Explore The Plant Library

Members of The Plant Library have access to a database of more than 1500 different varieties of mainly herbaceous plants. This is a unique and extensive educational and well-being resource for anyone interested in plants and planting design.

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Sign Up for Access

Becoming a member of The Plant Library grants you access to the database. Other benefits include free drop-in visits to The Plant Library every Friday afternoon, priority access to events at The Apple House, priority access to seasonal guided tours and subscription to newsletters from The Plant Library.

Workshops
Propagation Workshop Series: Spring Propagation with Derry Watkins (Special Plants Nursery)
The Apple House, Sergehill Lane, Bedmond, WD50RZ
Thursday 8 May 2025, 10am-1pm

In this first of our series of practical propagation workshops, join plantswoman and propagation expert Derry Watkins of the garden, nursery and online seed shop Special Plants to learn everything you need to know about taking cuttings in Spring. Learn the practices and principles of how new plants grow from cuttings, when and how to take them, as well as compost, timing and aftercare. Then, practice the techniques using plants from The Plant Library of over 1500 perennials and bulbs, which you will take with you to grow on at home.


Each workshop includes refreshments, materials and handouts and can be booked individually or together as a course.


All profits go directly to fund the work of the Serge Hill Project for Gardening, Creativity and Health Community Interest Company.

Information

About Special Plants Nursery

Special Plants is a garden, nursery and online seed shop run by Derry Watkins near Bath in Southwest England. The site was purchased in 1996 as a derelict barn surrounded by muddy fields, and has since been converted into a thriving garden, home and business.

Derry is author of two books on greenhouse gardening and has introduced many plants from her plant collecting trips to South Africa and elsewhere. The result is a collection of unusual plants from all over the world, including an amazing range of hardy herbaceous and rockery plants as well as many tender perennials for terrace and conservatory.


Propagation Workshop Series
Join us in the Plant Library of over 1500 perennials and bulbs throughout the year for a series of 3 practical and hands-on propagation workshops, with some of the UK’s top nurserywomen including DERRY WATKINS (Special Plants Nursery), HANNAH FOX (formerly of Marchants Hardy Plants now of Bright Green Fox micro nursery) and BECKY READER (Great Dixter Nursery) alongside our Plant Library Head Gardener MILLIE SOUTER.

Across our Spring, Late Summer and Autumn/Winter workshops, you’ll learn all the basic principles and practices of plant propagation as our horticultural experts share everything they know about the best techniques and timings for taking cuttings, collecting and sowing seeds, layering, divisions, plus growing techniques and more. There will also be time for questions.

Propagating your own plants, whether from seed or by cuttings, is the most joyful, cost-effective and sustainable way to grow the plants you love, time and again.


Accessibility

Accessible parking for those who require it is available at the entry to The Apple House. There is step-free access to the building and all areas. However, there are many potential trip hazards and uneven surfaces that may be encountered whilst visiting the gardens, along with gravel paths that aren’t suitable for walking frames with wheels. Please be aware that due to the ongoing building works around the Apple House, there may be additional hazards to look out for.