Create your own hanging basket at Dobbies’ Boston this May Seasonal planting event will support Alzheimer’s Research UK

Customers are invited to take part in a Hanging Basket workshop in May, with money going towards Alzheimer’s Research UK (© Stewart Attwood)

Dobbies Garden Centres is encouraging the nation to embrace their creative side this May with a brand-new cottage garden-inspired Hanging Basket Workshop, taking place at its Boston store on Saturday 9 and 16 May. 

Happening ahead of Dementia Action Week (May 18-24), money from the sale of every ticket will go to Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

Guaranteed to get attendees feeling inspired this spring, the hands-on workshop with Dobbies’ Green Team at the Boston store will give participants the chance to learn how to design and plant a beautiful rattan basket filled with a variety of trailing flowers and vibrant seasonal blooms. These creations can then be taken home and enjoyed, making a fantastic addition to a porch, balcony or green space.

Dobbies’ Green Team will guide participants through the seasonal selection of plants that can be chosen as part of the workshop and share expert advice on how they can arrange the blooms for balance and fullness. They will also share knowledge on how to care for the hanging baskets, so they continue to thrive. 

The workshop is taking place at Dobbies’ Boston store on Saturday 9 and Saturday 16 May at 2pm, offering a beginner-friendly experience for everyone taking part. Tickets are £30 per person, with 10% from each sale directly donated to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 

Dobbies is working together with Alzheimer’s Research UK to highlight the benefits of garden living for brain health and raise funds to find a cure for dementia. Dobbies has raised more than £235,000 for the charity since the partnership launched in March 2025.

Gardening is a great way to look after brain health. Physical activity, learning new skills and keeping connected with others are some of the things that can help reduce the risk of dementia. Dobbies’ Hanging Basket Workshop is a great way to unwind and look after your brain, whether you’re exploring a new hobby on your own or looking for a fun experience with a friend or family member.

There’s also the chance to add a Dobbies’ Afternoon Tea for £16.50 per person. Customers at the Boston store can enjoy three tiers of freshly made sandwiches, Dobbies’ famous scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a delicious pastry and cake selection to top it off. Non gluten and vegetarian afternoon teas are also available.

Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, said: “Gardening is a great way to look after our brains and stay active. By creating and caring for your green space you can slow down and reconnect.

“Our Hanging Basket Workshop at the Boston store will be a great opportunity to relax and learn while enjoying a beginner-friendly guided planting experience. Join us with friends and family to create a vibrant seasonal basket to take home and enjoy in your outdoor space.”

Paul Glazier, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Dobbies for raising vital funds and awareness through these workshops. 

“There are steps we can all take to show our brains some love, and gardening is a great activity to support this – especially as we see warmer weather. Our Think Brain Health campaign recommends three simple rules for looking after brain health: love your heart, stay sharp and keep connected. Thank you, Dobbies, for supporting this important work and standing with us for a cure.”

For more information on Dobbies’ Hanging Basket Workshop taking place at the Boston store and to make a booking, visit www.dobbies.com/events