A leading garden centre retailer is set to offer free gardening workshops this month.
Dobbies is celebrating National Allotment Week by inviting gardening enthusiasts along to its Stratford-upon-Avon store for a series of free Grow How workshops.
National Allotment Week runs from Monday, August 12 to Sunday, August 18 with the free sessions designed for both seasoned allotment pros and those just starting out.
The workshops will be an opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge to make plots flourish and will take place on the first Saturday of the month then every Wednesday throughout August at 10.30am and 3.30pm.
Dobbies' Grow How sessions will equip gardeners on the best late-summer crops to sow in August for a flourishing harvest in the season, how to prune your summer fruits to maximise yield and ways you can prepare the allotment for any upcoming holidays with watering techniques.
Dobbies' plant buyer Nigel Lawton said: "Growing your own produce is something that we're really passionate about at Dobbies.
"It is also growing in popularity as many gardeners recognise the benefits of growing fresh produce in both the taste and the positive impact it can have on physical and mental health.
"A thriving allotment isn't just about delicious homegrown produce, it's about getting your hands dirty, enjoying the outdoors and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"We're thrilled to be working alongside our friends at the Stroke Association to encourage gardeners of all abilities to learn valuable skills and discover how allotments can benefit wellbeing at our Grow How sessions in the Stratford-upon-Avon store."
Throughout August, guests attending the Grow How sessions will also have the chance to donate to the Stroke Association.
Gardening is known to have a positive impact on both the physical and emotional recovery of stroke survivors and the charity supports several groups with allotments across the UK.
Dobbies is also a sponsor of the Stroke Association's Strength in Bloom virtual garden where visitors are invited to donate by planting symbolic flowers and trees or selecting a plaque to dedicate to an individual affected by a stroke.
Saul Heselden, head of corporate partnerships at the Stroke Association, added: "Recovering from a stroke can bring lots of challenges, but finding joy in the simple pleasures of nature can make a real difference.
"Gardening can provide a much-needed boost to both your physical and mental health, and allotments provide an affordable way for people to experience the benefits of gardening, while also growing their own produce.
"Right now, the Stroke Association can only reach one-third of the survivors who most need support. We want to reach all those in need, but we can only do this with the generosity of our supporters like Dobbies.
"We’re incredibly grateful they have chosen to fundraise through the Grow How workshops at the Stratford Upon Avon store to raise vital funds for people affected by stroke."
For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/garden/virtual
To find out more about the Grow How sessions visit www.dobbies.com/events
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