at 10.30am and 3.30pm. The sessions are led by Dobbies’ colleagues in the Edinburgh store who will be on hand to answer any questions from customers.

July’s Grow How session will cover how to choose and incorporate vibrant seasonal flowering herbaceous plants, such as Delphinium and Fuchsia, into summer gardens, to create a stunning display.

Customers will also receive practical advice on maintaining flourishing borders and flowerpots throughout the summer season, along with sustainable flower watering techniques, like substituting the garden hose with a watering can to reduce water usage.

Dobbies’ Buyer, Nigel Lawton, explains the importance of watering for keeping your flower displays blooming this summer.

He said “One of the essential jobs for summer is ensuring your garden gets a good feed with proper hydration. This is especially important during periods of hot weather or if you’re planning a long summer holiday. It’s a good idea to remember to give beds, borders and planters a good water.

“Any water that has been collected in water butts earlier in the year can be used during dry spells to water your plants, which is actually better for your garden as rainwater has none of the chemicals that water from the mains has and its better for the environment.

“There is now more opportunity than ever before for customers to drop into the Edinburgh store to attend a Grow How session. We are looking forward to welcoming gardeners of all abilities to gain valuable advice and top tips from our colleagues into caring for summer plants.”

Dobbies’ Grow How sessions are fun and informal 10–15-minute demonstrations, designed to be interactive and accessible for gardeners of all ages and abilities.

For more information about Dobbies’ Grow How sessions in the Edinburgh store and the summer events, such as Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition, and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events

Dobbies’ ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’, gives customers the chance to relax and enjoy a traditional or luxury Afternoon Tea experience, plus a demo and Q&A, before getting to create their own planter (worth £30) to take home.

Inspired by summer holidays, the tropical plants featured have been selected by RHS Chelsea Flower Show judge and Dobbies Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop, to bring a pop of summer colour to the garden. This experience is priced at £40 and takes place on Tuesday 16 and Saturday 20 July.