Garden Archives - Share Bristol

Some events clearly inspire projects that shout “let’s borrow a tool!”, while others take a bit more imagination… let’s have some fun exploring what’s on across the region and the Things you could borrow when the subsequent motivation strikes!

Here’s what’s coming up and how your local Share Bristol Library of Things could help you make the most of it.

Bedminster: Bedminster Festival of Gardening

8–14 June 2026

Bedminster is getting its first ever Festival of Gardening this June which promises to be a week-long celebration of all things green and growing. Expect gardening activities, talks, installations and community events across BS3, all leading up to the much-loved Secret Gardens weekend where local residents open up hidden outdoor spaces for everyone to explore.

Whether you’re already a seasoned gardener or just wondering if one tomato plant counts as a vegetable patch, this feels like the perfect excuse to get outside and get inspired.

Borrowing idea: become the neighbour whose garden suddenly gets interesting

If the festival leaves you determined to finally tackle that overgrown corner, create a pollinator patch or build the raised bed you’ve been talking about since 2023, borrow before you buy. Think gardening tools for digging, trimming and tidying, or even power tools if your plans escalate from “plant some herbs” to “construct an entire pergola”. Festival inspiration, but without filling the shed.

Check out a whole host of gardening Things available here.

Kingswood: Community Picnic in Kingswood Park

18 June 2026 | 3 – 6pm

National Picnic Week feels like the perfect excuse to gather outside and Kingswood Park is doing exactly that with a relaxed community picnic for local residents.

Bring along your picnic, a blanket and your favourite people for an afternoon in the park, with garden games, a scavenger hunt and the launch of Kingswood Town Council’s Community Nature Reserve initiative. It’s all about slowing down, getting outdoors and enjoying a bit of community connection at the heart of the neighbourhood.

Whether you arrive meticulously prepared or carrying a last-minute supermarket meal deal, the important thing is showing up.

Borrowing idea: elevate your picnic game

You don’t need to own a cupboard full of “just in case” entertaining gear to enjoy a great day out. Share Bristol is full of things that make outdoor get-togethers easier, from games that bring out everyone’s competitive side to practical kit like camping chairs that turns a quick picnic into an event. Borrow what you need, enjoy the afternoon and leave your cupboards free for the things you actually use every week.

Winterbourne: Medieval Day at Winterbourne Medieval Barn

28 June 2026 | 11am–4pm

Winterbourne is stepping several centuries backwards this month with Medieval Day at the historic barn. Expect combat displays, knight school, archery, wandering performers, medieval music and a full living history village recreating midsummer festivities.

No chainmail required (unless you already own some).

Borrowing idea: modern-day armour

We’re not saying you’ll need a helmet and protective gear to survive medieval combat demonstrations… but if the day inspires you to take on your own heroic quests at home, hedge battles, DIY tournaments or legendary decluttering campaigns, borrowing safety gear and equipment is a very 2026 version of preparing for battle. Bonus points if you dramatically announce “for the realm” before starting any project.

Browse more Things that can make you a home hero here.

Frenchay: UWE Showcase 2026

5 – 7 June 2026 | 10am–6pm

Head to Frenchay Campus and explore their Showcase 2026 Degree Show, a celebration of graduating students’ work across architecture, product design and creative disciplines. Expect ambitious ideas, beautifully presented spaces and plenty of inspiration for anyone who enjoys design, interiors or spotting the next big thing before everyone else does.

This is the kind of event that makes you walk back into your own home afterwards and suddenly notice every wall colour, shelf and slightly unfinished project.

Borrowing idea: interior designer energy (without the renovation budget)

If the showcase leaves you itching to refresh a room, rearrange a space or finally tackle that decorating project, borrow before you buy. Brushes, ladders and DIY essentials can help turn a spark of inspiration into a weekend project, whether you’re going for award-winning interior transformation or simply “this room now feels intentional”. Start small, experiment and save cupboard space for your next big idea.

Find DIY Things here.

So wherever you are this June – gardening, picnicking, time-travelling to the Middle Ages or discovering your inner designer – remember: you don’t always need to buy the thing to enjoy the experience.

Borrow it. Try it. Return it. Repeat.

Whether you have a sprawling garden, a small patio or a few pots on a balcony, there’s always something new to discover. From the first shoots of spring to the insects quietly at work beneath the soil, curiosity helps us connect more deeply with the spaces we nurture.

Starting in the warmer months can be a wonderful way to begin exploring gardening and spending more time outdoors. As the seasons change, so too can the way we garden – from sowing and planting in spring and summer to observing wildlife, collecting seeds and preparing spaces for colder months. Gardening is always evolving, offering new opportunities to learn, notice and connect with nature throughout the year.

Why curiosity matters in the garden

Gardening doesn’t have to be about having a perfect plan or knowing exactly what you’re doing. In fact, some of the most rewarding moments come from experimenting, trying something new and seeing where it leads.

What happens if you plant something in a different spot?

What grows well together?

What surprises might appear if you simply pause and observe?

Curiosity encourages us to ask questions, get our hands dirty and enjoy the process, not just the end result.

Try before you buy: gardening with flexibility

One of the biggest barriers to starting (or expanding) a garden project is often the cost of tools, especially if you’re not sure what you’ll need long-term.

That’s where borrowing comes in.

By borrowing gardening tools, you can:

Experiment with new ideas without financial pressure
Try out different tools before deciding what suits you
Avoid cluttering your home with items you’ll only use occasionally
Make more sustainable choices by sharing resources

One of our Kingswood members highlighted the savings they’d made by borrowing garden equipment from Share Bristol:

“Such a great initiative! I signed up for an annual membership which costs £50 and have already hired out a lawnmower and strimmer which would easily have cost four times the price of that membership, plus they’re not permanently taking up space in my garage! Volunteers were very friendly and helpful, couldn’t recommend more!”

Borrowing is a simple way to keep your gardening journey flexible, affordable and low-waste.

Tools to spark your curiosity

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tools that are perfect for curious gardeners:

Cultivator A true all-rounder. Great for breaking up compacted soil, mixing in nutrients and removing weeds. It’s ideal for preparing beds and giving your plants the best chance to thrive.

Kneel board Gardening often means getting up close and personal with the soil. A kneel board provides comfort and support, making it easier to spend time observing, planting and tending without strain.

Child’s wheelbarrow Gardening is even better when it’s shared. A child-sized wheelbarrow is a great way to involve younger helpers – encouraging curiosity, responsibility and a love for the outdoors from an early age.

(And for bigger jobs, adult-sized wheelbarrows are always available too!)

Of course, we’ve also got all the standard tools you’d expect: hand tools like trowels, spades, forks and rakes, as well as power tools like leaf blowers, lawnmowers and hedge trimmers.

Making gardening a shared experience

At its heart, gardening is about connection with nature, with our communities and with each other.

Borrowing tools is part of that bigger picture. It’s about sharing resources, reducing waste and helping more people feel confident enough to give things a go.

You don’t need loads of knowledge to enjoy gardening. You just need a bit of encouragement to get started, and we’d like to think borrowing tools gives our members that motivation.

Stay curious

This National Gardening Week and beyond, take a moment to slow down. Look a little closer. Try something new.

Borrow the tools you need, follow your curiosity… and see where it takes you!

Pop in this week, or whenever you’re ready, to borrow gardening tools and start your next project.