We’re pleased to announce that our popular gardening groups will return for 2026 in both Edinburgh and Midlothian.
Edinburgh’s Gardening Group will start on Monday 16 March (1pm-4pm) in the new venue of St John’s Church’s garden. The group is facilitated by a professional gardener, who has been working on three different plans for the new garden space – the group will decide on one as a team during the first session. Previous topics of interest have included organic gardening, biodiversity and growing edibles.
Midlothian’s The Therapeutic Garden will start on Tuesday 24 March (10am-12pm) in the garden of Dalkeith Welfare Hall. Previously focused on clearing, planting and growing in the space, they’ll build on the work they’ve done so far and plan for future growing. They’ll also get to see how their ‘bulb lasagne’ from last year fared (bulbs planted in layers to flower from early spring through to summer). The group meets at 9:45am for tea, coffee and breakfast, ahead of a 10am start.
As well as teaching interesting and useful new skills, our gardening groups are intended to support students’ health and wellbeing with an activity that gets them outdoors, socialising with their peers, and in touch with nature.
Furthermore, students will learn to be punctual and regular attendance is encouraged (regardless of the Scottish weather!). They will be solving practical problems, learning to give and take direction, providing support to new members, and sharing tasks to make up a well-functioning team. Those who sustain will be put forward for an award (Working With Others/Adult Achievement).
If you’re interested in joining, ask your Caseworker for more details, or contact us on 0131 260 9721. No previous gardening experience necessary.
