Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.

Article Source: Dobbies
Last Updated: 15 April 2025 10:28

Image: (C) UNP - Rae Green, Jayne Layne from Dobbies and Katie Foster

Dobbies is highlighting the benefits of garden living for brain health and raising vital funds to find a cure for dementia through this free-to-attend workshop.

Gardening is a great activity to highlight this Dementia Action Week, as it’s a hobby that can help look after our brain health. Physical activity, learning new skills and keeping connected with others are just some of the things we can do to help reduce our risk of dementia.

May’s Grow How event, Love Your Lawn, will take place in every store on Saturday 3 May and Wednesday 7 May at 10:30am and 3:30pm, giving customers of all ages and gardening abilities the chance to learn something new or finesse their gardening skills.

These popular live Grow How demonstrations are flexible, fun and interactive, taking around 15 minutes. Dobbies’ Green Team will give a demonstration around lawn care, taking customers back to the basics and illustrating the importance of maintenance for a healthy lawn.

During the session there will be an activity centred around repairing a lawn with grass plugs, giving everyone the chance to give it a go. There will also be the chance to ask any questions relating to lawn care. The talk will be supported with a selection of general top tips and products such as grass seed, lawn feed and tools to keep your grass in tip top shape.

The Green Team will then share information on Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign, which aims to educate people about the steps they can take to look after their brains and help reduce the risk of dementia. It’s focused on three simple rules – love your heart, stay sharp and keep connected. Lawn maintenance is a great task for keeping physically and mentally active through gardening and garden living.

Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, shares his excitement for getting everyone, no matter their lawn care experience. He said: “Spring is the perfect time to take care of your lawn and prepare it for the warmer months ahead, and we are here to help customers feel confident. Our Green Team are full of advice and expertise, with knowledge on the best products and tools to care for the lawn. They’ll be on-hand to troubleshoot any currents gardening queries and give those who have little knowledge on lawn care a strong understanding of how easy it can be to stay on top of when regularly maintained.

“Our free Grow How demonstration is in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK, a fantastic charity raising funds to find a cure for dementia. We’d encourage all attendees to donate, if they can, to this important cause.”

Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re delighted that Alzheimer’s Research UK will become part of Dobbies’ Grow How sessions during Dementia Action Week. As well as getting the chance to learn how to make the most of their gardens this spring, people can find out how to show their brains some love and help reduce their risk of dementia.
“Research shows that nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented by addressing risk factors we can influence. But despite this, only a third of people in the UK realise it is possible to reduce their risk.

“We’re really proud to be working with Dobbies to raise much-needed awareness of the actions people can take for their brain health, while also raising vital funds for a cure for dementia.”

The garden centre is also inviting local groups, schools and causes who applied to Dobbies Community Gardens along to stores on Saturday 3 May. Dobbies’ Green Team will be announcing the successful group, who will receive a selection of products and tools, alongside gardening advice and volunteer hours.

To book May’s FREE Grow How session Love Your Lawn, visit www.dobbies.com/events.

Donations to Alzheimer’s Research UK can be made at the time of booking or in store on the day.

For more information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Unveils Haunting Halloween Event with a Dramatic Twist

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is partnering with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and North Edinburgh Nightmares for a spine-chilling evening of storytelling, whisky, and elevated seasonal dining.

Cold Town House in Edinburgh crowned Best Beer Destination in Scotland

Edinburgh’s iconic castle-view bar has been crowned Scotland’s ‘Best Beer Destination’ for the first time at this year’s Scottish Beer Awards.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Community group for families effected by suicide say art can be empowering

With Friday 10 October marking World Mental Health Day, community group, Lothians Speak Their Name, have shared the ‘powerful’ effect that art has had since the passing of their loved ones.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Amber restaurant joins forces with The Real Mary Kings Close for Halloween programme

This October, The Real Mary King’s Close, one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor, partners with Amber Restaurant for a Halloween experience on the Royal Mile.

Scottish single mother turned her passion for protecting the planet into a royal range for Balmoral

Ten years ago Laura Thomas returned to the UK with two children and just £200. Now with a booming business to her name, this East Lothian entrepreneur is designing ranges for Balmoral Estate.

Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Finnish Long Drink Breaks Fringe Records for Summerhall Arts

Lonkero, Finland’s iconic long drink, has made history at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe by serving a record-breaking number of pints at Summerhall’s courtyard - while raising vital funds.

Last call for supporters to share their Murrayfield Memories as centenary celebrations beckon

HUNDREDS of fans from Scotland and across the globe have been sharing their most treasured memories of Scottish Gas Murrayfield as the stadium prepares to mark its centenary year.

HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN

The Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care are pleased to announce a new collaboration, HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN, an arts initiative to share stories of those living with HIV.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Jali Film Weekender announces Full Programe

Jali Collective is proud to reveal the full programme for the first ever Jali Film Weekender, taking place at Filmhouse, Edinburgh from 30 October – 2 November 2025.

Lead Casting announced for Mean Girls

Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live and Sonia Friedman Productions are delighted to announce initial casting of the award-winning Mean Girls The Musical.

Cafe Calton Unveils Seasonal Evening Menu and Pre Theatre Dining Experience

Perched atop the iconic Calton Hill, Café Calton has unveiled its new Autumn/Winter Evening Menu, alongside a specially curated Pre-Theatre Dining Experience.

October at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Cocktail Week to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in October!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Bonnie & Wild and Fierce Beer team up for craft bar residency

Craft brewery Fierce Beer shows appetite for Bonnie & Wild with launch of new bar residency and tailored food and drink pairings.

Local Charities and Communities at the Heart of Edinburghs Christmas 2025

Spreading Christmas cheer, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers over 8,500 free tickets to local community groups and charities.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Two Edinburgh Bakeries launch unique Macaron and Cake Tower

Mademoiselle Macaron and Mimi’s Bakehouse have announced a new collaboration which combines handcrafted French macarons with signature sponge tiers in a bespoke macaron and cake tower.

Full Line up Announced for Soundhouse Winter Festival

The 2025 Soundhouse Winter Festival returns from Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.