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.

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Talks
The Power of Trees: From Climate Resilience to their role in Garden Design
The Apple House, Sergehill Lane, Bedmond, Hertfordshire WD5 0RZ
Friday 14 November 2025, 10am-4pm

Trees first appeared on earth around 385 million years ago and remain one of the most essential elements of our living landscape today.

We are delighted to announce our first one-day symposium celebrating The Power Of Trees at the Serge Hill Project for Gardening, Creativity and Health.

Designed for gardeners, garden designers, landscape architects and tree lovers, this symposium will explore everything you ever wanted to know about the living entity that is the beating heart of every garden and landscape.

Through energising discussions and presentations, the day will delve deep into a range of topics including the ecological importance of, and relationship between, trees in our landscape; selecting climate resilient species that will also sequester carbon; maximising the use of trees in garden design, from domestic gardens to large landscapes; problem solving issues with trees and the best ways to source, plant and care for trees, amongst many other topics.

We bring together some of the world’s leading experts on trees -from Landscape Architects to Ecologists to Heads of Arboretums including:

  • Arit Anderson, Garden Designer, TV Presenter and author of The Essential Tree Selection Guide with Henrik Sjӧman
  • Professor Mick Crawley, Emeritus Professor of Plant Ecology, Imperial College London
  • Ted Green, British academic, scientist, campaigner and arboriculturist,; champion of Britain's ancient trees, including at Knepp & Windsor
  • Tony Kirkham, former Head of Arboretum and Horticultural Services at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • Harriet Rix, Tree Science Consultant and author of The Genius of Trees: How Trees Mastered The Elements and Shaped The World.
  • Tom Stuart-Smith, Landscape Architect and Director, Tom Stuart-Smith Studio

With more names to be announced…

Tickets include refreshments, lunch and a chance to explore the Plant Library and trees in Tom and Sue Stuart-Smith’s Barn Garden.

We have 3 bursary places available for gardeners and arboriculturists, please contact us info@sergehillproject.co.uk to apply.

Book now

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.

Visitor Information

On arrival, please follow signs to the parking at the end of Featherbed Lane. Parking onsite is limited so please car-share or come by public transport wherever possible.

Please note this is a no smoking and no vaping site.

The use of drones is not permitted.

Serge Hill Project Community Interest Company (Company No. 14740681)

Registered address: The Dairy Studio, Serge Hill Lane, Bedmond, Hertfordshire WD5 0RZ