Meet Tom Halliburton, the new head gardener looking after Norwich’s oldest private garden.
Tom is in charge of the four glorious acres of garden surrounding the Bishop of Norwich’s home.
His domain includes exotic jungle plants from around the world, dramatic flower-filled double borders backed by cloud-pruned yew, a wonderfully productive fruit and vegetable plot, hidden high-hedged dells ideal for quiet contemplation, a rose and hosta walk, a new herb garden and a 700-year old ruin.
The gardens are open in aid of specially-selected local charities on some summer Sundays and regularly host groups garden enthusiasts and clergy on retreats.
“It’s a hidden gem in the middle of Norwich,” said Tom. “I didn’t even know it was here! It’s very calming and peaceful – but also a place to work hard too.
“I love working in such a historic garden with so many rare and unusual plants. And I love it when you get those quiet moments, perhaps walking around at the end of a day, thinking of how many people have been here over the centuries.”
He is the latest link in a line of plant-lovers stretching back more than 900 years who have cared for these ancient gardens, growing food and medicines, offering hospitality, highlighting the beauty of creation and part of the ministry of many bishops.
The current Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, is a keen gardener and very supportive of the organic ethos used in the garden, the Church of England’s lead bishop for the environment.
The Bishop is also a beekeeper and one of Tom’s favourite parts of the garden at this time of year is the wildflower labyrinth, with a 400-year-old pear tree at its heart, where the hives are kept. “And the polytunnels are nearby and I love propagating and taking cuttings,” said Tom, who has been gardening since he was a teenager.
He studied landscape gardening and garden design at horticultural college before setting up his own gardening business, and has helped create a topiary garden for the Chelsea Flower Show.
Tom is helped by part-time assistant gardener Victoria Bleksley, a group of volunteers – and the Bishop of Norwich, himself. “He’s very good at weeding!” revealed Tom.
Some of the most significant plants within the historic walled gardens include a hebe grown from a cutting taken from Queen Victoria’s wedding bouquet and one of the biggest tulip trees in Norfolk.
Tom has already enjoyed showing people around the garden and hopes to expand the volunteers’ group which gives people the chance to hone gardening skills, tune into the natural world and relish the joy of spending time outside. As for his own least-favourite gardening task: “Raking up leaves. I have done it so much!” said Tom.
He lives with his wife, a teacher, and their two sons – and has his own garden too. “It’s small and I have crammed it with vegetables and apple and plum trees,” he said.
Bishop’s House Garden will be open on September 11 and 12, 10am-4pm, as part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme.
Tom is keen to expand the friendly and welcoming gardening volunteer group. Anyone interested in joining should email him at head.gardener@dioceseofnorwich.org
Get a glimpse into life in the Bishop’s garden with Tom on Instagram @bishopsgarden
Groups can inquire about a private guided tour by emailing louise.cumberland@dioceseofnorwich.org
Each year Bishop Graham and his wife make their garden available to selected charities to hold fundraising open afternoons. Charities interested in being involved next summer should apply to Bishop Graham and Mrs Rachel Usher, by September 30, via email to louise.cumberland@dioceseofnorwich.org including information about the charity, how the money raised might be used, and any stalls, events and activities in addition to refreshments.
Pictures: Luke Bryant/Tile Media/Diocese of Norwich
