Get them growing and inspire the next generation of gardeners
Dobbies celebrates National Children’s Gardening Week 29th May - 6th June 2021. It’s the perfect time to nurture children and grandchildren’s interest in the great outdoors.
Article Source: Dobbies
Last Updated: 25 May 2021 12:56
Get them growing…Inspire the next generation of gardeners
Dobbies celebrates National Children’s Gardening Week 29th May - 6th June 2021
The benefits of being in nature have many positives and spending time in the garden is a great way to encourage less screen time, in a calm, plug-free space.
As National Children’s Gardening Week returns this May (29th May – 6th June) it’s the perfect time to nurture children and grandchildren’s interest in the great outdoors.
Not your average garden centre, Dobbies is on a mission to inspire everyone of all ages to have a grow - no matter the size of your garden. Not only that, but they are encouraging families to use sustainable products and practices. Sharing expert advice and ideas for National Children’s Gardening Week, Dobbies Horticultural Director Marcus Eyles said:
“With the return of warmer weather, it’s a busy time in the garden, with young plants maturing, seasonal flowers in bloom, and plenty of wildlife to watch out for. There are many easy to grow plants to get little ones interested. Sunflower growing competitions always cause lots of excitement to see whose plant can grow the tallest!
“Passing down both knowledge and a passion for gardening to future generations is so important, as there are many valuable life skills that can be learned in the process. From practicing patience, to learning about the science of growing and sustainability - the garden naturally combines learning with playtime.”
Ideas to get them growing…
Grow your own – Edible plants to grow now
There are plenty of easy fruit and vegetables to grow, plus many that don’t require much space at all, with containers, window boxes and wall planters all making great mini vegetable gardens and some varieties, such as tumbling cherry tomatoes, growing happily in hanging baskets.
GYO is an ideal way to introduce your children to the enjoyment of growing their own food, broadening their understanding of where the food we eat comes from and also how easy it can be to grow many everyday items on your doorstep.
• Lettuce Little Gem (Strip £2.99)
• Tomato Moneymaker (9cm £1.49)
• Cucumber Snack Mini (Strip £2.99)
Nurture nature, plants that will support garden wildlife
• Dahlia (1L £3.99)
• Bidens Bee Dance (1L £4.99)
• Lavandula Hidcote (2L 9.99)
Jungle – create your own Jurassic Jungle
Children will love to grow their very own garden jungle, the perfect backdrop for little explorers to play in!
Outdoors:
• Phoenix canariensis (£9.99)
• Phormium ‘Brown Sugar’ (3L - £18.99)
• Fargesia assorted (2L - £19.99)
Indoors:
• Monstera – Cheese plant
• Dypsis – Parlour palm
• Microsorum – Crocodile fern
• Cacti & succulents – easy to grow favourites
• Delsperma – Pickle plant
• Aloe vera
• Mimosa pudica – commonly known as a sensitive plant, it shrivels up when you touch it then relaxes again after a few mins – children will be in wonder of it!
Why not give them their own patch in the garden?
Family gardening is on the rise. This involves splitting up your patch, so children can have a dedicated area to care for; a raised bed can be an ideal solution for this. Get them involved from the beginning by adding personalised signs and finding out what they would like to grow. From sunflowers to carrots, there are plenty of easy-to-grow plants and vegetables.
Wildlife spotting
A brilliant way to get children outside and to learn about the natural world around them – plus a great chance to talk to them about sustainability and the important of environmentally-friendly products. One of the simplest activities is to spend time watching for visiting birds and keeping a tally of how many you see together. Throughout the year they will start to notice different species of garden birds and you can help to encourage them by setting up a bird feeder or installing a bird house. Making bird food is a fun and messy play activity for the weekend!
Go to dobbies.com/podcasts to listen to the ‘Gardening with kids’ podcast.
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Lights on in Linwood
Crowds turned out in Linwood to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and Arran Lieutenancies host Together at Christmas Community Carol Service
This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
Work to start on six play parks across Renfrewshire
Investment in Renfrewshire's play parks continues with work set to begin on a further six play parks.
READ MORE
Unique approach of Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of young people in Paisley
The unique legacy of globally-renowned Paisley designer and artist Dr Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of creative talent, her proud home community says.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
Winter Connections programme returns to support communities across Renfrewshire
A brand-new programme of free fun activities and events returns with Renfrewshire’s praised Winter Connections.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
New civic plaza and events space to be created in Erskine
A new civic plaza, garden and events space will be created in Erskine to provide a focal point for the local community.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre announces partnership to support local community
The partnership is calling on the local community to donate new children's pyjamas, ensuring every child in Renfrewshire has something cosy to unwrap this Christmas.
READ MORE
Erskine lights up for Christmas
Erskine's Christmas lights have been switched on for 2025 with locals turning out to enjoy the occasion!
READ MORE
Johnstone shines bright this festive season
Crowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
A celebration of Art Deco to open at The Art Department Paisley
Deco 2025, an exhibition celebrating the decorative arts, will take place in The Art Department's new home from Tuesday 2nd December until Saturday 20th December.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Renfrew lights up for Christmas
Crowds turned out in Renfrew town centre on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2025!
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
New active play facility to be created in Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley
Renfrewshire will have a brand-new active play for all ages in the heart of the town after a contract was awarded to create the new facility in the Lagoon Leisure Centre.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire tourist spot set to benefit from investment
A popular tourist spot in Renfrewshire is set to benefit as more than £700,000 is invested in a new cycle hub, information kiosk, public toilets and landscaping improvements.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire towns to light up for Christmas
Towns across Renfrewshire will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights are due to be switched on over the coming weeks.
READ MORE
Thousands turn out for the annual Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On event
Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.
READ MORE
Can you give a pair of PJs this Christmas
Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links