About Us

About BOG

Catherine Ross, when Chair of BOG, put together a document describing what BOG is about. You can find the first edition linked below, and any feedback would be welcome. Please use the Contact form for any comments you may have.

How it all started

BOG was formed in 1989 in the Galashiels area. From small beginnings BOG has now over 450 members from the Scottish Borders and neighbouring north Northumberland – reputedly the largest organic gardening group in the UK. BOG is a Scottish Charity (registered in 1997) whose aims are “to advance the education of the general public in the principle of organic growing and gardening by promoting the use and development of organic gardening methods”. BOG is run entirely by volunteers.

Events

BOG has established a calendar of events during the year which includes Seed Potato Day at the Border Union Show Ground, Kelso – a major event in the Borders calendar.  We also support the Harestanes Centre in the running of Apple Day in October.

Activities

Besides a programme of workshops, talks, garden visits etc., currently BOG is working on ways of encouraging children to get more involved in gardening, and in supporting families keen to develop their skills to grow their own food in small gardens and allotments. We are always looking for new ideas on engaging the public at large, and our own members, in expanding their horizons on aspects of growing and enjoying food. Most BOG get togethers seem to involve eating at some point!

Get in touch!

BOG members are very diverse in age, professions and their types of garden, but the common thread is a group of like-minded individuals who really care about “what they are doing on their own patch” and the wider impact on the environment. The wealth of knowledge through the group is enormous and the willingness of members to share their experience is inspiring. This is BOG’s great strength. A day at a BOG workshop learning how to prune or create a pond or work with willow is a very enjoyable experience. A lot of energy, time (and fun!) goes into organising the annual programme and the main events and it is a great way to meet like minded folks, so if you would like to become more involved, why not use the Contact page- we’d be delighted to hear from you.

The BOG Magazine

BOG produces a magazine 3 times per year which is circulated free to all members. It contains articles on the BOG programme of events, general organic gardening advice and other topical articles. BOG has been involved in many projects and in recent years the group have attended farmers’ markets and the Green Festival in Berwick promoting composting.

Borders Organic Gardeners is a Scottish Charity no. SC026903.
Borders Organic Gardeners is a company limited by guarantee, no. 279474, registered in Edinburgh.
Registered Office for formal communications only – 3 Oliver Place, Hawick. TD9 9BG