Tag: Little Seedlings Club

Autumn adventures at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre rolls out series of free October events

Dobbies Garden Centres is embracing the autumn season with a series of free-to-attend events at its Edinburgh store throughout October, including Grow How, Little Seedlings Club and Little Seedlings Holiday Club.

These seasonal activities aim to inspire gardening enthusiasts of all ages to embrace the wonders of autumn, while learning valuable gardening tips and taking part in fun, hands-on activities.

Kicking things off is Dobbies’ Grow How session, taking place in the Edinburgh store on the first Saturday of the month (5 October), then every Wednesday throughout October at 10:30am and 3:30pm.

Dobbies’ gardening colleagues will show participants how to channel their creativity to decorate their doorway for autumn and Halloween.

The session covers the best pots and plants for dressing doorsteps, shade-loving plants for porches, and vibrant autumn annuals for a cottage garden feel.

Attendees will also explore ideas for hanging baskets, window boxes, doormats, garden lighting, and crafting autumn wreaths using homegrown vegetables.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings workshop, taking place on Sunday 6 October in the Edinburgh store, is for children aged 4-10 and will be delving into autumn as a season. Kids will explore the seasonal changes in nature, learning why leaves change colour and how animals prepare for hibernation during the colder months.

They’ll also discover the journey of seeds and what happens after fruit and vegetables are harvested. The workshop includes a craft activity where children will make their own leaf fossils, adding a fun, hands-on element to their autumnal learning experience.

Taking place the third week of October at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, the Little Seedlings Holiday Club brings fairytales to life and explores how to bring a little bit of magic to the garden.

Children will learn the origins of some of their favourite fairytales like Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and Beauty and the Beast. The workshop will include an interactive storytelling session, toadstool-making craft and fairy garden creation, ensuring a magical experience for all. 

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, knows just how important it is to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays and is anticipating high demand for these autumnal workshops.

She said: “Our fantastic range of free autumn events in our Edinburgh store are aimed at giving families a fun and creative activity to get involved in. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply looking for some family fun, we have something for everyone.”

To learn more about Dobbies’ free autumnal events at its Edinburgh store, visit dobbies.com/events.

Cultivate calmness with Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club Edinburgh

Garden Centre hosts free mindfulness children’s workshop

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is nurturing the next generation of gardeners with its free Little Seedlings Club workshop this September in its Edinburgh store, inviting young gardeners to explore mindfulness in a fun and engaging way.

This monthly workshop is designed for children aged 4-10 and takes place on Sunday 1 September at 11am.  

Promising an enriching experience that blends the joys of gardening with the calming practices of mindfulness, this upcoming session in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store focuses on Mindfulness in the Garden. Children will get a chance to learn about the benefits of being present in the moment and connecting with nature.

Dobbies’ colleagues in the Edinburgh store will guide young attendees through mindfulness, explaining what it is and why it’s beneficial. The session will highlight how using the five senses can enhance the gardening experience, encouraging children to notice the vibrant colours, fragrant scents, and soothing sounds of their surroundings.

Kids will discover how mindfulness can be practiced in the garden, helping them relax and focus.

Whether it’s the feel of soil between their fingers or the sight of a blooming flower, these experiences can be incredibly grounding and stress-relieving.

The workshop in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also provide practical tips for practising mindfulness at home, making it easy for families to incorporate these calming practices into their daily lives.

Dobbies’ Horti Expert, Emma Drain, is looking forward to welcoming children along to September’s Mindfulness in the Garden session.

She said: “The Little Seedlings Club in our Edinburgh store is a fantastic way for children to learn about the natural world and introducing kids to mindfulness through gardening can help them build a positive relationship with nature and their own emotions.”

For more details about the Little Seedlings Club and to book a spot, visit:

 www.dobbies.com/events.

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store hosts free Show and Tell gardening workshop

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is inviting children aged 4-10 to its Edinburgh store for a free and interactive Little Seedlings workshop on Sunday 4 August, that includes a dedicated gardening Show and Tell.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club provides a fun and engaging environment for children to learn about plants, wildlife, and the environment.

The August workshop, Show and Tell and Growing, includes a demonstration by Dobbies’ colleagues who will guide children through the various stages of growth, from a tiny seedling to flourishing adult plant.

The session in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store covers the importance of plants, with Dobbies’ colleagues sharing hints and tips on how to grow strong and healthy plants. Children will also discover the different parts of the plant and their roles, like the vital function of roots in absorbing water and nutrients. They’ll also explore the diverse habitats where plants can grow.

In celebration of the children’s efforts at home, the workshop will have a special show and tell session. Children in Edinburgh are encouraged to bring a plant they have been growing and nurturing at home, ideally a mature example, to share their green-fingered achievements with the group.

Hannah McAtamney who delivers Little Seedlings Club workshops said: “Our Little Seedling Club workshops at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store are really popular with families in the area, and we can’t wait to take kids on a journey of discovery by exploring the lifecycle of plants, and the benefits and importance of gardening and growing.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some of the plants they are growing at home, and we know they will be excited to show them off too! By encouraging kids to connect with nature at a young age, we hope to inspire the next generation of gardeners.”

For more information about Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club August session or to make a booking, visit www.dobbies.com/events.

Discover the magic of trees with Dobbies Edinburgh store

Garden Centre to host themed children’s workshop in May

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting children aged four to 10 to a free workshop in its Edinburgh store in May to learn more about trees and how to protect them.

‘Love Your Trees’ is the theme of next month’s Little Seedlings Club, taking place on Sunday 5 May, ahead of Love Your Tree Day on 16 May.

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

During May’s workshop, children will learn about the most common trees in the UK, including the Alder, Beech and English Oak, and discover the value of trees and learn how to nurture and protect them.

They will delve into the anatomy of trees, exploring their different parts and understanding their fascinating lifecycle, from seedling to plant, as well as the difference between deciduous and evergreen varieties and how they change through the seasons. To add to the fun, there will be a special tree-themed 3D craft activity.

Dobbies’ colleague Liz Clare-Savage, who is involved in the delivery of the Little Seedlings Club, is looking forward to welcoming children along to May’s workshop. She said: “Our Little Seedlings Club is very popular with kids in Edinburgh, and we’re thrilled to introduce them to the wonders of trees.

“Learning about and encouraging the planting of new trees is a fantastic way to give back to nature and support our wildlife. Little Seedlings Club is not just about learning, it’s about fostering a lifelong connection with nature and having a great time.”

For more information about Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club May session or to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.

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.  

Spud-tastic sessions in Edinburgh to grow your own potatoes

Garden centre hosts free gardening workshops on the UK’s most popular vegetable

Potatoes are the most important food crop globally after rice, wheat and corn, and have been named by YouGov as the most popular vegetable at the end of 2023.1 

Dobbies knows just how much the nation loves this hearty vegetable and is encouraging gardeners of all abilities and ages to give growing their own spuds a go this year at its free workshops in its Edinburgh store.

Grow How, a 15-minute interactive how-to session where gardeners of all abilities will have the opportunity to learn from Dobbies’ horticultural experts is taking place in its Edinburgh store at 10:30am on Saturday 3 February. Little Seedlings Club, designed for children aged 4-10 years old, is taking place the morning of Sunday 4 February, spotlighting this humble vegetable.

Dobbies’ Grow How sessions encourage local communities near its stores to give gardening a go, whether you’re a novice, seasoned gardener or enthusiast. Attendees can go to the demonstration section of the Edinburgh store, where Dobbies’ experts will share knowledge on the different types of potato varieties, reveal tips such as ‘chitting’, share advice on how to care for and protect your crop, alongside gardening tips to ensure a successful potato harvest.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club is designed to educate and inspire the next generation of gardeners, getting children of all ages together in a friendly group setting to learn something new.

February’s session will unveil the history of the spud and different parts of the vegetable. Children will also gain an understanding of how they grow, what you need to help them thrive, when it’s best to sow or know when it’s time to harvest, an insight into ‘chitting’ to give spuds a head start, and the varieties that can be grown. From red potatoes, yellow potatoes, brown potatoes to even purple potatoes, there’s plenty of variation.

In addition to this, children will learn how potatoes are enjoyed from different countries and cultures around the globe.

Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, tells us why this versatile vegetable is one of the easiest to grow at home. He said: “From Maris Piper to Potato Charlotte, there is a wide variety of potatoes to choose from that you can grow for yourself at home. 

“All you need is a potato sack or tub, filled with a quarter of good quality peat-free compost, three seed potatoes evenly spaced on top of the soil covered with another layer of compost and then water regularly to keep the compost moist. Your potatoes will be ready to be harvested in as little as 12 weeks.”

For more information about February’s free events in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events

Dobbies store introduces kids to the wonderful world of hydroponics 

Garden Centre unveils its first free Little Seedlings Club of 2024 

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is unveiling its first Little Seedlings workshop of 2024. The free session, taking place on Sunday 7 January in its Edinburgh store, will help children discover the fascinating world of hydroponics, an innovative method of growing plants in water instead of soil.

Designed for children aged 4-10, Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club workshops are fun, educational and interactive. They encourage kids to embrace the nature and wildlife around them, and nurture a passion for gardening and protecting the environment along the way. 

Children in Edinburgh will learn how to propagate plants and grow them using the hydroponic technique, feeding them with mineral nutrient salts dissolved in water, and explore the differences between growing with soil or water. Additionally, care tips will be shared, including ensuring your water is nutrient rich and the plant is aerated, allowing the roots to get enough oxygen for optimal growth.

Most plants can grow hydroponically, but Dobbies’ experts will showcase some of the plants best suited to the hydroponic method, including strawberries, tomatoes and lettuce, making it a fun activity the whole family can enjoy.  

Chloë Bell, Dobbies’ Community & CSR Communications Executive, is excited to kick off the new year with this hydroponics Little Seedlings workshop.

She said: “We love to encourage children to connect with nature and gardening, and this workshop will dive into the world of hydroponics, giving all attendees the chance to learn a new way of indoor gardening and explore its benefits.

“We welcome children of all ages and abilities to head along to our Edinburgh store and take part in this fun-filled session. It’s a great opportunity to learn something new, make friends and enjoy a new hobby.”

To learn more about Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club Sessions, please visit www.dobbies.com/little-seedlings. 

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store hosts two free foraging events

Garden gifting inspiration with Dobbies

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is spreading festive cheer in Edinburgh by hosting two free workshops in November encouraging families to get inspired this Christmas with Gifts from the Garden.

Focusing on foraging and cost-saving methods to fill your home, the Grow How session and Little Seedlings Club workshop in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will inspire gardeners of all ages and abilities.

Grow How, a 15-minute session that takes place on Saturday 4 November at 10:30am, will give gardeners a guide on seasonal activities. Horticultural experts will show how gardens can be foraged to create sustainable wreaths and natural decorations for the Christmas tree and home.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club takes place in the morning on Sunday 5 November and is suitable for children aged 4-10 years old.

The gardening workshop is great for children who have an interest in learning about wildlife, plants and the environment, and takes place in a friendly group setting.

This educational and interactive children’s workshop will explore the changes that happen in the garden during winter, what natural items and foraged, alongside a look the history of popular decorative items like wreaths and Christmas trees.

In a bid to showcase sustainable ways families can get the home feeling festive this year, Dobbies’ CSR and Community Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, explains why these events are perfect for gardeners of all abilities.

She said: “We are always looking for ways we can bring the outside in, there’s no better way to get in the festive spirit than with some craft activities. The workshops in Edinburgh are suited for every member of the family, welcoming everyone to come together and decorate the home this Christmas.

“When decorating for the seasons, we encourage sustainable practices where possible, and foraging is the best way to use what is already in your garden.

“If you are lucky enough to find them in your garden, Pinecones and Acorns make for wonderful Christmas tree decorations and Moss, Fir, Eucalyptus and Holly leaves make a great base for a wreath.”

For more information about November’s events and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events

Little Scare-lings get in the Halloween spirit at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre to host children’s pumpkin themed event

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting children in Edinburgh to its great value Little Scare-lings event this Halloween, guaranteed to get them feeling pumpkin-tastic with a treasure trove of family-friendly activities. 

Available in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store between 26-29 October, Little Scare-lings is guaranteed to get everyone in the spine-chilling spirit. Great for kids aged 3-10, this event is action-packed and has something special in store for those hunting for the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve.

Kids can also strut their spooky style and take part in the garden centre’s annual scare-a-thon to be in the chance of winning a prize for the best dressed.

Little Scare-ling attendees will sink their fangs into Halloween treats, pumpkin-themed activities and games.

With plenty options for even the fussiest trick-or-treaters, children will have the choice of fish fingers, chicken nuggets or plant based goujons, served with chips and garden peas, or a cheese and tomato pizza with vegetable sticks.

Adults can enjoy a selection of soup and sandwich pairings or a slice of cake. Sticky chocolate orange, blueberry Victoria sponge or a nutty coffee and walnut cake ensure the parents are spoilt for choice.

Families will be invited to visit Dobbies’ very own miniature pumpkin patch. Here children can take a pumpkin home, carve it up using Dobbies’ guide and create their own personalised pumpkin for welcoming trick-or-treaters.

Sarah Murray, who created this year’s event, loves Halloween and can’t wait to welcome Little Scare-lings along for the event. She said: “We’re really excited about this year’s Halloween event in Edinburgh and warmly welcome kids of all ages to get involved with our pumpkin extravaganza.

“ These events are always extremely popular with our regular Little Seedling Club attendees, so please book in advance to save any disappointment. It’s a fang-tastic way for families to get together this Halloween.”

Tickets for Little Scare-lings are now available for Dobbies’ Club Members, priced at £9.99 per child and from £3.95 for adult tickets, which officially go on sale to all customers from 5 September.

For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ Little Scare-lings afternoon event, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres.

Free children’s event: Engage your five senses at Dobbies

Join this free-to-attend children’s gardening workshop

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has announced its September Little Seedlings Club workshop in Edinburgh, a free-to-attend, inspiring and educational session around Garden Senses.

Aimed at children aged 4 to 10, this workshop will take place in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Sunday 3 September, giving young gardening fans an understanding of how they connect with their natural world through their senses. 

During the workshop, Dobbies’ team of gardening experts will focus on the five fundamental human senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Through engaging activities and demonstrations, children will learn how to use their senses when exploring their outside space.

From the rustling of leaves to the chirping of birds, participants will understand the role that sight and sound play in their garden. The workshop will delve into humans’ intricate sense of taste, explaining why certain fruits like apples taste sweet and vegetables like broccoli taste earthy. 

Children in Edinburgh will learn how touch receptors in the skin send signals to the brain to interpret the different textures of plants in the garden, as well as the science behind how we are able to smell lovely scents in the garden. Chrysanthemums play a large role in enhancing sensory gardens and there will be the chance to uncover how these vibrant flowers can engage multiple senses at once.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “The five senses play a crucial role in how we connect with the garden and environment around us. It’s an interesting subject and we’re delighted to be using it as a topic for our next Little Seedling Club workshop in our Edinburgh store.

“We’re looking forward to making nature even more exciting to young gardening fans and helping them understand how their senses all work in harmony.”

Little Seedlings Ambassador, Iniya Raj, adds: “I’m really looking forward to September’s workshop and learning all about how I can use each of my senses in the garden.

“I enjoy listening to the different sounds in the garden, especially the birds and little creatures that live there.”

For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club session, visit Garden Senses | Dobbies Garden Centres