Swindon garden centre celebrates National Allotment Week

Dobbies in Swindon is celebrating National Allotment Week (12-18 August), by inviting gardening enthusiasts along to its Swindon store for a series of free workshops.

The Grow How workshops will run throughout the month of August, focusing on allotment gardening. The sessions are designed for both seasoned allotment pros and those just starting out, gaining valuable skills and knowledge to make plots flourish.

The workshops will take place on the first Saturday of the month, then every Wednesday throughout August at 10.30am and 3.30pm at Dobbies’ Swindon store.

Dobbies’ Grow How sessions will equip gardeners on the best late-summer crops to sow in August for a flourishing harvest later in the season, how to prune your summer fruits to maximise its yield and ways you can ready the allotment for any upcoming holidays with watering techniques.

For the month of August, guests attending Grow How sessions in the Swindon store will have the chance to donate to the Stroke Association, to mark National Allotment Week.

Dobbies has supported Stroke Association for several years. Gardening is known to have a positive impact on both the physical and emotional recovery of stroke survivors and the charity supports several groups with allotments across the UK.

Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, is looking forward to welcoming people along to August’s sessions in Swindon. He said: “Growing your own produce is something that we’re really passionate about at Dobbies.

"It is also growing in popularity, as many gardeners recognise the benefits of growing fresh produce in both the taste and the positive impact it can have on physical and mental health. 

“A thriving allotment isn't just about delicious homegrown produce – it's about getting your hands dirty, enjoying the outdoors and feeling a sense of accomplishment. 

“We're thrilled to be working alongside our friends at the Stroke Association to encourage gardeners of all abilities to learn valuable skills and discover how allotments can benefit wellbeing at our Grow How sessions in the Swindon store.”

Saul Heselden, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the Stroke Association, said: “Recovering from a stroke can bring lots of challenges, but finding joy in the simple pleasures of nature can make a real difference. Gardening can provide a much-needed boost to both your physical and mental health, and allotments provide an affordable way for people to experience the benefits of gardening, while also growing their own produce.

“Right now, the Stroke Association can only reach one-third of the survivors who most need support. We want to reach all those in need, but we can only do this with the generosity of our supporters like Dobbies. We’re incredibly grateful they have chosen to fundraise through the Grow How workshops at the Swindon store to raise vital funds for people affected by stroke.”

Dobbies is also a sponsor of the Stroke Association’s Strength in Bloom virtual garden, where visitors are invited to donate by planting symbolic flowers and trees, or selecting a plaque to dedicate to an individual affected by stroke.

Find out more www.stroke.org.uk/garden/virtual.

For more information about Dobbies’ Grow How August session in the Swindon store, visit www.dobbies.com\events.