The Essex Library is continuing its gardening programs this spring with a visit from Horticulture Manager Adam Wheeler of Broken Arrow Nursery in Hamden, who will focus on native plants, including the witch hazel for which Essex is famous.

Wheeler will speak on Wednesday, April 24, at 7 p.m. to chat with area residents about native trees and shrubs and their uses in general gardening design considerations.

“I will be focusing on unique, unusual, uncommon and under-utilized, exciting native plants that many people may not know are native,” Wheeler said. “The talk will showcase natural flora and highlight those that are excellent for use as ornamental garden plants.”

One of the stars of the talk will be the witch hazel plant and its many varieties. Essex is the home of the first witch hazel distillery in the country, and while the famed E.E. Dickinson Witch Hazel plant closed in 1997, the lore of the plant and its importance to the town lives on.

Wheeler will bring along several live plants to use as props for his talk. These plants will also be available for sale at the end of his program so those who are interested can immediately apply what they learn to their own garden.

“Our library programs are one of the most important aspects of what we offer our residents,” said Essex Library Director Richard Conroy. “We know that there are many people in town who are avid gardeners and we try to provide programs such as this one that we know will fit everyone’s interests.”

The program is free and open to the public. For more information or to register, call the Essex Library at 860-767-1560.