A barn raising was never just about the barn.
It was about neighbours showing up, sharing skills, sharing food, sharing stories and building something useful together.
That is the spirit we want to bring to the Garden Library
September to November 2026
Help bring The Garden Library to life
Join our Barn Raising Tribe — creative community-minded people helping shape a new gathering place in Wiltshire. Come for one evening, or become part of the founding story. We are honoured to have six amazing speakers coming.
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Behind the Scenes at Chelsea Flower Show
Sept 10th
with Mark Richardson
Join Mark in conversation with Mark Richardson for an intimate evening exploring what really happens behind the scenes at the Chelsea Flower Show.From the first idea to the finished garden, they will talk about the people, decisions, pressure, problem-solving and unexpected moments that sit behind one of the world’s most celebrated garden events.
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Why Play Matters
Sept 24th
with Gary Worgan
Join Jules in conversation with Gary Worgan for an intimate evening exploring why play matters throughout our lives, not only during childhood.
They will talk about curiosity, creativity and the freedom to experiment, and consider what happens when adults, organisations and communities make more space for play, imagination and possibility.
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Soil, Farming and the Future
8 Oct
with Helen Browning
Join Mark in conversation with Helen Browning for an intimate evening exploring the living world beneath our feet and why healthy soil matters to us all.
Drawing on Helen’s experience as a farmer and advocate for sustainable agriculture, they will talk about soil health, regenerative farming practices and what it will take to produce food while protecting the land for generations to come.
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The Business of Growing
22 Oct
with Neville Stein
Join Mark in conversation with his longtime friend Neville Stein for an intimate evening exploring what it really takes to build and sustain a successful horticultural business.
Drawing on decades of experience across nurseries, garden centres, landscaping and the wider horticultural industry, they will talk about growth, difficult decisions, changing markets and how businesses rooted in plants can prepare for the future.
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Designing Better Conversations
Nov 5
with Kirsty Lewis
Join Jules in conversation with Kirsty Lewis for an intimate evening exploring what helps people speak honestly, listen deeply and think better together.
Drawing on Kirsty’s work in facilitation, they will talk about the conditions that make meaningful conversation possible, the role a host plays and why the spaces between people matter as much as the questions being asked.
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Farming, Food and a Better Future
Nov 26
with Josef Bowels
Join Jules and local farmer Josef for the final Barn Raising evening, bringing together conversation, locally grown food and an added bonus of a shared Thanksgiving feast.
They will talk about the realities of farming today, the people and communities behind our food, and how farmers, growers and neighbours might work together to build a stronger and more hopeful future for rural communities.
The Barn Raising Tribe
The Barn Raising Tribe is a founding supporter programme for The Garden Library at Bothy Gardens.
Bothy Gardens is a small independent business, not a charity, so this is not a donation campaign. It is a way to become part of the founding year of the space while receiving access to gatherings, behind-the-scenes updates, opening invitations and early access to future events.
The funds raised will help us furnish, equip and bring The Garden Library to life, with furniture, lighting, workshop materials, books, tools, equipment and all the small details that turn a building into a place people love spending time in.
The Garden Library is not being built for a community. It is being built with one.
Three Ways to Take Part
Individual Gathering Ticket
For people who are curious, local, or just want one lovely evening.Join us for one Barn Raising Gathering of your choice. Each evening offers a relaxed chance to hear from an interesting guest, enjoy conversation, explore the space and be part of the early story of the Garden Library.
Includes:
guest speaker, storyteller or conversation
welcome drink token
nibbles and informal conversation
time to explore the space and gardens
chance to meet interesting local people
be a small part of the building of the space
Barn Raising Tribe Pass
For people who want to be part of the story from the beginning.Come to as many of the 6 Thursday evening gatherings as you like. This pass is ideal for people who want to stay connected through the season, meet different guests and be part of the growing community around the Garden Library.
Includes
all from Gathering Ticket +
invitation to the official opening celebration in 2027
behind-the-scenes updates
early access to future workshops and events
optional Founding Member recognition
opportunities to help shape future programming
Barn Raising Patron
For individuals, small businesses or organisations who would like to make a significant founding contribution.A Barn Raising Patron partnership is shaped through conversation, so it feels meaningful and beneficial for both sides. Patrons help bring the Garden Library to life while becoming part of its first chapter in a more personal way.
Includes:
all from Tribe Pass +
optional Patron recognition
a private visit, garden walk or conversation
opportunities to support a part of the space
use of the space for one private gathering
bespoke thank-you around your interests