Tag: Dobbies

New garden recycling scheme partnership provides solution to plant pot landfill problem

Two industry leading horticultural brands have joined forces to provide gardeners in Edinburgh with a solution to plant pot recycling, preventing further plastic waste ending up in landfill. 

Sustainable plant pot designer, elho, has partnered with nationwide garden centre retailer, Dobbies to provide plastic plant pot recycling bins across 69 of its centres including Edinburgh. This will make it easier than ever to reduce unnecessary plastic waste in the garden and prevent further plastic waste ending up in landfill. 

It has been widely reported that kerbside recycling of plant pots is challenging. Policies vary significantly from council to council, particularly when it comes to black plant pots, which can leave gardeners at a loss with what to do with their disregarded pots. 

Now gardeners can simply take their plastic plant pots and trays to Dobbies Edinburgh store for them to be recycled. The bins provide a simple means of disposing of plant pots in a convenient and environmentally friendly way, rather than having them clutter up garden sheds or adding to landfill. 

This comes as new research from Dobbies Garden Centres reveals that 33% of gardeners in Edinburgh want to recycle more of their garden waste products this spring.  

The survey was based on responses from 2003 UK adults including 147 from Scotland between 4 March and 7 March 2022.  

Both companies are champions of sustainability with industry-leading green initiatives, and the plastic pot recycling bins are the latest innovation in this.

elho places nature at its core and boasts a number of sustainable credentials, including the production of only 100% recyclable plant pots that are made from recycled materials, using 100% renewable wind energy from the company’s very own wind-powered factory in the Netherlands.

Last year alone, the company recycled more than 13 million kilograms of recycled plastic to create its beautifully designed pots. 

Chris Buck, Northern Account Manager at elho, explained: “We’re pleased to be working on this initiative with Dobbies to encourage gardeners to recycle their plant pots, and to make it incredibly easy for them to do so.

“It’s great to be working together to collect plastic garden waste and give it a second lease of life, instead of sending mountains of it to landfill. We wanted to help provide gardeners with a simple, convenient solution to dispose of their plant pots in an environmentally friendly way. When visiting the centre to buy more plants, simply return your old pots – it couldn’t be easier!” 

Dobbies’ goal is for the initiative to provide customers with the knowledge that plant trays and pots they have purchased are recyclable in store. Like elho, Dobbies is committed to delivering environmentally friendly practices, products and sustainable solutions.  

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies Garden Centres, added: “We are always looking for ways to embed sustainability into our operations, and this is a positive step forward in our #SustainableDobbies journey.  

“Our research shows that gardeners across Edinburgh are passionate about recycling, so while we have encouraged pot recycling for a number of years in-store, this new bin at our Edinburgh store will provide customers with a clear message and opportunity to recycle.”

Spoil Mum this Mother’s Day at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden centre launches new Afternoon Tea

The UK’s leading garden centre, Dobbies, is launching its new Afternoon Tea offering just in time for Mother’s Day, with a complimentary Hotel Chocolat gift for all mums over the Mother’s Day weekend.

Spoil your loved one this March and take them to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store for an experience to remember. Taking place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March, Dobbies’ Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is perfectly suited for all those fantastic mother figures in Edinburgh.

The new Afternoon Tea features selection of sandwiches, dainty mini cakes and slices, freshly made plain and fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, plus a pot of tea or coffee. Dobbies’ Mother’s Day experience can also be made vegan, and a tempting Children’s Afternoon Tea is also available so the whole family can get involved.

Customers looking to add a touch of sparkle can upgrade their experience with a 200ml bottle of prosecco for £6.35 per person.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager Sarah Murray said: “We’re really excited to be inviting our customers in to spoil all the mother figures in their lives this Mother’s Day. Our new Afternoon Tea offering in Edinburgh is perfect whether you want to celebrate with the whole family or just a party of two.

“Our Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is set to be popular so we’d encourage customers to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.”

The new Afternoon Tea menu launches on 17 March, available in 66 stores. Adult Afternoon Tea starts at £13.50 per person, and the Children’s Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed for £7.50 per child. There is no additional cost for the special Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea which takes place on 26 and 27 March only.

Dobbies offers Book with Confidence with each purchased slot, for more info visit: https://www.dobbies.com/book-with-confidence.

To book your visit or find out after Afternoon Tea at Dobbies visit:  https://events.dobbies.com/

Dobbies launches Helping Your Community Grow initiative

Helping Your Community Grow initiative in Edinburgh

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is helping green spaces and indoor areas across Edinburgh and the Lothians blossom this spring with the return of its much-loved Helping Your Community Grow initiative, with an enhanced sustainability focus for 2022.

Launched in 2010, the initiative encourages people across Edinburgh to take care of their green spaces. For 2022, Dobbies is seeking local groups striving to help their community space flourish in a sustainable way.

Both the Dobbies and little dobbies stores are offering the opportunity to get involved. Whether it’s a community allotment project to get kids eating more fruit and vegetables, a wildflower garden with pollinating flowers for bees and insects or a calming outdoor space for boosting mental health, Dobbies wants to help communities transform their space. 

Helping Your Community Grow is calling for local groups from all over the Lothians to get in touch through an application form via Dobbies’ website, showcasing their community space that needs some attention and what they plan to do if they receive Dobbies’ support.

Successful groups will be given advice, products and time to help transform their outdoor spaces using Dobbies’ sustainable products where possible.

This could include peat-free compost, recycled and recyclable pots, UK-sourced plants and safer pest control products. The team at the little dobbies store in Stockbridge are looking to transform an indoor space with air purifying houseplants that will breathe life into a community space.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies said: “Community is at the forefront of what we do at Dobbies and we’re proud to be relaunching our Helping Your Community Grow initiative in our Edinburgh stores this spring.

“We had a brilliant variety of applications last year and it was great to see local community spaces, school vegetable patches and memorial gardens benefit from our support.

“We are particularly keen to hear from projects in Edinburgh who have a sustainable focus to their work and our teams will share their knowledge of sustainable products and practices, to ensure a truly eco-friendly approach.”

In addition to the regional winners, one national winner will receive further support.

Claire Blowers from Noadswood PSA, the national winner from 2021 said: “We really benefitted from entering Helping Your Community Grow in 2021.

“We had invaluable support and advice from the team, along with products that enabled us to transform our space. I would highly recommend community projects submitting entries for this year’s initiative.”

Getting involved couldn’t be easier. Eligible projects must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh store or 5 miles of the little dobbies’ Stockbridge store.

Applications are open until 25 March 2022.

For more information on how to take part, visit:

www.dobbies.com/helping-your-community-grow.

Dobbies’ Little Strawberry Seedlings

Free children’s workshop in Edinburgh store this March

The UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies, is hosting a free Little Seedlings workshop on Sunday 6 March in Edinburgh, delving into the much-loved garden strawberry.

The workshop will take place at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and is perfect for children aged 4-10. During the Little Seedlings Club, children will take a closer look at one of the most popular fruits in the world, the strawberry, and discover the history surrounding the fruit and its importance to our eco-system. 

Children attending the workshop will soon become strawberry experts, learning how to grow this marvellous fruit, how to nurture and look after their plants, and top tips for selecting the best crop.

Dobbies will also be introducing children to the different ways they can use their delicious homegrown produce in the food and drink they enjoy at home.

This workshop has sustainability at its core and will highlight the key benefits of using peat-free compost and safer pest control products. Growing your own heavily reduces your carbon footprint, packaging waste, food waste and eliminates the need for harmful chemical fertilisers – a brilliant way to support your body, mind and the planet.

Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager said: “We’re looking forward to our March Little Seedlings Club in our Edinburgh store. Our horticultural team thoroughly enjoy supporting these keen young gardeners, while introducing them to different ways to help look after our planet.

“The fun and interactive format of our Little Seedlings Club engages children from all backgrounds to learn while finding their passion for gardening.

“We’d advise those looking to attend to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.”

Advance booking is required to secure your space for this free to attend event at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store. For more information on how your little one can take part, visit www.dobbies.com/events

‘Grow How’ to Know How

Free demonstrations relaunch at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

The UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies, relaunches its highly requested free in-store ‘Grow How’ demonstrations, taking place on the first Saturday of every month in its Edinburgh store.

Available in Edinburgh, Grow How offers customers an interactive opportunity to learn from Dobbies’ horticultural experts and finesse their gardening skills. Encouraging the nation to be more green, sessions will cover sustainability and growing your own, working with the seasons to maximise your outdoor space, no matter how big or small, and how to create sought-after landscapes.

Dobbies’ Grow How educational sessions are built to be flexible, fun and interactive, taking around 10-15 minutes. Customers in Edinburgh can look forward to a live demonstration with a Dobbies’ horticulture expert and an ask the expert section, where the floor will open to relevant questions.

Sarah Murray, Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager said: “We couldn’t be more excited that Grow How is relaunching in our Edinburgh store next month.

“We’d encourage customers to take advantage of our free expert advice in-store and hopefully learn something new about how to make their green space bloom.”

Marcus Eyles, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director said: “Our team of horticultural experts across the UK thoroughly enjoyed hosting these relaxed ‘how to’ sessions in previous years and we can’t wait to get our gardening gloves back on for this interactive and popular experience.

“We would encourage anyone in Edinburgh, no matter their gardening experience, to come along and give these sessions a go – we’ll provide tips and recommendations to ensure you can make the most of your outside space, whether you have a window sill or sprawling lawn.”

The demonstrations will take place in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on the first Saturday of each month at 10:30am.

Topics for March – September are detailed below, but may be subject to change depending on customer feedback:

·         March: put the spring into your pots     

·         April: create an Alpine garden   

·         May: sustainable gardening       

·         June: caring for roses

·         July: instant summer colour and lawn care         

·         August: grow your Christmas dinner     

·         September: grow your own fruit bowl

Little Seedlings learn to grow indoors at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Free sustainable workshop in February

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is hosting a free sustainable workshop on Sunday 6 February in Edinburgh for the Little Seedlings Club to learn how to grow indoors. 

Suitable for children aged 4-10, this workshop will take place in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and will encourage children to take advantage of the cold winter months and start growing fruit, vegetables and herbs indoors.

Children will learn about what fruit and vegetables can successfully be grown indoors, the best technique for chitting potatoes to prepare for sowing and all the benefits and uses of indoor herbs.

Dobbies will also be educating children on the benefits of growing your own for their health and the planet. Home grown produce creates no plastic waste and also reduces food waste as you only harvest what you need. In addition to this, locally grown vegetables reduce carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels.

Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager said: “At Dobbies we always look for ways to help our customers be sustainable and we’re delighted to be educating and encouraging the next generation of gardeners to use sustainable practices.

“Our gardening club allows children from all backgrounds to come together and connect with one another in a friendly group setting. Learning about the plants in their garden, wildlife and environment, we strive to nurture their minds with fun-filled activities.

“Our Little Seedlings Club is ever-popular and spaces are filled quickly. We’d encourage anyone looking to bring their children along to our Edinburgh store to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.”

Advance booking is required to secure your space for this free to attend event at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store.

For more information on how your little one can take part, visit:

https://www.dobbies.com/events

Dobbies announces Edinburgh winner for the ‘Not Your Average Community’ campaign

Local charity, Young Lives vs Cancer, has been named as one of three winners for Dobbies’ Not Your Average Community competition.

The nationwide contest, run by the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, invited community groups, clubs, charities and neighbourhoods to apply and tell the Dobbies’ team about the work they are doing in their local areas and what they would do with the prize – £1,000 to spend in their local store on Christmas trees, lights and decorations

Dobbies were inundated with entries from across the country, reading heart-warming stories about the incredible work being carried out by dedicated volunteers and community workers, and had a difficult job selecting the three winners.

Young Lives vs Cancer at Ciaran’s House was a very worthy winner, providing accommodation to families whose children are receiving cancer treatment at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. The families are able to stay as long as required and siblings can also stay in Edinburgh.

In their winning entry, the charity told how they wanted to transform the nine-bedroom house with trees, lights, wreaths and decorations for the families to decorate their own rooms and communal living space with their prize.

A member of the Edinburgh Dobbies’ team met with Mandy Tait, House Manager and Sandra Fox, Deputy Manager from the Ciaran’s House team to help them select the best products for their requirements, as well as treating them to Christmas Afternoon Tea in the restaurant.

Mandy Tait and Sandra Fox, said: “A huge thank you to the lovely team at Dobbies, not only for selecting us as winners, but for being so supportive and helpful while we selected our festive decorations.

“Dressing the house will make a massive difference to the team working there and those spending time with us this December.”

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “A huge congratulations to Young Lives vs Cancer at Ciaran’s House for winning our Not Your Average Community campaign this year.

“The work they do is inspirational and we’re proud to be able to help them spread some festive cheer during what will be a difficult time for many. 

“A huge thank you to everyone who entered our Not Your Average Community campaign. It was wonderful to see so many great projects taking place across Edinburgh and beyond.”

For more information on Not Your Average Community: 

https://www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-community

Dobbies marks ‘Bring your Christmas Tree Home’ Day

Dobbies is encouraging people in Edinburgh to think sustainably this Christmas, as they mark ‘Bring your Christmas Tree Home Day’ (today – 4 December 2021).

Dobbies’ annual ‘Bring your Christmas Tree Home Day’ takes place on the first Saturday of December and marks the day most shoppers visit their local garden centre to pick up their real cut or pot grown Christmas trees.

This year, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer has launched a new range of real Christmas trees for every space at its Edinburgh store, making it easier to find the perfect tree no matter your style or budget.

From small trees like the pot grown Picea ‘Conica’, ideal for compact spaces; to the slim grade Nordmann Fir, perfect for tight spots; to the impressive Premium grade Nordmann Fir for large rooms, there is something for every home, so you can do Christmas your way.

This ‘Bring your Christmas Tree Home Day’, Dobbies is encouraging shoppers buying real trees to think ahead about how they can reuse their Christmas centrepiece once the festivities are over.

The garden centre has announced its top tips on how people can repurpose their cut Christmas trees to create a wildlife haven for small animals and insects to shelter in during the winter months and reduce waste in the new year.

This is part of the #SustainableDobbies campaign, in which the retailer raises awareness of sustainable products and practices for customers and supporters.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles said: “Choosing a real tree is one of the most-loved Christmas traditions, and on this year’s ‘Bring Your Christmas Tree Home Day’, we want to encourage people in Edinburgh to be mindful of how they can recycle their cut real trees once the festivities are over.

“Cut real Christmas trees can be a great tool when it comes to creating a safe place for wildlife to shelter during the winter months, so we’re delighted to show people how they can make use of their trees once the Christmas decorations have come down.”

Fay Vass, Chief Executive of British Hedgehog Preservation Society said: “We’re delighted that Dobbies are shining a light on ways in which people can create a safe space for hedgehogs and other wildlife in their gardens.

“Hedgehog numbers are in decline, and they have recently been added to the UK Red List as a species that is vulnerable to extinction. We all need to play our part in improving their habitat and we hope people will take advantage of these tips to help create a safe place for wildlife in their gardens.”

Marcus has outlined a step-by-step guide on how people can reuse their real cut Christmas trees to make a wildlife haven in their gardens in the new year:

1.       Remove the tree from your house carefully to stop any loose needles from dropping. Marcus recommends wearing 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 stem.

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.

Dobbies is encouraging the children who attend its Little Seedlings Club to take the lead in creating wildlife shelters.

Ethan Firth, Dobbies Little Seedling Ambassador, adds: “Christmas is a time to create fond memories and what better way than to keep a memory of Christmas whilst considering the environment and being sustainable all at the same time! 

“I plan to re-pot our family pot-grown Christmas tree and reuse for next Christmas, and the cut Christmas tree in my bedroom I’m going to recycle and make a hedgehog shelter.”

To find out more about Dobbies, visit dobbies.com

To find out more about the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, visit:  britishhedgehogs.org.uk

Festivi-teas at Dobbies

With the most wonderful time of the year just around the corner, get into the seasonal spirit and enjoy Dobbies’ Christmas Afternoon Tea.

Dobbies has decked the Edinburgh store out in festive decorations, and has everything customers could dream of do Christmas their way. From real and faux trees and wreaths, to decorations in a variety of dazzling winter themes, plus gifts, festive food and stocking fillers.

Dobbies’ Christmas Afternoon Tea includes a selection of seasonal finger sandwiches, mini cakes, sweet slices and mince pies. Freshly-made festive scones with jam and clotted cream will also be served, perfectly paired with a pot of tea or coffee. For added sparkle, there’s the opportunity to upgrade with a bottle of Prosecco.

Also available for little ones is Dobbies’ Children’s Christmas Afternoon Tea. Freshly-made sandwiches, delicious festive treats, a selection of healthy snacks and fruit juice means the whole family can enjoy a seasonal treat.

Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager at Dobbies said: “Christmas at our Edinburgh store is a magical time of the year and we can’t wait to welcome customers in to enjoy all that we have to offer. We’re not your average garden centre.

“Our restaurant is the perfect spot for a festive bite to eat after a busy day shopping at the Edinburgh store. The Christmas Afternoon Tea is a lovely way for customers to enjoy our fantastic selection of baked goods, leaving them feeling festive.”

Dobbies’ Edinburgh Christmas Afternoon Tea experience is available for a limited time throughout November and December. Prices start from £13.50 per adult and £7.50 per child and booking is essential.

To book your experience or for more information visit:

https://www.dobbies.com/events