Dobbies Garden Centres has announced the local charities and community organisations set to benefit from its support this year, helping them to create, enhance, or revitalise their indoor and outdoor green spaces — including schools, nurseries, care homes, allotments and community gardens.

Over 600 groups applied to Dobbies Community Gardens when it opened in March. Each Dobbies’ store selected a local project to support from the nominations that were made. Nominated projects were invited along to their local in-store free Grow How session on Saturday 3 May where the winner was announced.

Dobbies’ Dunfermline store selected Crossgate Primary School to receive donations and support as part of Dobbies Community Gardens. They have a small school garden area which is much-loved by the pupils, and plan to develop a sensory-rich garden space with support from colleagues at the Dunfermline store. This space will help promote positive social interactions and encourage curiosity and learning in nature.

Friends of Courtneys Lodge Sheltered Housing for people with dementia was selected by the Milton Keynes store. The team is made up of staff, residents and their families, who all come together to raise funds for activities to keep their minds stimulated and help prolong independence and a normal lifestyle. Gardening is a great way to alleviate stress, boredom and anxiety, and taking part in physical activity like gardening can stimulate the senses. Dobbies' support will help Friends of Courtneys Lodge Sheltered Housing with tools, equipment and plants for their gardening club.

Jean Todd Close has been selected by the Antrim store to receive donations and support as part of Dobbies Community Gardens. Jean Todd Close is a supported living scheme for adults with learning disabilities and have a communal sensory garden that the service users can enjoy together or use during family visits. This is a place they can give gardening a go, and with Dobbies' support, the team hope to equip the residents with tools, plants and some vegetables for the existing polytunnel, allowing residents can start growing their own produce.

All winning groups will now receive a one-on-one session with Dobbies’ Green Team in their local store to kick-start the activity. The team will support the winning groups throughout their projects with products, tools and plants, along with volunteer hours to help bring each green space to life and keep it thriving.

Katie Coughlin from Courtneys Lodge said: “Gardening can be a great way to alleviate stress, boredom and anxiety for our residents. We are incredibly grateful to Dobbies for their support in creating a community garden and a space for them to come together.”

Nigel Lawton, Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, said: “We are really pleased to have had so many community groups reach out looking for support with their green spaces. We're committed to supporting the local communities around our stores, and the mix of winners showcases the many ways people and communities can benefit from garden living.

“We’re looking forward to seeing these spaces flourish and supporting the groups as they create welcoming green areas for their communities.”

To find out more about Dobbies Community Gardens and see this year’s winners, visit www.dobbies.com/community-gardens.