Coronavirus is presenting us with unprecedented challenges, challenges which the Caley is taking very seriously.  We are keeping up to date with Scottish Government advice but as you will all know things change daily.

Spring Show – cancelled and replaced with a virtual show

Since Preview was published, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Spring Show at Saughton.  We did this with a heavy heart as it is such a wonderful event.  BUT we do hope to do a virtual show with people submitting pictures of their best blooms at what would have been the time of the Spring Show. Details of how to enter will be available on the web or you can email springshow@rchs.co.uk for further information.

Schools and Junior Group show in the John Hope Gateway at RBGE – cancelled and replaced with a virtual show.

All schools and participating groups have been advised separately.

Caley Visits and Trips

The bookings for trips remain as planned but we will continue to monitor the position.  Please ensure you give us your email contact details so we can be in touch should any changes be needed.

Unfortunately, The Caley has had to make the decision to cancel both of its Spring Shows – the main Spring Bulb Show at Saughton Park and the Junior Groups Competition at RBGE. 

The Caley holds an annual Spring Bulb Show at Saughton Park in Edinburgh that is open to all. This is a fun event with a variety of categories to enter. So, if you are an experienced exhibitor, are just a beginner joins us,  Show dates for 2020: had been planned for 4th & 5th April.

We also hold a separate Junior Groups Competition featuring a bulb growing competition and children’s activities. This event is open to any school or youth group who wishes to take part. The event is normally held in the John Hope Gateway at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.  The show dates for 2020 were planned for 28th & 29th March but schools and groups have been invited to participate in their own virtual show.

We will soon be moving into our new home within Saughton Park in Edinburgh.  The Caley will have an office and will maintain a number of areas within the walled garden.  We will also have teaching and demonstration beds – something we have been waiting on for a long time.

We are hoping to build a glasshouse within our teaching area and fundraising is well underway to raise money for this.  If you would like to help, please click on the button below to go to the Saughton Park page of the website where you can find out more.

Gardening is a great way to get children outdoors and to develop an interest in nature and the environment. Growing and picking their own fruit and veg is a great way to encourage children to eat more of them. If you have the space in your garden, why not give them a small patch of their own to look after?  Even if you only have a windowbox, you can still encourage children to grow and look after some herbs or salad crops.

For more advice on gardening with children and some fun activities, click below to go to our Gardening with Children page.

Grow & Learn person-centred award, recognising individual progress and achievement in horticulture.  Our awards are inclusive, individualised and offer life skills based education for all.

Grow and Learn aims to address a large gap in provision in the world of horticulture by offering an alternative learning opportunity for those who find mainstream learning challenging.

With thanks to our funders Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) (Outdoor Learning in Nature), since April 2019 we’ve been delivering outdoor learning to 5 participating local schools. Weekly sessions see a total of 48 pupil’s 12 teachers/classroom assistants gain practical horticultural skills and active participation in nature-based learning.

Learning at Saughton Park enables our pupils to connect with various park groups, visitors and events at the park as well as contributing to greenspace improvements at the park.

There is always a plant of interest to look out for in Scotland.  Whether it be for its flowers, fruits, foliage or interesting shape, there is a plant for every season.

Caley stalwart and avid gardener, Stan da Prato, keep us up to date with what we should be looking out for throughout the year.

Looking for gardens to visit? The nurseries recommended by the Members of the Society? Or the plants recommended for Scottish gardens? Visit The Caley Recommendations page by clicking the button below!