Harvest time!
Garden Volunteers
Volunteering with Edinburgh Garden Partners is a brilliant opportunity for community-spirited people who are looking for a space in the city to grow their own produce.
How does it work?
We match our volunteers to garden owners according to where they live and their overall compatibility. We guide and support both to establish a mutually beneficial partnership by making a written agreement, which sets healthy boundaries and shared expectations for what can be achieved.
What’s the time commitment?
We encourage volunteers to commit for a minimum of one full growing season. There is no set weekly time commitment. The hours are flexible and agreed with your garden partner to allow for changes in the seasons and the weather.
The most important thing is to communicate well with your garden partner about when you plan to visit and to be realistic about what you can achieve in the garden.
Do I have to be an experienced gardener?
Some gardening experience helps, but energy, commitment and a willingness to work positively with your garden partner is more important. We expect our volunteers to garden organically and support access to a range of information and training through our community partners.
Do I need to have experience of supporting an older person?
Volunteers do not need to have experience of supporting an older person. However, this role is best suited to individuals who:
demonstrate good listening and communication skills.
are patient and considerate.
have a non judgemental and respectful approach.
understand the importance of confidentiality and how to maintain healthy boundaries.
are responsible, and show initiative.
What are the benefits?
Volunteering with Edinburgh Garden Partners will support you to:
access a local garden to grow your own.
develop a rewarding relationship with you garden partner through regular visits to the shared garden.
make a positive contribution to your community.
boost your health and well-being through exercise outdoors.
share your interest in growing and gardening with a dynamic community of garden volunteers across Edinburgh.
enjoy freshly grown produce with your garden partner.
What happens next?
If you’re interested in volunteering, please get in touch with us at info@edinburghgardenpartners.org.uk or phone us on 0131 347 5829
Garden Owners
Sharing a space in your garden with a volunteer from Edinburgh Garden Partners is a great way to help a person in your community who is looking for a space to grow.
We prioritise working with older people who want to enjoy their gardens and strengthen connections with their community. Please note that we are not a garden maintenance service.
How does it work?
We match our garden owners to volunteers according to where they live and their overall compatibility. We guide and support both to establish a mutually beneficial partnership by making a written agreement, which sets healthy boundaries and shared expectations for what can be achieved.
What are the benefits?
Sharing your garden with a volunteer will enable you to:
develop a rewarding relationship with your garden partner
make a positive contribution to your community
boost your health and well being through greater enjoyment of your garden
share your interest in growing and gardening with a dynamic community of garden partners across Edinburgh.
enjoy freshly grown produce with your garden partner
Is my garden suitable?
It’s important to have easy access to the garden, sufficient sunlight, some space to grow fruit and vegetables, and access to water; but a willingness to share the space and work positively with your volunteer is the most important.
What happens next?
If you’re interested in joining Edinburgh Garden Partners or wish to make a referral on someone’s behalf please contact us on 0131 347 5829 or at info@edinburghgardenpartners.org.uk
Other ways to get involved
Join our Board of Trustees
We are currently looking for new people to join the board of trustees who help run our organisation. If you feel you have skills you could contribute, or would like to find out more about what this involves, get in touch by phone on 0131 347 5829 or emai info@edinburghgardenpartners.org.uk.
Set up your own Garden Sharing Scheme
We are keen to support others who are interested in setting up a garden sharing scheme in their local area by sharing some of what we have learnt over the years. We have created an information pack to help you get started - email us on info@edinburghgardenpartners.org.uk to receive a copy and for more information about the support we can offer.
Make a donation
If you have read some of the stories behind our gardens and would like to support the work we do, you can make a donation at just giving by clicking below.
Attend our events
Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media to find out what’s going on – and come along to see us at different events throughout the year.
