We want to make sure that every person can access and benefit from the health, wellbeing and learning opportunities offered by RBGE's four Gardens, Collections and expertise.

We connect health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, people and plants through a range of activities.

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.

Food Social

Our Food Social sessions are friendly and supportive opportunities for people to cook and share a meal together in the Botanic Cottage. They are especially suitable for those who would benefit from a supportive and social environment. Our team of staff and volunteers create a warm welcome for all and we can accommodate various dietary requirements and access requirements.

These take place in series of four monthly sessions on Friday mornings. To register your interest to join future sessions please email community@rbge.org.uk – we also accept referrals from partner organisations and health professionals onto this programme.

Dementia-friendly Garden Social

A social session for people with dementia and their carers exploring garden themes, with activities and refreshments on the first Friday of each month. For more information, and to join, please see our What's On.

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.

Meet the Gardener

Pop in and look out for the team at work in the Garden. Discover our productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project volunteers, find out what jobs need doing in your own garden this season and have your vegetable growing questions answered.

Demonstration Garden, every Monday and Tuesday, 1pm - 2.30pm, from March-October.

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.