Tag: Grow How session

Dobbies announces Edinburgh and Lothian community winners

Local groups in Edinburgh and Lothians to receive support for their green space as part of national initiative

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has revealed the community and charity groups across the UK that will receive support to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces this year, including Silvermills for little dobbies Stockbridge and Newtongrange Community Garden in Midlothian for the Edinburgh store.

Over 660 groups applied to Dobbies Community Gardens when it opened in March. Each Dobbies store selected their local project to support from the nominations that were made. Nominated projects from Edinburgh and the Lothians were invited along to the in-store Grow How session on Saturday 4 May when the winners were unveiled. 

Silvermills and Newtongrange Community Garden will now receive a one-on-one session with Dobbies’ colleagues in the Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh store to kick-start the activity, and the team will support the winning group right the way through their project. In addition to receiving products, tools and plants, there will be volunteer hours allocated to help bring the project to fruition and keep their outdoor space blooming.

Silvermills is a local community group that plans to rejuvenate an unused area of Stockbridge with colourful flowers and plants to brighten the space and create a place for the neighbourhood to come together.

Newtongrange Community Garden hopes to use Dobbies’ expertise and support to expand the garden and provide more accessible beds to the growing area to make the garden more inclusive for those looking to grow fruit and vegetables.

The group’s aim is to help those in the local area suffering from food poverty and improve social isolation by bringing people together.

Recent research* from Dobbies by Censuswide found that 71% of Brits say being close to nature helps them relax, highlighting the importance of initiatives like Dobbies Community Gardens to help green spaces thrive.

Dobbies’ colleagues are passionate about gardens and plants, championing garden living all year round to create experiences that bring people and communities together.

Nick Anderson, Dobbies’ Operations Director, is thrilled with the response to Dobbies Community Gardens. He explained: “We are really pleased to have had so many community groups get in touch looking for support with their green spaces. 

“The Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh store had the responsibility of picking a community group to back this year, choosing Silvermills and Newtongrange Community Garden as its winners.

“We’re looking forward to seeing these outdoor green spaces flourish over the year.”

For more information about Dobbies work in the community and to see this year’s Dobbies Community Gardens’ winners, visit dobbies.com/community-gardens

*The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2007 natrep consumers in UK 16+ between 22 March-25 March 2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council. 

Grow your own soft fruits with Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre hosts free gardening workshops

Research from YouGov shows that soft fruits make up four of the top five most popular fruits in the UK.1 Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.

Grow How will take place on Saturday 2 March at 10.30am, providing both aspiring and seasoned gardeners with an interactive setting to gain valuable insights from Dobbies’ gardening experts at its Edinburgh store.

The Little Seedlings Club, tailored for children between the ages of 4 and 10, will be held on the morning of Sunday 3 March. 

Dobbies’ Grow How session will be a live 10-to-15-minute demonstration, showing Edinburgh residents how to make the most of their outdoor and patio space by growing soft fruits. 

The session will cover what a soft fruit is and the different types, including strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.

Dobbies’ experts will guide gardeners through the process of growing soft fruits, from prepping the garden with the right soil before planting, to caring for the young plants and harvesting the fruits when ripe.  

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club session will also focus on soft fruits, with children in Edinburgh learning about fruit in general and getting the opportunity to participate in a strawberry growing activity, putting their newly acquired knowledge into practice. 

Zoe Stanmore, Dobbies’ Horticultural Expert, explains that soft fruits are easy for gardeners of all abilities to grow. She said: “Soft fruits come in so many delicious varieties, and they can be grown in compact pots, so you don’t need a big space to start growing your own.

“It’s not essential to have a large outdoor space – a pot in a well-lit space is ideal. Fertilise your soil correctly, and if you water and prune as and when needed, you can expect a good harvest. 

“The Grow How session will also allow for customers to visit our Edinburgh store and share any challenges they’ve had with growing their own, to get advice and feedback from our team.”

For additional information on free March sessions at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, visit www.dobbies.com/events.  

Learn how to grow your own microgreens with Dobbies

Garden Centre hosts free indoor gardening session to start the New Year

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is kicking off the new year by inviting gardeners in Edinburgh to join its free Grow How session, learning some top tips on cultivating indoor microgreens. 

Taking place on Saturday 6 January at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, the session will showcase how easy it is to grow microgreens including basil, coriander and arugula. Dobbies’ gardening experts will provide seasoned gardeners and novices alike with practical knowledge to successfully nurture these nutrient rich herbs at home.  

Microgreens can be grown all year round in almost any container, from recycled cans to seed trays, and should be ready to harvest a few weeks after seeding if moisture and light are maintained. They can be harvested by snipping them just above the soil line and then added to any dish to add flavour.

As well as giving advice on how to grow these amazing greens, the Dobbies Edinburgh Grow How session will also highlight the tools required for a thriving indoor garden.

Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer, Claire Bishop, has a passion for indoor gardening and loves how versatile microgreens are. She said: “Microgreens are not only a tasty addition to the kitchen but a great way to get the whole family involved in an activity. 

“There are plenty microgreens to try growing at home and they are very easy to care for, which those attending can learn about at Dobbies’ Edinburgh session.  

“I’d recommend reusing a food tub or any container of your choice then lining the bottom with cut felt or kitchen roll for effective water retention before filling it with compost. Make a shallow hole in the compost with your finger, then sow an equally spaced line of microgreens seeds.

“Remember to position your microgreens in a bright spot as this will help them flourish and grow. Make sure to keep the growing seeds consistently moist, and taste test as the plant grows and the flavours develop, so you know when the time is right for harvesting.”

To learn more about Dobbies’ Grow How Sessions, please visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store gives customers hot tips for summer gardening

Free workshops this August

With summer in full swing, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is sharing its expertise to help gardens thrive this season. Dobbies’ gardening experts in Edinburgh are hosting two free sessions, for both children and adults, to help them learn about what plants do well during sunny spells and how to protect your garden in the warmer months.  

According to Your Weather, the last two summers in the UK have been drier than the historical average. Dobbies’ horticultural experts will lend a hand to offer free advice to customers in Edinburgh about how to maximise their outdoor space and ensure their gardens are prepared for whatever the weather may bring.

Dobbies’ interactive Grow How session takes place on Saturday 5 August at 10:30am where customers will be invited along to further their gardening expertise. Attendees will get advice on plants that will thrive in sunny spots, insider tips for getting the garden to grow and the different types of drought-friendly plants to keep your outdoor space vibrant all summer long.

The Little Seedlings Club takes place on Sunday 6 August and is ideally suited for children aged 4-10 years old, offering a jam-packed interactive workshop with educational content and craft activities. Kids will learn about summer as a season, what the warm weather means for the environment, how plants adapt to dry weather, specific plants to grow and how we can be safe in the sun.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “The hottest summer months can have an impact on the overall health of your plants and the success of your garden. Choosing the correct plants for the right position and soil in your garden is essential.

“Many plants have adapted and evolved to cope with hot and dry weather conditions, and gardeners in Edinburgh can take advantage of this by potting up plants such as Lavender and Rosemary or by growing palms or outdoor succulents. 

“Certain plants like Salvia, Lemon trees and Dahlias all burst with vibrant colours and thrive in a sunny spot, a great choice for south facing gardens or balconies that get sunlight all day.

“Our in-store experts are looking forward to speaking with customers and our Little Seedlings Club members to make sure everyone is putting their best foot forward this summer.”

For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ sessions, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres

Roses bloom with free Grow How session at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Have you ever dreamt of growing your own Roses? Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is hosting a free Grow How session in its Edinburgh store to show customers how to grow and care for the classic Rose.

One of Dobbies’ best-selling plants, the retailer sold over 150,000 Roses across the UK in 2022. Favourite varieties included, Aromatique and Perfumed Passion from the Fragrant Rose Collection, Very Berry from the Edible Petals Range, and Wedding Wishes from the Celebration Rose Collection.

Suitable for both amateur and seasoned gardeners, this interactive Grow How session takes place in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Saturday 3 June at 10:30am. Dobbies’ horticulture experts will showcase the different varieties of Roses ranging from shrubs to climbing and rambling Roses, and where they would best bloom in the garden.

Attendees will also learn how to take their gardens to the next level by incorporating Roses with complementary plants for maximum impact. They will also be shown how to care for Roses, including feeding them for growth, combatting diseases and pests in a sustainable way, and preventing pruning mistakes.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our customers in Edinburgh along to this special Grow How session.

“Roses are one of the most iconic flowers to grow because they come in so many different varieties, and anyone can grow them successfully with their right guidance.”

Marcus’s step-by-step guide on planting Roses:

·         With a garden spade, dig a hole slightly deeper than your Rose’s growing container, add a little amount of fertiliser to the hole, and plant your Rose

·         Fill in around the plant with a mixture of soil and farmyard manure

·         Water and feed regularly with Dobbies Liquid Rose, Shrub and Tree Feed drenched onto the surrounding soil, then cover with mulch to help retain moisture

·         Each winter, prune with secateurs to remove any dead, sick, or damaged stems and faded flowers to maintain the shape of the Roses and stimulate new shoots in the spring

For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ Grow How session, visit Grow How | Dobbies Garden Centres.

Grow the perfect plants for your patio with Dobbies

Looking to create a blooming patio this National Gardening Week (1-7 May 2023)? Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is hosting a free Grow How session in its Edinburgh store with a live demonstration on how to design your perfect patio with stylish pots and plants.

Taking place on Saturday 6th May at 10:30am, this interactive workshop is suitable for all levels of gardeners, from beginners who dream of growing and nurturing beautiful plants to brighten up their patios, to experts searching for new ways to enhance their outside space.  

Dobbies’ gardening experts will demonstrate how to select the right pots and plants, with an emphasis on striking the perfect balance of colour and style. Key plants that will be a focus as part of the event will include Hydrangea and Senetti, and the team will advise on the correct tools, peat-free compost and watering for a successful season.

Marcus Eyles, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, said: “We are constantly searching for ways to inspire people in Edinburgh to get involved in gardening.

“Growing plants for your patio is not only good for the environment and your mental health, but it is also a fun way to get the whole family involved in a project.

“You could even be inspired by the Coronation over this special weekend. National Gardening Week this year has a focus on ‘creating a Coronation container’. If you’re looking to create a regal display, consider plants in deep shades of blue, purple and magenta for a striking look reminiscent of King Charles III’s royal gardens. Pansy and Viola plants are great for this as they work well in containers and will give your pots a wonderful fresh look.

“We are really looking forward to this workshop and hope we inspire some beautiful new patio plants.”

For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ Grow How session, visit Grow How | Dobbies Garden Centres.

Dobbies helps Edinburgh residents grow their own

Free sustainable Grow How session in its Edinburgh store 

 Looking for a cost-effective way to grow your own fruit and vegetables? Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is hosting a free Grow How session in its Edinburgh store to help people prepare for bumper crops. 

Taking place on Saturday 4 March at 10:30am, this interactive session has been carefully designed for gardeners  of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Dobbies’ horticultural experts will demonstrate the best way of growing bumper crops, focusing on tomatoes and hearty vegetables.  

Participants in Edinburgh will learn how to identify and select the appropriate plant variety, as well as how to  prepare them for sowing. They’ll also learn about the best time of year to plant fruit and vegetables, the correct  tools to use, and how to nurture the plants from seedlings right the way through to the harvest. 

Sarah Murray, Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, said: “At Dobbies we are always looking for ways to  inspire people to get into gardening.

“In addition to being beneficial for the environment, growing your own has  been shown to improve physical wellbeing and mental health – and it’s a fantastic way to watch your food spend.

“Customers in Edinburgh are encouraged to stop by and attend this free workshop where they’ll learn how to plant  and harvest delicious fresh produce.” 

For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ Grow How session, visit Grow How | Dobbies Garden  Centres.

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.

Grow your own Christmas dinner with Dobbies

Free sustainable Grow How session in Edinburgh

Looking to enjoy a sustainably homegrown Christmas feast this year? Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, hosts a free Grow How session in its Edinburgh store to show customers how to prepare a delicious dinner with all the trimmings.

Dobbies’ Grow How interactive session will take place in Edinburgh on Saturday 6 August, perfectly suited for novice gardeners and experts alike.

Dobbies’ horticultural experts will spend 10-15 minutes delivering an informative ‘how to’ guide on growing Christmas dinner staples – Charlotte Potatoes, Autumn King Carrots, Kale Dwarf Green Curled, Parsnip Tender & True, Swiss Chard Bright Lights. In addition to this, the experts will share top tips on creating a thriving herb garden to elevate your meal.

Impress your guests and feed the whole family from your back garden, allotment or balcony space. Potatoes are a great starting crop for children looking to ignite a passion in gardening, so get the whole family involved in the Christmas preparations this year.

Growing your own vegetables is a great way to support the environment and enjoy some of your five a day this Christmas. Sustainability is at the core of this workshop, and Dobbies is highlighting the key benefits of using peat-free compost and safer pest control products in your planters and patches, in addition to showcasing that growing your own heavily reduces your carbon footprint, packaging waste, food waste and eliminates the need for harmful chemical fertilisers.

Sarah Murray, Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, said: “We’re putting on our Santa hats early this year at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and doing everything we can to get our customers ready for the big day in a sustainable way.

“We’re passionate about encouraging growing your own and are looking to help reduce our customers’ carbon footprint when it comes to food transport and wastage.

“Our customers really enjoy our monthly Grow How sessions, and we’re excited to get into the festive swing this August in our Edinburgh store.”

For more details on Dobbies’ Edinburgh Grow How sessions in August, visit www.dobbies.com/grow-how. 

If you’re unable to attend the event, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, shares his top tips on growing your own Christmas dinner:

“When growing your own Charlotte Potatoes ensure you’re continually covering shoots with peat-free compost. This encourages the potatoes to multiply and stops them going green. You’ll know your potatoes are ready to harvest when the plants start to flower but the leaves stay green.

“Charlotte Potatoes can be kept in a sealed dark bag for seven-eight months, so be sure to keep these wrapped up and ready for your festivities.

“Autumn King Carrots need an open site with fertile and well-drained soil, an ideal vegetable for growing in a deep container. Sow your crop in the autumn months and make sure to cover them with an insect mesh to prevent carrot flies. Your harvest will be ready in about 10 weeks so if you plant in October, they’ll be ready to eat just in time for Christmas day.”

Herbs are another brilliant and easy plant to grow in the garden or from your windowsill inside.

Marcus explained: “Herbs are great to grow at home and you can use them in a wide variety of dishes throughout the year. They’re easy to maintain and just need regular water, warmth and light to grow.

“For festive flavours Parsley, Sage, Thyme and Rosemary are some of my favourites, and Mint is a great option if you’re looking to jazz up some festive candy cane cocktails.”

For more advice on growing your own, additional tips and inspiration, visit:

www.dobbies.com.