Engaging Gardens is RBGE’s community engagement programme and is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

We want to make sure that every person can access and benefit from the health, wellbeing and learning opportunities that RBGE's four gardens, collections and expertise offer. We connect health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, people and plants through a range of activities.

What we do:

Health and Wellbeing activities

You can get involved with a range of activities and events that allow you to immerse yourself in the beautiful and restorative greenspaces that RBGE cares for and curates. Check here for opportunities and events.

Botanic Cottage

In addition to the many programmes run by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, our community hub, the Botanic Cottage can also be booked by external organisations for non-commercial activities focused on learning and engagement. We do not charge for community group activity use of the building, and in return, any activities run by external organisations must be free or donation-only for people to attend. We do welcome donations, from those who can, to help support our work.

Edible Gardening Project

The Edible Gardening Project shares horticultural knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for growing food with diverse communities.  It helps better connect people with the plants that nourish us.

Our team of community gardeners and dedicated volunteers work hard to keep our productive gardens looking great. They are on hand at our events to provide support and advice to people who are interested in brushing up on basic horticultural skills.

Gardening with Community Groups

The Project provides opportunities for local community groups who want to grow their own food. We have a number of groups who look after their own vegetable plots in the Demonstration Garden and attend each week to work alongside our community gardeners. Groups such as Adoption UK, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council and Networking Key Services gain practical, hands-on experience of growing vegetables and learn horticultural skills.

Skills Share Workshops

We deliver a range of free workshops to community garden groups. Topics include vegetable growing for beginners, composting, growing winter vegetables and organic pest and disease control. Community engagement activities are not confined to the Garden, the team offers support and workshops to local groups at their own sites too. We work closely with groups and deliver a range of workshops to suit their needs.

Kitchen Garden

The Kitchen Garden is supported by Heritage Portfolio Ltd, who look after RBGE’s cafés. We grow seasonal produce, using organic methods, and make regular deliveries throughout the year directly to the kitchens ensuring that our visitors can enjoy fresh garden-grown produce.

Get in touch

If you or your community group is interested in getting involved with Engaging Gardens, please email community@rbge.org.uk and we can provide more information. Please provide a contact name and telephone number and some information about your organisation.