CELEBRATED gardening expert Derry Watkins will be giving a talk this month.

Derry, who runs Special Plants in Bath, will be at Tarrant Keyneston Village Hall, near Blandford, on Wednesday, March 20.

Starting at 2.30pm, her talk – organised by Tarant Valley Gardening Club – will be on Late Summer Colour.

She is the author of two books on greenhouse gardening and has introduced many plants after trips to South Africa and elsewhere.

“For 40 years I have been avidly and unashamedly plantaholic,” she said. “About 25 years ago I started the nursery as a way of justifying all the plants I just had to buy.

“Against everyone’s advice, I began by specializing in tender perennials – plants which need frost protection in winter.

“Irritating because you must remember to take cuttings and bring them inside, delightful because they are some of the longest blooming and most beautiful of all plants.”

Derry will have plants for sale and there will be tea, homemade cakes and a raffle. Tickets are available from Madeleine on 01258 480778 or on the door if available.