Tag: gardening

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

Volunteer sessions with Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden

Did you know that we have regular volunteering sessions?

We have a wonderful community of people from all walks of life who gather in the garden to help us maintain its beauty and help with seasonal gardening tasks.

Whether you’re an avid gardener or a complete beginner we would love to have you!

We have an employed gardener on site if you’d like to learn specific things and advance your skills, or if you just need a helping hand to gain some confidence.

For more information check out of website and email us with your interest to arrange an introductory visit.

#scotlandcommunitygardens

#communitygarden

#growyourown

#vegetablegrowing

#edinburghgardens

#volunteeredinburgh

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

Dobbies: Give a gift that will grow

Houseplants are the new bouquets according to a recent survey by Dobbies Garden Centres, in which 24% of Edinburgh residents said they preferred to receive houseplants rather than cut flowers because they last longer.

A further 31% of Brits said they would happily give a houseplant as a gift.

Houseplants are the ultimate sustainable gift, especially for Valentine’s Day, where a long-lasting houseplant acts as a reminder to your loved ones for years to come.

Dobbies’ Edinburgh and little dobbies’ Stockbridge stores have a wide range of cost-effective houseplants are the perfect way to show your appreciation for your partner with a gift that will last. With a multitude of positive effects, houseplants have air-purifying benefits, and can enhance your home, as well as your wellbeing. 

From the green-fingered plant parent to the novice gardener, Dobbies has a houseplant to make everyone feel good. Follow Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer Claire Bishop’s top tips on ensuring your gift will grow to its fullest potential:

“Houseplants make a beautiful addition to any space with their greenery and colour.

“If you are in search of a romantic but low-maintenance plant, Phalaenopsis will make an impression. These are one of the most popular houseplants, and flowering houseplants are a key trend for 2023. They make a wonderful present for anyone, coming in a range of colours as well as being easy to care for. Place them in bright, centrally heated room (but out of direct summer sun) and watch them bloom!

“Our limited edition Anthurium Clarinervium is ideal if you prefer a tropical look, with its stunning deep green leaves overlain with decorative white. Native to southern Mexico, this rare houseplant loves humidity and would find itself at home in a shower room or steamy kitchen. Ensure its soil is damp but not over-saturated by misting regularly.

“Aglaonema’s stunning variegated leaves and variations of colours lend a pop of colour to any home, guaranteeing your loved one will be thrilled to receive this patterned beauty. This houseplant loves a warm, consistent temperature so keep away from any cold air drafts. In lower light areas, aim to periodically rotate your plant for even growth.”

Visit in store or online at www.dobbies.com to explore Dobbies range of houseplants and Valentine’s gifting ideas, with plenty of styles and sizes to suit every budget and space.

For top tips on caring for houseplants, listen to Claire’s advice on the Positively Plants podcast www.dobbies.com/podcasts

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

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.

Mushroom Alchemy in Granton

Do you like mushrooms? Would you like to grow-your-own? Come along to Rhyze Mushrooms Alchemy Workshop to learn to grow mushrooms on household waste.

Wednesday 12th October 3pm – 6pm at Granton Community Gardeners

Book your place by contacting Jules on 07517 109 319 or julesryan@pchp.org.uk

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.