Support for volunteers is a priority for the NTS

The National Trust for Scotland is celebrating after finding out it has retained its Investing in Volunteers accreditation. The conservation charity is sharing the news today, International Volunteers Day. Investing in Volunteers (IiV) is the national standard for volunteer management in the UK. The National Trust for Scotland has held the IiV accreditation since 2009…

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Creating perfect Zen garden was Martin’s dream

Martin Stepek is one of Scotland’s foremost teachers in Mindfulness. He is a published author of three books in the field. Martin began practicing the simple, scientifically proven techniques of Mindfulness nearly 20 years ago and found that they gave him great benefits. To nurture and cultivate his skills, he began attending a weekend residential…

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Start now to add colour to your spring garden

The autumn nights may be drawing in, but now is the ideal time to get outside and sow the seeds of success for a vibrant garden next spring. The traditional sight of daffodils certainly brings some sunshine cheer, but why not mix up the go-to spring flower with these beautiful bloom ideas from Dobbies Garden…

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Gardening experts shared their skills at Ayr Flower Show

A team of gardening experts from an Ayrshire estate have shared their knowledge and expertise with hundreds of horticulture enthusiasts at a popular flower and garden exhibition. Brian Corr, head of gardens at Dumfries House, led a team of staff gardeners from the estate including Kris Muir, Julie Shaw and Scott Caddis to create an…

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A garden that’s a labour of love and a tribute too

Dr Ian Wallace moved to Rivaldsgreen House in Edinburgh with his wife 36 years ago. And although some of the garden was well established there were areas that required work.  Ian and his wife, who was a keen gardener, worked together to create a really special garden. When Ian’s wife passed away six years ago he…

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Grow how know how as gardening gets younger

To many younger people, getting out into the garden is something that the older generation does to while away the hours. Of course, they’re wrong, and to prove it, Dobbies has announced a partnership with the future face of gardening, encouraging next generation of gardeners to get growing. The garden centre is to work with…

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Chef-patron urges us all to grow our own food

Today marks the start of National Allotment Week in the UK. No longer are allotments seen as something that is reserved for retirement but instead they are being utilised by individuals and communities. With people becoming more aware of mass food production and their own diets and health, more and more green spaces are being…

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Celebrating 40 years of the Beechgrove Garden

For 40 years, the team at the Beechgrove Garden have been advising us on how to keep our gardens in shape. It has been a perennial fixture on the mantlepiece of Scottish life since 1978. To celebrate, BBC Scotland is to screen The Beechgrove Garden Story next Sunday, 19 August. Old video tapes have been…

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Donations needed to save a Scottish relic from 1716

The Scottish public is being urged to play its part to raise at least £3000 to save and restore an 18th century relic. On Saturday, 18 August, Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries will reveal the unique and ancient carrying banner that marked the foundation of Dunfermline’s Ancient Society of Gardeners in 1716. The large banner…

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Keep your garden growing in the heatwave

As temperatures sizzle across Scotland, Brian Hawthorn, horticulturist at Cardwell Garden Centre, offers hot tips to make sure your plants and flowers continue to thrive. Droplets of water on leaves can magnify the sun’s rays, scorching your plants. Water your garden in the cooler temperatures of the evening using a watering can or hose with…

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