Latest news with #DobbiesGardenCentres
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Four-ingredient wasp trap hack is 'simple' to make and 'bees won't go near it'
A simple method to make a wasp trap is so handy and claims it won't attract bees. It was revealed by a gardening specialist who is a brand ambassador for Dobbies Garden Centres Wasps are often lingering during the summer months and after a while, can get quite annoying. There is a way to repel wasps with one smell, but now all you need is a four-ingredient method. Often wasps mark their period when their colonies expand and it can be a nuisance having to deal with these invaders in your garden. Whether it's a picnic or any outdoor event, wasps are often drawn to sweet drinks, mature fruit or other sugary delights. Now Michael Griffiths revealed the ultimate four-ingredient hack to help you banish wasps from your garden. He has built a reputation for providing gardening advice and demonstrations across social media platforms and serves as a brand representative for Dobbies Garden Centres. He recognises that whenever possible, wasps should be left alone as they represent "beneficial predators and pollinators" but he noticed they can create problems in gardens at this season by harming bees. As a result, he's discovered a method to make a wasp trap and demonstrated his technique through an Instagram video. Opening his footage, Griffiths explained: "How to make a wasp trap that bees won't go near. August and September are peak times for wasps as their colonies are at their largest." The gardening guru then showed how he creates the trap, beginning by chopping off the top of a large plastic bottle and flipping it upside down to create a funnel to be placed in the bottom section later on. He added: "For the ingredients, you want to fill it with half a cup of water, half a cup of apple cider vinegar, half a cup of sugar and a few drops of washing up liquid." Griffiths' next step is to stir all the ingredients together with a spoon before placing the funnel on top and finally securing it if necessary. The Dobbies ambassador continued: "Add string if you prefer to hang it and place it where the wasps are most active." In his Instagram post's caption, he cautioned: "Where possible wasps should be left alone and treated as the beneficial predators and pollinators they are. "Unfortunately wasps can be a problem this time of year in gardens so management may be necessary." The gardening expert further claimed that as a beekeeper, you can "lose colonies of bees to wasps robbing hives or eating the bees at this time of year". His Instagram post has garnered 2.2 million views, 4,857 likes and more than 800 comments, at the time of writing. One user said: "I had no idea they would do that to bees. [You] learn something new every day." Another added: "Yes - I also had no idea!" A third shared: "Put mine out a few weeks back - sadly had three bee nucs (nucleus colonies) destroyed by wasps already this year." While a fourth viewer suggested: "If we're sitting outside with any type of food, they come around instantly this time of year. "I put a piece of lunch meat (turkey/ham/whatever you have) on a dish far away and the wasps go crazy for it and leave us be(e). Try it! It works."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardener shares four-ingredient hack for wasp trap that 'bees won't go near'
A gardening specialist, who is a brand ambassador for Dobbies Garden Centres, shared a simple method to make a wasp trap at home and claims it won't attract bees Wasps are frequently seen insects, especially during the summer months, and can be a nuisance. They are known to sting when they feel threatened or if their nest is disrupted. You may spot more wasps during late summer as this marks the period when their colonies expand, creating irritation when these creatures invade your home or garden. They're drawn to sweet drinks, mature fruit and other sugary delights that can prove annoying at outdoor events, such as picnics. But, wasps serve a crucial function as pollinators, though they're frequently disregarded in comparison to bees. Michael Griffiths has built a reputation for providing gardening advice and demonstrations across social media platforms and serves as a brand representative for Dobbies Garden Centres. He recognises that whenever possible, wasps should be left alone as they represent "beneficial predators and pollinators" but he noticed they can create problems in gardens at this season by harming bees. As a result, he's discovered a method to make a wasp trap and demonstrated his technique through an Instagram video. Opening his footage, Griffiths explained: "How to make a wasp trap that bees won't go near. August and September are peak times for wasps as their colonies are at their largest." The gardening guru then showed how he creates the trap, beginning by chopping off the top of a large plastic bottle and flipping it upside down to create a funnel to be placed in the bottom section later on. He added: "For the ingredients, you want to fill it with half a cup of water, half a cup of apple cider vinegar, half a cup of sugar and a few drops of washing up liquid." Griffiths' next step is to stir all the ingredients together with a spoon before placing the funnel on top and finally securing it if necessary. The Dobbies ambassador continued: "Add string if you prefer to hang it and place it where the wasps are most active." In his Instagram post's caption, he cautioned: "Where possible wasps should be left alone and treated as the beneficial predators and pollinators they are. "Unfortunately wasps can be a problem this time of year in gardens so management may be necessary." The gardening expert further claimed that as a beekeeper, you can "lose colonies of bees to wasps robbing hives or eating the bees at this time of year". His Instagram post has garnered 2.2 million views, 4,857 likes and more than 800 comments, at the time of writing. One user said: "I had no idea they would do that to bees. [You] learn something new every day." Another added: "Yes - I also had no idea!" A third shared: "Put mine out a few weeks back - sadly had three bee nucs (nucleus colonies) destroyed by wasps already this year." While a fourth viewer suggested: "If we're sitting outside with any type of food, they come around instantly this time of year. "I put a piece of lunch meat (turkey/ham/whatever you have) on a dish far away and the wasps go crazy for it and leave us be(e). Try it! It works."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Free September gardening workshops for all ages at Dobbies Sandyholm
Little Seedlings Club and the Grow How sessions, Mow & Grow, are popular. Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners in Sandyholm this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities. September's Little Seedlings Club, Incredible Orchards, is designed for children aged four to ten and takes place on Sunday, September 7. During this workshop, children at the Clydesdale store will learn about the fascinating world of orchards, how fruit trees grow and the ways the orchards change with the seasons, alongside the importance of these spaces as habitats for wildlife, including bees, birds and beetles. The children's gardening club sessions are designed to be fun and interactive, and attendees will also get the chance to take part in an apple tree craft activity. Dobbies' Grow How sessions, Mow & Grow, are taking place on Wednesday and Saturday, September 3 and 6, at 10.30am and 3.30pm at the Sandyholm store. September's topic is all about lawncare and seasonal planting. It's an interactive session that takes around half an hour with a live demonstration, followed by a Q&A session with a member of Dobbies' Green Team. Attendees will discover top tips and gardening know-how, to take back to their own garden space, as a well as a demonstration on planting a bulb lasagne to give flowers from late autumn right through to spring 2026. Dobbies' plant buyer, Nigel Lawton, is passionate about supporting the nation in their gardening efforts. He said: 'Autumn is a great time of year in the gardening calendar and our free-to-attend workshops at the Sandyholm store showcase just how accessible and fun this hobby is. These sessions are designed for gardeners of all ages and abilities. 'Those attending our Little Seedlings Club will discover the wonders of an orchard, and September's Grow How session, Mow & Grow, will help give gardeners the confidence to get ahead of the season by preparing the garden for the cooler months while ensuring a colourful bloom right the way through to next year with carefully selected bulbs.' Those interested in learning more about gardening workshops at Dobbies Sandyholm are encouraged to visit the website to reserve their spot for the free Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Young and old can get along to Dobbies in Livingston and discover the joys of gardening
Free workshops are taking place for children and adults Whether you're young or old you can discover the joys of gardening at workshops in West Lothian next month This September, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting the nation to dig in at the free-to-attend workshops at the Livingston store, which are perfect for gardeners of all ages and abilities. On Sunday, September 7 the Little Seedlings Club - Incredible Orchards is an interactive session that gives children aged four to 10 years the opportunity to explore the magic of orchards, from how fruit trees grow to their role as wildlife havens. Young gardeners will also enjoy an orchard-themed craft activity. READ MORE: Organisation that uses a little horse power as therapy for young people marks 10 years Before that though on Wednesday, September 3 and Saturday, September 6 at 10.30am and 3.30pm there are half-hour interactive lawncare and seasonal planting masterclasses with live demonstrations from Dobbies' Green Team, including how to plant a 'bulb lasagne' for blooms from late autumn to spring 2026.
Scotsman
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Pup-kins, planting and un-be-leafable fun: Dobbies' Edinburgh store unveils spellbinding lineup of autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events at the Edinburgh store, helping kick-start the season. There's something for everyone, with events for dogs, kids and families, and a brand-new autumn planting and afternoon tea experience. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Pup-kin Patch The Pup-kin Patch at Dobbies will be a fun outing for dogs where they can dig into treats, toys, and tail wagging fun. With activities from picking their own autumn themed toys, to enjoying a puppuccino from the restaurant, furry friends are bound to have a paw-esome outing. The event will also have a free digital photo opportunity for dogs to pose in front of an autumnal backdrop at the Edinburgh store, for a beautiful pet 'paw-trait'. Tickets to the event will also include special offers in the pet department, one free hot drink and puppuccino with the purchase of any cake from the restaurant, and £5 off £25 spend in store. Dobbies' Pup-kin Patch will be taking place on Saturday 25, Sunday 26, Friday 31 October, and Saturday 1 November, tickets are £12.50 per dog. Dates vary for each store so please check the website when booking. Little Scar-lings Little Scare-lings - Witches, Wizards and Wicked Treats Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This Halloween, children and families can get ready to take part in some scarily fun activities and afternoon tea at the Edinburgh store Little Scare-lings event. There will be three tiers of savoury sandwiches and sweet treats for the children and spook-tacular tea and cake offers or afternoon tea add ons for adults. Little ones will get to take part in slime and magic potion making to embrace their inner witches and wizards, alongside other magical activities and games. Dobbies is encouraging attendees to dress up in their spookiest costume as a prize will be awarded during a costume contest. The Little Scare-lings - Witches, Wizards and Wicked Treats is taking place on Saturday 18, Sunday 19, Saturday 25, Sunday 26, Friday 31 October, and Saturday 1 November, tickets are £15 per children and from £7.50 for adults. Dates vary for each store so please check the website when booking. Planting and Afternoon Tea - Autumn Harvest Terrarium Workshop Guests can enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea and autumn themed planting experience this October at Dobbies' Edinburgh store. Dobbies' Green Team will show attendees how to make their own seasonal terrariums with mini autumn decorations to take home and care for, starting with a demonstration, followed by a Q&A session and the chance to get hands-on and give it a go. The experience will be followed by a three-tiered Traditional Afternoon Tea in the restaurant, including sweet and savoury treats, and unlimited tea and coffee refills. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Planting and Afternoon Tea – Autumn Harvest Terrarium Workshop will take place on the 11, 17, and 18 of October. Tickets are £45, and prosecco or a Luxury Afternoon Tea is available as an optional upgrade at an additional cost. Dates vary for each store so please check the website when booking. Dobbies' Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is looking forward to welcoming customers, from families, dogs and planting enthusiasts, to Dobbies' Edinburgh store this autumn. She said: 'It's fantastic to have such a variety of events on offer and there really is something for everyone to enjoy, with fun for all ages. 'Tickets are selling fast for our planting and afternoon tea event, as it's the perfect afternoon out for couples and friends who love to be creative. Our Little Scare-lings event is a firm favourite for families, with plenty of action-packed activities, and the Pup-kin Patch is back by popular demand, this year in more stores after it was such a hit last year. We can't wait to celebrate autumn and Halloween with our customers this spooky season.' Tickets to all autumn events at Dobbies' Edinburgh store are now available to book at For more information on Dobbies' events, visit
