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.

Cast a spell with Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this Halloween

Garden centre unveils magical holiday club store for children in its Edinburgh store

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is embracing the spirit of Halloween with its Little Seedlings Holiday Club workshop in its Edinburgh store, with a look at mystical plants and their extraordinary powers.

Tailored for Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club members aged 4-10, this interactive workshop is filled with fun activities to help children appreciate their natural environment. 

Under the guidance of Dobbies’ horticultural experts, young gardening witches and wizards-in-training will embark on a journey through time. They will uncover ways in which ancient cultures used plants for their mystical properties. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Rosemary could enhance memory retention and the ancient Egyptians thought Verbena could ward off evil spells.

Children in Edinburgh will explore the fascinating world of medicinal plants, such as the Evening Primrose and Dandelion, uncover the secrets of their potent healing qualities, and dare to venture into the realm of the most poisonous plants, like the Deadly Nightshade and White Snakeroot.

Games and activities will spark the imagination of the children, where they will get a chance to brew a magical potion, cast a spell of their own, and craft magical plant charms to proudly take home as cherished mementos.

Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, said: “We are very excited to welcome children to this workshop in our Edinburgh store during the October break.

“Our Little Seedlings Holiday Club gives attendees a chance to make friends and learn something new, and we hope to nurture the next generation of gardening enthusiasts in a playful and informative setting. 

“We believe that learning should be fun, and that’s why we’ve incorporated engaging games and activities that will ignite children’s imagination. From potion-brewing to crafting magical plant charms, this workshop will encourage creativity and a hands-on connection with the natural world.”

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

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store celebrates the start of summer with free events for children

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is announcing summer workshops in its Edinburgh store to celebrate the  start of summer.

The Little Seedlings Club workshop will teach children how to look after the garden with the  warmer temperatures, and Dobbies’ Holiday Club workshop is about the different herbs and microgreens that can  help your pizza taste great.  

Suitable for children aged 4-10, these free and interactive sessions in Edinburgh are guaranteed to keep them  busy during the school holidays and encourage them to discover more about nature.  

Taking place on Sunday 2 July, the Little Seedlings Club workshop is set to be fun-filled and educational with a  focus on how to effectively conserve water when looking after the garden this summer.

Children will learn about  the fascinating water cycle in plants and why plants need our help to stay green and lush, particularly during the  hotter months. 

Dobbies’ horticultural experts will teach the children in Edinburgh when to water the plants and how to preserve  water usage through sustainable mulching and planting drought-resistant species like Cordyline, Lavender and  Hebe. Mulching not only saves water but also suppresses weeds, provides nutrients to the plants and enhances  the overall appearance of the garden. 

Dobbies’ Holiday Club takes place from the start of July where children will learn about the different herbs and  microgreens that can be used as pizza toppings.

The Holiday Club session will show the difference herbs can make  to a pizza, adding bold or subtle flavours as well as having nutritional value. The children in attendance will also  learn how to grow herbs and microgreens at home with ease.  

Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloë Bell said: “We are excited to be hosting two  fantastic sessions for kids in our Edinburgh store this summer.

“Not only are these sessions a great way to keep  children entertained and busy during the holidays, but it’s a great chance for them to meet friends and try  something new. If you haven’t already checked out our free sessions, please do come along this July and get  involved.”

Advance booking is required to secure a free spot at July’s Little Seedlings Club workshop and Pizza Planting  Holiday Club. The Holiday Club will run throughout the school holidays and customers are encouraged to visit the  Dobbies’ website for booking as each store’s availability differs.  

For more information on how children can participate, visit: Events | Dobbies Garden

Dobbies’ Hop-tastic breakfast event!

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has a spring in its step with the launch of its family-friendly Easter Bunny Breakfast in its Edinburgh store.

Families in Edinburgh are invited along to Dobbies’ restaurant from 6 to 10 April to tuck into an egg-cellent breakfast, followed by a scavenger hunt around the store with the Easter bunny.

Children will also get the chance to take part in a hop-tastic workshop where they’ll plant up miniature carrots with Dobbies’ bunny and resident horticultural team, who both know a thing or two about carrots. Children will get to take home their planted miniature carrots as well as their own mini Maltesers bunny.

There will be a great selection of breakfast options, including a children’s cooked breakfast, also available as a vegetarian option, or cheesy beans on toast, all served with a choice of apple juice, orange juice or water.

Adults have the choice of a traditional or vegetarian cooked breakfast. If customers are looking for a lighter option, they can opt for a breakfast stack or a three-item breakfast roll. Each dish comes with the choice of a pot of tea or regular coffee.

Sarah Murray, Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager said: “Easter is a special time of year in the gardening calendar. It’s a great time to educate children on the variety of fruit and vegetables that can be grown in the garden and the seasonal plants and flowers that bloom in spring.

“Our Easter Bunny Breakfast in Edinburgh is a wonderful activity for the whole family, especially those looking after the kids over the Easter break. Seasonal events are very popular in-store, and we anticipate this selling out quickly. We’d recommend booking spaces in advance to avoid any disappointment.”

Dobbies’ Easter Bunny Breakfast is suitable for families with children aged 3-10 years old, children under 3 can still take part with the support of an adult. Children can enjoy the event for £9.99 per child, and adult tickets start from £7.45, inclusive of meals.

For more information about how to get involved in Dobbies’ Easter Bunny Breakfast in Edinburgh, visit www.dobbies.com/events

Simran Creative Lab tomorrow

WORKSHOP: Tuesday 11 October 2022, 2:30 – 4:00pm at Collective on Calton Hill

Join WSWF on an amazing journey of self-discovery; bridging the gap between art, spirituality and mental health.

A wonderful journey through Sikh history and Sikh teachings.

https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/simran-creative-lab-tickets-416242822487?fbclid=IwAR3H3naPygfHvEg_YQC5tHlMBZvCdjhhu60VnRBZINAIDvZz4jGKt3Ncpyo

This creative table-based workshop is designed to help you learn how we can still our busy minds before approaching everyday tasks and challenges.

This session will help you discover Simran – a focused practice – while making some fascinating creative artworks of your own. Come and enjoy learning new ways to find focus in a busy world and have fun making some creative works with us in a group setting.​

Don’t worry if you haven’t done anything like this before. You will gain valuable insights on how to use Simran before any task and use your own phrases to do so – this workshop will show you how.​

This is part of a series of creative workshops designed to run alongside the Journey of the Mind exhibition, exploring how Sikh teachings can be used as tools to help anyone.

Ages 18+ ​

Night out with a twist: ‘Paint and Sip’ at Edinburgh’s newest speakeasy

Edinburgh’s hottest new bar in town, Counter at Native, has revealed a new take on a night out in the city; a creative ‘Paint and Sip’ workshop. With a delicious drink in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, guests can create their own piece of abstract artwork while enjoying Counter’s classic cocktails.

The Paint and Sip Class is part of Counter’s cultural programming, bringing the best of the city’s eclectic scene to the bar’s plush surroundings and supporting local artists. 

Open to all, including non-residents, the Abstract Paint and Sip Class takes place on Wednesday 10th August, 7pm – 9pm. Spaces are limited – book tickets from £35 now www.classbento.co.uk

Partnering with Class Bento, a creative workshop booking platform which supports local artists, Counter will offer a series of workshops – bringing a few hours of peace and inner bliss to Edinburgh’s city centre, in Counter’s sophisticated surroundings. First up in the series, the Abstract Paint and Sip Class will see guests guided by an expert art tutor, taking inspiration from Native’s Scottish landscape-inspired surroundings. 

The perfect way to unwind after work or embrace your creative side, the tutor will guide guests to create a beautiful piece of art on canvas using acrylic paints while they enjoy some of Counter’s blissful cocktails.

From wall scrapers to cooking spatulas, guests will try out a range of tools to experiment and find their perfect match, soaking up Counter’s idyllic aesthetic. The class is completely beginner-friendly, and guests can take home their artwork to adorn their own homes, and perhaps find a new way to unwind and channel their creative energy. 

Recently revealing an impressive venue refurbishment, Native Edinburgh’s new aesthetic takes its inspiration from the city itself; from the new lobby space with luxurious green hues and botanical themed prints influenced by the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens, to the wall plaques nodding to the venue’s heritage-steeped history, commemorating the birthplace of great Scottish inventors like who lived within the city.

Following the epic refurbishment, Native Edinburgh revealed the jewel in their crown, the one of a kind Counter – coffee by day and cocktails by night. Open 11am – 1am to all, including non-residents, the speakeasy serves up cocktails and wine as well as artisan coffee and bagels, ensuring guests can enjoy a nightcap before bed, or start their day with a hot coffee before setting out to explore the city. 

Native’s aparthotel allows guests to ‘live like a Native’, with the freedom of a spacious apartment and the comfort and convenience of a boutique hotel, perfect for any stay in Scotland’s capital. Counter is set to host everything from spoken word poetry and DJ sets, plus record listening sessions every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Native’s stunning lounge. 

Soundtracking an evening of well-crafted cocktails, Native’s upcoming record listening sessions include albums from Diana Ross and Earth Wind and Fire, as well as Oasis’ ‘Definitely Maybe’ and The Beatles ‘Abbey Road’, ensuring an eclectic mix of the very best music.

Keen to encourage guests to unwind and enjoy the records the way they were intended, Counter’s listening sessions take place from 6pm – 8pm with residents and non-residents encouraged to enjoy the 12 “ vinyl spins.  Whether sipping on a Whisky Sour or Espresso Martini or even enjoying an Edinburgh Whisky Tea, Counter’s record listening sessions will be the perfect companion to a late summer evening. 

With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home.

Native’s show-stopping new rooms are available to book now via www.nativeplaces.com and Counter is open seven days a week from 11am to 1am.

Counter at Native Edinburgh

Wednesday 10th August 

6-8pm: Record Listening- Aloe Blacc, Good Things

7–9pm: Abstract Paint and Sip class. Book now classbento.co.uk/abstract-paint-and-sip-class-edinburgh-0 

Thursday 11th August

6-8pm: Record Listening – Diana Ross, Diana

Friday 12th August

6-8pm: Record Listening – Earth Wind and Fire, I Am

For full programming, visit www.nativeplaces.com/whats-on-edinburgh

First Aid Workshop for Men

Come along to a First Aid workshop specifically for Dads and Men, facilitated by First Stop Safety Training, on Monday 24th February at Granton Parish Church.

The session runs from 7 – 9pm and will cover the fundamentals of First Aid, with a particular focus on First Aid for children and Babies.

Previous First Aid sessions have proved popular, so please sign up as soon as possible.

You can read more about ‘First Stop Safety Training’ on their website: http://firststopsafetytraining.co.uk/

Whilst our workshops are free, we ask that attendees consider making a suggested donation of £10 to help cover costs.

You can pay on the night, or here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/DRWorkshops?utm_term=RPNWp8BEy

Elite gymnast to inspire coaches in gymnastics conditioning workshop

A sports coaching CPD workshop, ‘How to utilise gymnastics conditioning in sports training sessions’  is being held at Edinburgh Leisure’s Ainslie Park Leisure Centre on 31 March 2019 from 7 – 9pm. Continue reading Elite gymnast to inspire coaches in gymnastics conditioning workshop