
Engaging Gardens
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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.
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.
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Currently our programme is limited due to Covid19 but you can explore our video and blog library to give you all the inspiration you need to enjoy nature, and grow, cook and eat your own seasonal produce.
Growing Tips
How To Make Recycled Gardening Tools with Elinor
Easy Container Crops with Laura
Sowing Seeds Outdoors with Ben
More growing tips on our blog or click here for seasonal growing tips.
Enjoying Nature
An Introduction to Contemplative Walking with Roger
Scottish Plant Lore: A Wealth of Stories with Greg
Cooking and Seasonal Produce
Cooking with Spring Crops with Ailsa
Growing and Brewing Herbal Teas with Elinor
Botanics Recommends
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Join us for our magical, botanical and festive illuminated trail.
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Dicover a range of books inspired by the RBGE's work and collections
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Explore our unique venues, suitable for every occasion
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Browse through our diverse range of formal and informal education programmes for people of all ages and at all levels
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Access our Research Outputs
View our open access resource centres.
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Media Centre
Check our latest news and connect with our experts
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Knowledge Exchange
Knowledge Exchange links the research community with others.
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Support us
Find out how you can support our work at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.