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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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.

Talks
Luciano Giubbilei on Presence in Gardens
The Apple House, Sergehill Lane, Bedmond, Hertfordshire WD5 0RZ
Thursday 10 September 2026, 6pm-8pm

Join us in The Apple House and Plant Library for an evening with internationally renowned Landscape Architect, Luciano Giubbilei as he reflects on creating presence in gardens. Since establishing his practice in 1997, Giubbilei has built his reputation on largescale landscape projects, characterised by their strong architectural lines, restrained planting palettes and a commitment to creative partnerships with artists, architects and craftsmen.

Luciano Giubbilei observes:

"I have always been drawn to the atmosphere of black-and-white photography. There is something uplifting in being in a space with no colour. The movement of the shadows and the texture of everything seems more audible - the quietness is so loud. I vividly recollect coming across a series of prints of Japan by Rolfe Horn in my early twenties. There is a powerful quietness to those photographs, and I always ask myself how we can create that presence in gardens."

Tickets include entry to the talk, a drink and Tom Stuart-Smith’s Plant Library of over 2000 perennials and bulbs.

More information about the talk

Profits from this talk go to fund the work of our not-for-profit, The Serge Hill Project for Gardening Creativity and Health, which provides therapeutic and educational programmes to local schools, charities and community groups most in need.

About Luciano Giubbilei
Giubbilei began his career in gardens when he moved from Siena, his birthplace, to London in 1994. Since establishing his practice in 1997, he has gained international recognition, designing largescale landscape projects across Europe and the US, characterised by their strong architectural lines, restrained planting palettes and a commitment to creative partnerships with artists, architects and craftsmen. Most recently, Giubbilei transformed the 18th century Walled Garden at Raby Castle in the north of England, completing his first major public project.

Information For Visitors

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.


Further Information
With the exception of registered support dogs, no dogs are permitted in the gardens.

Please note that this is a no smoking, no vaping site.