Step into a hidden historic garden where every glorious border and peaceful pathway will be helping local charities fund their work.
The Bishop of Norwich’s beautiful garden is open in aid of 10 local charities this spring and summer, beginning with the Stepping Stones Project for adults with learning difficulties on May 11.
Last year more than 3,000 people enjoyed these charity open afternoons, raising more than £25,000 for local good causes.
The oldest private garden in Norwich includes dramatic flower-filled double borders backed by cloud-pruned yew, a rose and hosta walk, a jungle walk through towering exotic plants, wisteria in spring, an orchard and wildflower labyrinth with a 400-year-old pear tree at its heart, and the wonderfully productive kitchen garden.
See a hebe grown from a sprig taken from Queen Victoria’s wedding bouquet in 1840, one of the biggest tulip trees in Norfolk and a glade of silver birch planted as a sign of hope amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
At the top of a large lawn a picturesque ruin is all that remains of a grand medieval hall. Next door is the Cathedral – with the glorious Norman stonework of its northern side only visible from here.
This spring the replanted herb garden is filling out a series of geometric beds circling a small pond. By summer herbs should be billowing across new edging which replaces blighted box hedges.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, and his wife, Rachel, invite visitors to share their garden as part of his ministry.
For nine centuries it has been a place of work, meditation and prayer, used to grow food, offer hospitality and highlight some of the wonders of the natural world. As well as the charity open afternoons the garden is also used for retreats, garden parties, school visits and outdoor meetings.
The bishop’s first degree was in ecology and organic principles are used throughout. He is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic gardener – and bee-keeper – and said: “I keep bees here and am very keen on growing food and having as few food miles as possible. Some of the food we are able to provide for guests has zero food miles.”
The garden will be open in aid of local charities on 10 spring and summer Sundays, beginning on May 11.
Garden charity open days 2025
11 May – for Stepping Stones Project (for adults with learning difficulties)
18 May – for Attleborough Music Project
1 June – for Age UK Norwich
8 June – for Norfolk Community Law Service
15 June – for NANSA
22 June – for Norfolk Churches Trust
6 July – for the National Garden Scheme
13 July – for Leeway
20 July – for Vision Norfolk
27 July – for RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre
Opening times 1-4.30pm (last entry 4pm). Refreshments, plant sales, stalls. Admission £5, free for children and wheelchair-users. Assistance dogs only. Bishop’s Garden, Norwich, NR3 1SB (pedestrian entry through archway off St Martin at Palace Plain.)
To inquire about guided tours for groups, email louise.cumberland@dioceseofnorwich.org
To find out about joining the friendly and welcoming gardening volunteer group, email head.gardener@dioceseofnorwich.org
Pictures: Luke Bryant, Tile Media
