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.

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.