The Caley, Scotland's national horticulture and gardening charity, offers a range of shows, talks, and events for members and non-members across the year.
Their most wide reaching connection with the gardeners and horticulturists of Scotland is through their Education Programme, supporting groups to undertake bespoke, learner-centred courses that focus on building skills in gardening, horticulture, and the conservation of the environment. The courses are tailorable to meet the ability of the individual student, meaning that as well as school groups, they primarily support learners and groups who are less able to study in mainstream academic environments and, in some cases, those who have fallen through the cracks in the education system.
The Caley receives no funding from the government and relies on the generosity of donations from members, supporters, and the public. They would be most grateful of your support in their appeal to raise monies, which is fund matched by Aviva, and closes on 9th December. You can make a donation HERE.
Former Scotland Grows columnist David Gallacher, of Tom’s Hidden Garden, along with his partner Tom Williamson won GARDENA’s Top of the Plots 2025 Competition in October, in the ‘Biodiversity on the Plot’ Category.
This category, and the competition in general, emphasises the importance of gardening for sustainability, which includes fostering biodiversity which David and Tom have achieved in their small, biodiverse, and wildlife-friendly cottage garden in Bonnybridge without using chemicals in their garden.
Keep Scotland Beautiful celebrated the success of their Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network groups at this year's Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom finals. RHS volunteer judges visited this year’s finalists at the end of July and into August, assessing them against criteria with the environment, community engagement, and horticulture at their core. Aberdeen Communities Together, Growing Kirkcaldy, and Let's Get Grangemouth Clean Glitter Team represented the Scottish network, with Aberdeen Communities Together winning the Small City and City category, and Let’s Get Grangemouth Clean Glitter Team winning Large Town category.All three groups received a Gold certificate, while Let's Get Grangemouth Clean Glitter Team also received a Judges' Highlight Award for Amazing Community Spirit. Each group is part of the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network, working hard to grow and improve their local community and environment.Juliette Camburn, Senior Officer, Community Initiatives, said: “I’m delighted to see Aberdeen Communities Together, Growing Kirkcaldy, and Let's Get Grangemouth Clean Glitter Team recognised for their fantastic efforts at the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony. All of our Beautiful Scotland groups are committed to climate and nature action as well as community gardening, and the preservation and enhancement of their neighbourhoods. They all do so much spectacular work in their communities. Our Scottish representatives are valued by so many and seeing their efforts recognised so widely is truly well deserved. “ Beautiful Scotland and It’s Your Neighbourhood are part of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network, run in association with the Royal Horticultural Society, and feeding into the annual Britain in Bloom competition.
To celebrate 10 years of running their seasonal wild food and medicine course Wild Things, Grass Roots Remedies is offering Scotland Grows subscribers free access to their online course Kitchen Herbal Medicine, if you sign up to Wild Things in December or January. Wild Things is an 8 month exploration of abundant, tasty, and medicinal wild plants that grow around us in Scotland. You can complete the course either online or attend monthly classes and walks based in Pollok Park in Glasgow or fortnightly classes or walks at Lauriston Farm in Edinburgh. The course is offered on a sliding scale of £375-£875. Do email hello@grassrootsremedies.co.uk with any questions.
Scotland’s Gardens Scheme is looking for garden-loving volunteers across Glasgow and the surrounding areas to help champion local gardens and the people who open them, supporting gardens opening to raise funds for charity. Whether you’re keen to spread the word through publicity, lend a hand at events, or put up signage to guide visitors, your support will make a real difference. You’ll meet passionate garden owners, explore beautiful private gardens, and gain access to special events and visits that deepen your connection to Scotland’s vibrant gardening community. If you’re keen to get involved, you can learn more HERE or email info@scotlandsgardens.org to arrange a chat.
Got garden or horticultural news to share with Scotland Grows' readers? Reach out by email, we would love to hear from you!