Tag: Dobbies

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store invites local residents to cast their votes 

Helping Your Community Grow shortlist announced

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is inviting local residents to cast their vote and help the UK’s leading garden centre crown the Helping Your Community Grow winner for the store.

Seventy-five groups across the country have the chance to create or refresh a community space with Dobbies’ support, and the garden centre is now asking locals to help narrow its shortlist down, to one winner for its Edinburgh store.

This year’s initiative has welcomed nominations from schools looking to enhance their gardens; charities supporting the most vulnerable members of the community proposing sensory gardens; and community groups and clubs looking to create a garden space where they can grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Newtongrange Community Garden is a community initiative looking to bring residents together. The group have begun growing fruit and vegetables to give back to the local community and are looking to encourage more locals to get involved. Dobbies’ help would provide the group with flowers, shrubs and peat-free compost.

Dalkeith Guerrilla Gardeners is a community initiative run by volunteers who aim to make a difference in the local area from gardening to litter picking. Funded by local donations and fundraising, Dobbies’ support would provide the group with plants, bulbs and seeds as well as watering butts to increase their sustainable practices.

Mayfield Nursery School are looking to improve the outdoor learning experience for the children through their field to folk learning scheme to help give back to the local community. With Dobbies’ support, the school are looking to grow more fruits and vegetables in their new polytunnels, as well as receive children’s gardening tools, peat-free compost and expert advice on the best varieties to grow.

There was a notable increase in the number of entries from groups looking to grow their own this year. This follows research from Dobbies and Censuswide (commissioned in March) that found 67% of people in Edinburgh plan to grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs this spring. Tomatoes are set to be the most popular crop for this year, closely followed by potatoes. 

The winning group for Edinburgh will receive advice, gardening products and plants from Dobbies’ horticultural team. Dobbies’ own-brand peat-free multipurpose compost, recycled and recyclable containers, UK-sourced plants and safer pest control products are among the many products the garden centre will donate.

Notably, the project that receives the most votes from all Dobbies stores will be the national winner, receiving extra funding and support.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies said: “We were overwhelmed with the response to our Helping Your Community Grow initiative and have seen a significant increase in nominations, with over 800 applications for 2023.

“A huge thank you to everyone who nominated their project for our Dobbies’ Edinburgh store to support. It’s now up to the public to select the winner – our Edinburgh team are very much looking forward to seeing who this will be.”

To find out more about the Helping Your Community Grow shortlist and to cast your vote, visit Helping Your Community Grow | Dobbies Garden Centres

Votes are open until Tuesday 25 April. There is only one vote per person. The project with the most votes will be the winner. The project with the most votes across the UK will be the national winner. 

Dobbies helps Edinburgh and the Lothians blossom this spring

Free seeds offer in partnership with Let It Grow

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is partnering with BBC Radio 2 by handing out 3,000 free packets of seeds across little dobbies’ Stockbridge and the garden centres in Edinburgh and Livingston from today (Monday 27 March) to encourage residents to brighten up their green spaces this spring. There will be a total of 75,000 seed packets given out across the UK.

It’s part of the BBC’s Let It Grow initiative, to inspire new growers, both young and old, to discover the joy of planting and growing, and encourage them to turn grey spaces into wild and colourful places to help support British wildlife.

Dobbies is proud to support the initiative, while also educating on sustainable gardening methods and championing pollinator-friendly seeds. 

Designed for all ages and gardening abilities, Dobbies invites novice gardeners and experts alike to head along to their nearest store and collect a free packet of seeds to sow this spring.

Spring is a great time in the horticultural diary to get into gardening and a good opportunity to plant beautiful bright blooms for the season ahead. Customers can pick up either Calendula, Borage or Nasturtium seeds at their local store which are perfect for a seasonal garden refresh.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting this fantastic initiative by the BBC. Spring is a great time of year to get gardening and we’re excited to see the nation’s gardens bloom and the wildlife flourish with our free seeds.

Marcus also shares his top tips for sowing these seeds: “Calendula, Borage and Nasturtium are fuss-free plants that are easy to sow and care for and great for injecting some colour to your garden. As we approach the warmer months and the sun heats the ground, it couldn’t be a better time to sow these seeds.

“At Dobbies, we recommend sowing your seeds inside, under a cover or in a greenhouse to maximise the success of germination. Once the seeds have grown to be bushy young plants, and the frosts have finished, then they are ready to be planted into your outdoor pots or borders.”

Thompson & Morgan are supplying the seeds in partnership with Dobbies and customers are encouraged to visit little dobbies’ Stockbridge concept store and garden centres in Edinburgh and Livingston to collect a free packet.

Seeds will be available on a first come, first served basis, from Monday 27 March to Sunday 28 May, while stocks last, from the customer services desk (Dobbies) or till point (little dobbies).

For more information on Let It Grow, visit www.dobbies.com/let-it-grow

Dobbies creates a buzz with free workshops in Edinburgh

Garden Centre shows customers how to create a bee-friendly garden

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is hosting two free interactive workshops at its Edinburgh store this Easter, where experts will educate customers on the wonder of pollinators and how to transform the garden into a bee haven.

Designed for the whole family, Dobbies’ April workshops are a great way to learn more about gardening, whether you’re a novice looking to pull on gardening gloves for the first time, a seasoned gardener hoping for some direction, a gardening pro eager to enhance your gardening expertise or some helpful tips on how to keep your little ones busy in the garden this Easter.

Dobbies’ Grow How session in Edinburgh will be held on Saturday 1 April at 10:30am where customers will be invited to discover how to make their garden a haven for pollinators. Using plants, shrubs and flowers, Dobbies’ horticultural experts will outline the benefits of supporting wildlife in the garden, the best varieties of plants to encourage more bees into our gardens, and which perennials to plant now in preparation for summer.

Dobbies’ April Little Seedlings Club will focus on the magnificent bee and takes place on Sunday 2 April in its Edinburgh store. Packed full of interactive activities, this workshop is perfect for kids aged 4-10 years old and is a great way to keep them busy during the Easter holidays.

Children will come together in a relaxed group setting, discover fun facts about the different bee species and why they are so important, the science behind how these insects pollinate flowers and a fun experiment to get everyone engaged. Attendees will also receive expert advice on how to create a bee-friendly garden with a Lavender planting activity, and how they can do their bit to help save the bees.

Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, explains why pollinators are so important, she said: “Pollinators are vital in supporting the health of our natural ecosystem.

“Bees are currently under threat with the species facing extinction, so as a garden centre we’re constantly looking at educating the next generation so that in years to come, the world is a more pollinator-friendly place.

“There’s a lot to learn about the wonderful pollinators that call our green spaces home, and we hope our two workshops in Edinburgh help families across the country play their part in supporting and protecting these vulnerable insects.”

Sustainability is at the core of both workshops, and the horticultural experts will highlight the great selection of environmentally friendly products that can be purchased.

For more information about the two workshops at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and how you can take part, visit www.dobbies.com/events

Dobbies’ Hop-tastic breakfast event!

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has a spring in its step with the launch of its family-friendly Easter Bunny Breakfast in its Edinburgh store.

Families in Edinburgh are invited along to Dobbies’ restaurant from 6 to 10 April to tuck into an egg-cellent breakfast, followed by a scavenger hunt around the store with the Easter bunny.

Children will also get the chance to take part in a hop-tastic workshop where they’ll plant up miniature carrots with Dobbies’ bunny and resident horticultural team, who both know a thing or two about carrots. Children will get to take home their planted miniature carrots as well as their own mini Maltesers bunny.

There will be a great selection of breakfast options, including a children’s cooked breakfast, also available as a vegetarian option, or cheesy beans on toast, all served with a choice of apple juice, orange juice or water.

Adults have the choice of a traditional or vegetarian cooked breakfast. If customers are looking for a lighter option, they can opt for a breakfast stack or a three-item breakfast roll. Each dish comes with the choice of a pot of tea or regular coffee.

Sarah Murray, Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager said: “Easter is a special time of year in the gardening calendar. It’s a great time to educate children on the variety of fruit and vegetables that can be grown in the garden and the seasonal plants and flowers that bloom in spring.

“Our Easter Bunny Breakfast in Edinburgh is a wonderful activity for the whole family, especially those looking after the kids over the Easter break. Seasonal events are very popular in-store, and we anticipate this selling out quickly. We’d recommend booking spaces in advance to avoid any disappointment.”

Dobbies’ Easter Bunny Breakfast is suitable for families with children aged 3-10 years old, children under 3 can still take part with the support of an adult. Children can enjoy the event for £9.99 per child, and adult tickets start from £7.45, inclusive of meals.

For more information about how to get involved in Dobbies’ Easter Bunny Breakfast in Edinburgh, visit www.dobbies.com/events

Edinburgh and Lothian groups invited to apply for community initiative

Back by popular demand, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has launched its 2023 Helping Your Community Grow campaign across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Designed to enhance communities local to its stores, this initiative will see community groups receive gardening product, support and expertise from the Dobbies’ team.

Helping Your Community Grow has sustainability at its core and encourages people across the country to care for, nurture and protect their green spaces and urban communities.

Both the Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh Dobbies store are calling on local groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians that want to help their community space thrive in a sustainable way to get in touch.

Whether it’s a school allotment project that allows kids to learn about the health and environmental benefits of growing fruit and vegetables; a community garden or space, looking to bring the outside in; or a charity looking to create a sensory garden to encourage everyone outdoors, Dobbies wants to positively impact communities through its love of gardening. 

This year, Dobbies will offer advice, gardening products and tools to a community group to help them transform their space.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies said: “Community is at the heart of what we do and we’re proud of our Helping Your Community Grow campaign. Entries are now open for this year and we’re especially interested in hearing from projects across Edinburgh and the Lothians with sustainability at their core.

“Riding for the Disabled Association in Glasgow is just one of the many projects we supported in 2022 and highlights the diversity of the projects we aim to collaborate with.”

Lynda McKeeman, Yard Manager at Riding for the Disabled Association Glasgow, was thankful for the support. She said: “Dobbies’ support and funding allowed us to create a bright and fragrant sensory trail through the woodland area and out into the pond circuit which has been great for stimulating the senses of the riders and horses. 

“We support over 80 people with disabilities and give them the opportunity to learn to ride or spend time with a horse. Our youngest participant is just 2 years old, and our most senior is in their 70s. Many of our attendees have physical disabilities, psychological problems or just need a confidence boost, and horsemanship is a great way to help rehabilitate them.”

Taking part couldn’t be easier and applications are now open.

Eligible groups must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh or Livingston stores or five miles of little dobbies Stockbridge. A shortlist of community groups for each store will be made and Dobbies will call on members of the public to vote for their favourite project.

Based on the public vote, there will be one winner per store, with the project receiving the most votes securing the national winner title. They will receive additional funding and support.

In addition to Helping Your Community Grow, there will be further opportunities for community groups looking for support, with small grants available from their nearest Dobbies or little dobbies.

For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ Helping Your Community Grow campaign, visit Helping Your Community Grow | Dobbies Garden Centres

Brighten up your spring with Sunflowers at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Free sustainable Little Seedlings session for kids

On Sunday 5 March, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, will host a free session for its Little Seedlings Club in its Edinburgh store. Children aged 4 to 10 will learn how to grow Sunflowers, to inject some sunshine into gardens  this spring.  

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club offers exciting educational activities that give children a greater appreciation for the  nature, plants, and wildlife around them. March is a great time to get the gardening gloves on and start sowing  seeds to help brighten your outside space. 

Dobbies’ Super Sunflowers workshop will cover the history of these striking blooms which can grow up to 10 feet  tall, what they represent, their influence on art, and their significance for our gardens and wildlife. Dobbies’  horticultural experts will educate the children in Edinburgh on how to successfully sow and plant a Sunflower  seed, alongside top care tips. 

Children will also learn about how Sunflowers can survive in space, how edible Sunflowers can be enjoyed in  recipes, and the nutritional value, vitamins and minerals that come from this wonderful plant. Attendees in  Edinburgh will also get to taste test Sunflower seeds. 

Sarah Murray, Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager said: “Our Little Seedling Club is really popular as we  strive to inspire and encourage young people and families in Edinburgh to enjoy gardening, no matter the space  they have.

“Sunflowers are fantastic for city, coastal and cottage gardens, ideal for beds, borders and pots, making  them great for all. We’ll be encouraging our club members to measure their Sunflowers as they grow and keep  their fellow Little Seedlings updated each month!” 

Advance booking is required to secure a free spot at Dobbies’ March Little Seedlings Club session.

For more  information on how children can participate visit, events.dobbies.com

Enjoy a Mum-believable Afternoon Tea at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre launches Mother’s Day celebrations

The UK’s leading garden centre, Dobbies, is celebrating mother figures in Edinburgh with its Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store.

Show your love and appreciation for the mother figure in your life by treating her to an array of delicious bites, complete with a complimentary gift that can be taken away and planted at home.

From delicious sandwiches to buttery scones with Cornish clotted cream and a melt-in-your-mouth blackberry delice, Dobbies’ traditional Afternoon Tea will certainly impress.

Customers in Edinburgh can enjoy refillable tea or coffee and even upgrade with a 200ml bottle of Prosecco for £6.35 per person. The Children’s Afternoon Tea is also available for families looking to celebrate Mother’s Day together.

Adam Veysey, Dobbies’ Development Chef, said: “We are looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day this year with a fantastic Afternoon Tea experience which features three tiers of treats to enjoy.

“On the first tier there are freshly made finger sandwiches; the second has our famous Dobbies’ scones; while the third tier has a carefully selected range of delicious cakes, tarts and a mini macaroon. We hope mums enjoy the gift, which comes with care tips to support a successful bloom.” 

The Adult Afternoon Tea starts at £13.50 per person and the Children’s Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed for £8.50 per child.

For more information about Dobbies’ Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea experience in Edinburgh visit, Events | Dobbies Garden Centres

Get gardening with Dobbies

Garden Centre hosts two free sustainable workshops in Edinburgh

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is hosting two free interactive workshops in its Edinburgh store this February, to help residents get their garden in shape. 

Dobbies’ February Grow How session will be held on Saturday 4 February and will focus on teaching customers how to sow Sweet Peas, the scented favourite. The workshop will emphasise the importance of sowing in early February for earlier blooms.

Customers in Edinburgh will also learn the right temperature for optimum growing and frequency of watering to ensure a successful transition from seed to flower. 

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also host its monthly Little Seedlings workshop on Sunday 5 February, perfect for kids aged 4-10.

This educational session is all about The Wonder of Weeds, shining a light on the various kinds of weeds, also known as wild flowers, found in the garden; how they spread, how they can be removed and what they can be used for. Children will also learn some fun facts and the health benefits of weeds.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “We’re passionate about getting our customers in Edinburgh into gardening and are looking forward to our Grow How and Little Seedling Club sessions. 

“Our February workshops are a great chance to learn more about your outdoor space. Grow How will showcase beautifully fragrant and easy to grow Sweet Peas – you can even plant them in pots so you don’t worry about having a big garden space.

“Our Little Seedlings workshop will get kids interested in weeding, where they’ll understand the dos and don’ts, how to prevent them, and some of the health benefits associated with them.”

Sustainability is at the heart of Dobbies’ Edinburgh workshops, and the horticultural experts will highlight the great selection of environmentally friendly products that can be purchased in-store.

For more information about the two workshops and how you can take part, visit:  www.dobbies.com/events

How to create a wildlife haven with your real Christmas tree

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store highlights how to repurpose your real cut Christmas tree

Whether you’ve got a Nordmann Fir standing pride of place, or a Fraser Fir is your tree of choice, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is encouraging you to repurpose your Christmas centrepiece once the festivities are over.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles has outlined how people can recycle their cut Christmas trees to create a wildlife haven for small animals and insects to shelter in during the winter months.

Follow Marcus’s step-by-step guide:

1.       Remove the tree from your house carefully to stop any loose needles from dropping. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands. 

2.       Using a good quality pair of secateurs, starting from the top remove each branch as close as possible to the main trunk. 

3.       Stack the branches together four or five pieces high and place onto soil or leaves under large shrubs, trees or hedges.

4.       Repeat this process until all the branches are used. This will provide a great shelter for small animals and insects to protect them from the worst of the winter weather. Marcus points out that the needles and branches will breakdown over time to produce organic matter than will enrich the soil.

5.       For the main trunk of the tree use a pruning saw to cut into 30cm lengths, which can then be stacked to make a mini log pile which is a great habitat for wildlife to shelter in.

To watch the video, visit www.dobbies.com/ideas-advice

or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtqfMS5fmF8.

Residents in Edinburgh invited to start New Year positively with a free Dobbies’ event

Positively Plants and garden resolutions at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this January

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is hosting two free workshops this January in its Edinburgh store to encourage customers of all ages to make a positive start to 2023.

Dobbies’ first Grow How session of the year takes place on Saturday 7 January at 10:30am and will give customers in Edinburgh a guide on how to incorporate houseplants into their home.

Dobbies’ experts will showcase the different air purifying houseplants available to buy, how to use them in your indoor spaces, all the benefits associated with having houseplants, and care tips on how to look after them. Incorporating houseplants into your home will help brighten your indoor space, in addition to having a positive effect on your overall wellbeing as we enter the new year. 

The Little Seedlings Club is great for kids aged 4-10 and takes place on the morning of Sunday 8 January in Edinburgh with free bookable sessions. This January, attendees will learn how to have a wonderful new year in the garden, discovering the history of new year, traditions and resolutions, the luck and prosperity associated with eating black-eyed peas-beans, alongside plants to grow in January, seeds to sow and how to prepare your garden for the year ahead.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “January is a great time to make plans and learn a new skill or hobby. We’re always looking to help sow some passion and encourage our customers in Edinburgh to try something new.

“Houseplants are a great way to enhance your space and improve your mood – not only will your home feel refreshed, but so will you. We’re looking forward to our houseplant Grow How event being a popular one. For our Little Seedlings, our workshop on making a positive start in the garden aims to be both motivational and inspiring for young gardening fans.

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our sessions throughout 2022 and are excited to kick off the year with these two, free workshops to help customers start as they mean to go on.”

Sustainability is at the core of Dobbies’ workshops and its horticultural experts will be showcasing the fantastic range of environmentally-friendly products available to purchase in-store.

For more information about both events in Edinburgh and how you can participate, visit dobbies.com/events.