Skip to content
Skip to content

Derry Watkins: Late Summer Colour

The Sissinghurst Series presents renowned plantswoman Derry Watkins who will explore the rich potential of August and September planting.

  • Booking essential

Most gardens peak in June, but with a little planning, late summer can be the most dazzling time of all.

In this talk, renowned plantswoman Derry Watkins explores the rich potential of August and September planting.

Discover how late-blooming plants, though slower to develop, offer some of the most dramatic and long-lasting displays. Learn how to keep your garden full of colour, texture and excitement well into autumn by making space for the big, the bold and the beautiful.

This event is part of The Sissinghurst Series for 2025, a series of horticultural experts speaking on topical issues in the gardening world today.

About the speaker:

Derry Watkins is an acclaimed horticulturist, writer, and founder of the award-winning Special Plants Nursery near Bath.

Originally from the United States, Derry is known for her adventurous planting style, passion for unusual species, and expertise in plants that thrive in challenging conditions. Her lectures are celebrated for their energy, humour and deep practical knowledge.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All Standard ticket£25.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Meeting point

Please go to Visitor Reception to sign in.

Accessibility

This event takes place upstairs in the Oast Exhibition Space. There are handrails on both sides of the steps. Seating inside will be provided.

Other

This event includes admission to the site, but £4 car parking charges to non-National Trust members still apply.

Contact info

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Upcoming events

Summer of Play at Sissinghurst Castle Garden (23 July - 31 August) 

Join us for a fairy-tale themed Summer of Play at Sissinghurst Castle Garden.

Event summary

on
22 Aug to 31 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 17:00
+ 9 other dates or times

Dragon's Den Building 

Continue Summer of Play fun down by the lakes in our dragon's den building and fairy grotto areas.

Event summary

on
22 Aug to 31 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 17:30
+ 9 other dates or times

'Between the Covers with Vita' Exhibition (Until 31 August) 

This exhibition explores the literary prowess of author Vita Sackville-West, accompanied by colourful commissioned artwork by Sarah Tanat-Jones. Runs until 31 August. Booking not required.

Event summary

on
23 Aug to 7 Sep 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 15 other dates or times

Outdoor Theatre - A Midsummer Night's Dream 

Experience outdoor theatre this summer at Sissinghurst with the Three Inch Fools.

Event summary

on
30 Aug 2025
at
19:00 to 21:00