Tag: Dobbies

Dobbies expands relationship with John Lewis Partnership in Edinburgh

 John Lewis click and collect orders can now be picked up from selected Dobbies’ stores. Customers at Dobbies in Edinburgh and little dobbies in Stockbridge can now collect their John Lewis parcels in store.  

This expands the relationship between Dobbies and the John Lewis Partnership after it was announced in July that Waitrose would have a dedicated area offering more than 2,000 products in 50 of the garden centre’s foodhalls. The roll out is already underway having been launched in 12 Dobbies’ stores, including Edinburgh. 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “We’re committed to providing convenience to our customers and this new collaboration enables us to further develop this focus. It’s important that we share a commitment to great value, quality and customer service with our partners.

“We hope our customers in Edinburgh find this new development beneficial.” 

Ged Keogh-Peters, Director of Supply Chain Planning & Development for the John Lewis Partnership, adds: “The introduction of click and collect further strengthens our partnership with Dobbies and underlines our ambition to find new ways to be more convenient for our customers. 

“The service is growing in popularity every year with customers increasingly wanting the ease of being able to pick up their order at a time and place which works for them.”   

Dobbies is the latest retailer to join the existing network of over 350 John Lewis and Waitrose Click & Collect points, along with over 800 Co-op, Shell and Booths locations. 

The other Dobbies’ stores offering Click & Collect are Dunfermline, Aberdeen, Gillingham, Atherstone, Brighton, and little dobbies in Westbourne Grove, London. 

Art in the garden this autumn with Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club 

Free sustainable workshop in Edinburgh store 

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, encourages families in Edinburgh to get artistic in the garden this autumn with its free Little Seedlings Club workshop next Sunday 6 November.  

During the autumn months the trees change colour and bronzed leaves pave the ground, so it’s the perfect time  of year to give your garden a colourful makeover.

Dobbies’ November workshop will show kids aged 4 to 10 how to create beautiful garden art using existing pots, natural objects, and recycled materials to brighten up any garden. 

This interactive workshop will spark the children’s imagination and teach them how to be creative with nature in  a sustainable way. Dobbies’ Edinburgh team will share a variety of fun craft activities.  

The team will highlight the value of exploring the outdoors and how children can use natural materials like sticks,  rocks, and flowers to create striking art in a sustainable way.

They will also learn about recycling, its importance  to the environment and how recycled items, such as plastic bottles or aluminium, can be used to create a  colourful piece of garden art. 

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming our  Little Seedlings Club attendees this November. Gardens are full of warm tones during autumn, and we hope that  our workshop helps children explore their creativity with arts and crafts to brighten their outside space  sustainably. 

“Our workshop is a great place for locals in Edinburgh to meet new friends, learn more about the environment  and try something new.” 

For more details on Dobbies’ Edinburgh free November Little seedlings workshop, visit: events.dobbies.com.  

Familes can meet Santa at Dobbies

Dog-friendly grottos included in festive line-up in Edinburgh

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is welcoming families in Edinburgh to its unmissable, great-value Santa’s Grotto experience.

This year, kids are invited along to enjoy an immersive visit to the grotto where it will be love at frost sight with the elves taking visitors through a magical woodland, spotting reindeer, rabbits and forest creatures along the way. Children will become Santa’s little helpers, participating in various activities revealed during their visit. 

After lending a helping hand, children will then get to meet Santa himself and receive a special gift. Families can also opt in to purchase a picture of their child with Santa, creating memories to last forever. Santa’s Grotto will be available in Edinburgh from 24 November. 

Dobbies’ Quiet Grotto experience returns this year on 9 December to support children with special needs. Sound and visual elements are adapted to reduce anxiety and ensure every child has an opportunity to meet Santa and his elves.

If you’re looking to get the whole family involved, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also offer a Santa Paws grotto experience where dog lovers can bring their pups to see Santa, with a special doggie gift and photo opportunity available. Child tickets can be added to make it a full family experience.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “Meeting Santa is an important part of Christmas and we’re looking to make this inclusive for all, with quiet and dog-friendly events available in our Edinburgh store.

“We can’t wait to bring the magic of Christmas to life for our customers!”

Advance booking for Dobbies’ Edinburgh Christmas events are recommended to avoid disappointment. All grotto prices have been held, with no price increases.

Customers have the opportunity to make a donation to Dobbies’ national charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, when booking online: 

https://www.dobbies.com/events

  • Santa’s Grotto starts on 24 November, prices from £11.99 per child
  • Santa’s Quiet Grotto is on 9 December, prices from £11.99 per child
  • Santa Paws starts on 3 December, priced at £6.99 per dog

Dobbies offers Book with Confidence. For more info: https://www.dobbies.com/book-with-confidence

Festive fun at Dobbies

Garden Centre launches 2022 Christmas events programme

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is gearing up to create a Christmas to remember for customers in Edinburgh and announces a magical line up of great-value festive events to get the whole family excited for the season ahead, with booking now open.

Santa’s Grotto is back and better than ever, with families having the opportunity to take part in an interactive experience in the Edinburgh store. Attendees will be greeted by Santa’s elves to walk through the snowy woodland, spotting reindeer, rabbits and more, as well as helping to pack Santa’s sleigh.

They’ll then spend time with Santa and receive a special gift to take home. Families can opt in to purchase a photograph with Santa, creating memories to last forever. 

Dobbies’ Quiet Grottos will also be available on 9 December. This experience is designed to help support children with additional needs, with sound and visual elements adapted to reduce anxiety.

If you’re looking to get the whole family involved, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also offer a Santa Paws grotto experience. Dog lovers across Edinburgh have the chance to bring their pups to see Santa, with a special doggie gift and photo opportunity available. Children’s tickets can be added, for a full family experience.

The garden centre is also hosting its ever-popular Santa’s Breakfast experience, perfect for families and children under 10 years old. Breakfast options are available for both adults and children, including vegetarian and lighter options, with food, fun activities and a gift from Santa all included in the children’s great-value ticket price.

Dobbies’ Festive Afternoon Tea will also take place, with options to suit the whole family. Guests can indulge in three tiers of fantastic festive food, and unlimited tea and coffee refills. There are also options to upgrade with additional savoury items, hot drinks and Prosecco.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “Christmas is all about getting the family together and spending quality time with your loved ones.

“At Dobbies we want to give families an experience to remember and unforgettable memories to cherish for years to come. Nothing is more magical than Christmas time, and our interactive festive events in Edinburgh will help bring the season to life for the entire family.”

Customers in Edinburgh are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies’ Christmas events to avoid disappointment. Customers have the opportunity to make a donation to Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, when booking online: https://www.dobbies.com/events.

  • Santa’s Grotto events start on 24 November, prices from £11.99 per child
  • Santa’s Quiet Grotto takes place on 9 December, prices from £11.99 per child
  • Santa Paws starts running on 3 December, priced at £6.99 per dog
  • Santa’s Breakfast takes place from 26 November onwards, £13.99 per child and from £7.30 per adult
  • Festive Afternoon Tea starts on 1 November, £13.50 per adult and £7.50 per child
  • Santa’s Afternoon Tea runs from 3 December, £13.99 per adult and £13.50 per child

Dobbies offers Book with Confidence. For more info: https://www.dobbies.com/book-with-confidence. 

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store to host festive shopping night in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

The most magical time of the year is almost here and Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is welcoming the start of the festive season with a special charity shopping night in aid of National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.

This is taking place in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Thursday 24 November, 5-9pm, with tickets on sale now. 

The Christmas Shopping Night is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to explore great-value festive gifts, decorations and products and get into the Christmas spirit.

There will be a welcome drink on arrival plus the chance to enjoy the exclusive shopping offers available on the night. With the Christmas themes for 2022 displayed throughout the stores there will be decorating inspiration for all, no matter your style or budget. 

Dobbies’ popular Santa’s Grotto will launch in its Edinburgh store for a special preview as well as bookable tables in the restaurant offering a taste of the Christmas menu.

Available on the night will be two courses for £14.95 with the option of traditional roast turkey dinner or vegetarian Christmas dinner with Quorn sausages, followed by Christmas pudding or mince pie cheesecake.

Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager at Dobbies said: “We’ve raised over £1.2m for Teenage Cancer Trust and our Christmas Shopping Night is a great opportunity, not only for customers in Edinburgh to enjoy a festive night out and exclusive offers, but contribute to raising funds for an incredibly worthwhile cause.”

Tickets are priced at £1, available at dobbies.com and in-store, and all proceeds from ticket sales and fundraising on the night will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust. It is also possible to opt in to make a donation to the charity when booking other festive events online.

Donna Bednarek, Senior Relationships Manager for Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are delighted to see the return of Dobbies Christmas Shopping Night this year – an event our volunteers love to be part of.

“It’s companies like Dobbies, and their incredible team members and customers taking part in events like this, that allow us to ensure no young person faces cancer alone.”

Attendees in Edinburgh are invited to take a photo in-store for the chance to win a prize.

Customers can share their photos on social media by using #DobbiesChristmasNight and tagging @dobbiesgardencentres to automatically be entered.

For more Christmas inspiration and to browse Dobbies’ new season ranges, visit:

 www.dobbies.com

Dobbies donates real Christmas trees to charitable causes in Edinburgh

Dobbies Garden Centres is looking to spread the spirit of Christmas in Edinburgh with its festive Not Your Average Community campaign, in partnership with Needlefresh.

The UK’s leading garden centre is inviting charitable groups across Edinburgh to get in touch and help the Dobbies team donate Nordmann Fir Christmas trees to four worthy causes, just in time for the seasonal build-up.

A Christmas tree is the classic centrepiece, not just in the home, but in schools, community centres, churches and other charity centres, and Dobbies is looking to spread some yuletide cheer with donations across Edinburgh.

Dobbies is committed to sustainability and all the real Christmas trees sold are grown from specially selected seeds, taken from hand-picked cones which have been left to dry and nurtured into seedlings. 

The growing team use specialist pruning techniques to create a bushy and uniform shape by hand, reducing any impact on the surrounding environment and protecting the animals and plants in and around the tree base.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said; “We’re proud to be in a position where we can support local communities, so thank you to Needlefresh for supporting us with this campaign. We would encourage schools, community groups and charities across Edinburgh to get in touch with a nomination to be within the chance of receiving a Christmas tree donation.

“The Nordmann Fir is the most popular Christmas tree in the UK because it loses very few needles, meaning your tree will remain green and full, with the right care. It’s the perfect tree for our Not Your Average Community campaign.”

Needlefresh Managing Director, George Hood, added; “We take great pride in growing our sustainable trees and are excited to partner up with Dobbies on this brilliant community initiative.

“We look forward to seeing community groups across Edinburgh decorating and enjoying their sustainable grown, real Christmas tree.”

There will be eight winning projects in Edinburgh, each to receive a 180 – 21cm, Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree.

Nominations can be submitted via dobbies.com by filling out a simple form. Deadline for submissions is Monday 24 October.

All entries will be reviewed by the Dobbies’ team and the winning community groups will be contacted in early November and invited along to the Edinburgh store to hand select their tree. Those who apply to a little dobbies store will have their tree delivered.

For more information or to submit an entry, visit: www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-community.

Dobbies welcomes award-winning butcher to Edinburgh and Livingston stores 

Customers of Dobbies Garden Centres in the Lothians can now shop in store for the finest quality and award-winning products by ‘farm to fork’ company Puddledub. 

The Fife-based producer already has a presence in Dobbies’ Dunfermline store not far from its family farm near the village of Auchtertool. Based on the success of the butcher at this store, the family business is now extending its presence to Dobbies in Edinburgh and Livingston, offering pork, beef, lamb, poultry and deli items, produced from its own livestock and sourced from other local suppliers. 

Top products include dry cured bacon, delicious hams, luxury pork sausages and home-made steak pies.  

The Mitchell family behind Puddledub have been at Clentrie Farm since 1905. The farm is focused on high welfare, sustainable pork production and caring for the environment. 

Peter Mitchell, Director at Puddledub, said: “Just like Dobbies, we’re passionate about offering our customers the very best products and have a highly skilled team.

“That’s why we work with trusted partners that share our ethos, commitment to value and high-quality standards. The butchers in Dobbies’ Dunfermline store has proven to be a great success and we’re sure it will be the same in Edinburgh and Livingston.”  

David Gibson, Regional Manager at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “Puddledub is one of Scotland’s finest farms and meat producers, so we’re really pleased to welcome them to another two stores.

“The company has a thriving in-store and online retail presence already, proving how popular its products are. They’ll be an excellent addition to our foodhall in both Edinburgh and Livingston, offering great value products for our customers.” 

Puddledub joins Dobbies’ diverse range of existing foodhall partnerships with brands including Waitrose, Hotel Chocolat, Whittards and Cook.  

Both Dobbies and Puddledub are focused on reducing their impact on the environment. Puddledub is committed to sustainable farming and providing high-quality local produce to their customers. Each step from the breeding of their home-grown pigs, to the preparation of their products is thoughtfully done.

Dobbies is also actively working with suppliers to reduce single-use plastics and packaging, while offering a range of in-store recycling opportunities and reducing food waste in partnership with Too Good to Go. 

Make the most of autumn gardening with Dobbies

Free sustainable session in Edinburgh

Now that autumn has officially started, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will host a Grow How Session on Saturday 1 October at 10:30am, focused on seasonal gardening tips. This free session will showcase the perfect plants for autumn tubs and baskets, how customers can create an instant colour display and top maintenance tips as we approach the cooler months.

Hosted by local Dobbies’ gardening experts, customers will be taught how to instantly brighten up their tubs and baskets and refresh their outside space by using Pansies, Violas and Wallflowers that will last right the way through winter. 

Attendees will also learn how they can plan for the year ahead by preparing spring bulbs with expert advice on how best to group them in beds and borders. From Daffodils and Crocus which flower early, to indoor bulbs like Hyacinths and Narcissus Paperwhite, there will be hints and tips on how to prepare for Spring 2023.

The Edinburgh session will also emphasise the benefits of using Dobbies’ Peat Free No 3 Mature Plant Compost, organic feeds, and safer pest control products for their green space and environment.  

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “Autumn is one of our favourite seasons of the year at Dobbies and it’s a prime time for gardening. Not only can you add bursts of colour to brighten your garden, but it’s also a great chance to get ahead and prepare for spring.

“We’re committed to sustainable gardening, and we hope our free autumn gardening Grow How session will not only inspire Edinburgh gardeners to carry on with their efforts as the season changes, but also encourage more people to take up gardening for a blooming 2023.”

For more details on Dobbies’ Edinburgh autumn Grow How session in October, visit: events.dobbies.com. 

For customers unable to attend the events, Dobbies currently has a three for two offer across bulbs in-store and online.

Get Spooky with Little Scare-lings at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Bring your little ones along to Little Scare-lings at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this Halloween, where they will become certified scarers and enjoy an afternoon of spine-chilling family-friendly activities.

Taking place in Edinburgh between 27 – 30 October, Little Scare-lings is a spooktacular way to get ready for the Halloween festivities, and kids up to age 10 are encouraged to come dressed in their most terrifying costume where their scare-factor will be put to the test.

Children will have the chance to perfect their scare tactics, showcase their monster strut in a group parade, and take part in making their very own monster plant pot to take home. Dobbies will award each child with their very own scare certificate at the end of the session. 

In addition to the activities, there’s the chance to enjoy some tasty treats, with fish fingers and tomato pasta on the menu, with gluten free and vegetarian options also available. Children will also receive a Halloween cupcake.

Adults can enjoy Dobbies’ ever-popular Afternoon Tea, with a selection of finger sandwiches, mini cakes and baked slices, plus freshly-made plain and fruit scones with jam and clotted cream. They will also have the option of a pot of tea or small coffee. For those looking for a sweet treat, there’s the option of a cake and drink ticket. 

Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager at Dobbies, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming families across Edinburgh to our Halloween event. Taking inspiration from our popular Little Seedlings programme, Little Scare-lings gives children the chance to join in some fantastically-spooky fun.”

Tickets for Little Scare-lings are available now at dobbies.com, and booking is encouraged to avoid disappointment. Activities are aimed at children aged 3 -10, but under 3 can participate with adult supervision. Children’s tickets are great value, priced at £8.99, and adults can join in on the fun from £6.99.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings get their five a day this September

Free sustainable workshop in Edinburgh store

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is hosting a free session in Edinburgh for its Little Seedlings Club on Sunday 4 September. During this workshop, children aged 4 to 10 will learn how to grow their own fruit and how they can enjoy some of their five a day this autumn. 

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

September’s workshop is set to be fun-filled and educational with a key focus on how you can grow fresh fruit in your garden space. The workshop will cover the early history of different fruit, as well as diving into the science, illustrating how we classify those frequently misidentified as vegetables.

Children will also learn about the health benefits, along with how different fruits grow and how to plant their own at home. There will also be a crafting activity.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, explained: “Our Little Seedling Club is very popular and we hope to encourage and nurture young people’s passion for growing their own crops.

“We’re looking forward to highlighting all the health and wellbeing benefits of fruit, as well as having lots of fun.”

Advance booking is required to secure a free spot at the September Little Seedlings Club.

For more information on how children can participate at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, visit: events.dobbies.com.