It’s time to plan a visit to one of Norfolk’s oldest and most fascinating gardens as its charity open afternoons are announced.
The Bishop of Norwich opens his beautiful gardens, alongside Norwich Cathedral, in support of local charities.
Dates for eight charity afternoons have been announced, with the first, on Sunday May 10, for Big C.
Bishop’s House Garden is a four-acre paradise of flower-filled borders, towering exotic plants, productive fruit vegetable and herb gardens, a woodland walk, and a wildflower labyrinth and orchard where the bishop’s bees forage.
Peaceful paths connect four acres of sunny lawns and tree-shaded dells inside ancient walls. There have been gardens here for more than nine centuries and visitors can see a 400-year-old pear tree, a 700-year-old ruin and a hebe grown from a cutting taken from Queen Victoria’s wedding bouquet. A magnificent view of the north side of Norwich Cathedral can only be seen from the garden.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, shares the garden as part of his ministry and it is also used to grow food and for quiet days and retreats. Last year it helped local charities raise more than £20,000.
This year the garden will be open on:
Sunday May 10 for Big C – improving the lives of people affected by cancer.
Sunday May 17 for Norfolk Wildlife Trust – celebrating a century of protecting and restoring wildlife.
Sunday May 31 for the Magdalene Group – working to end sexual violence, exploitation and coercion.
Sunday June 21 for Community Chaplaincy Norfolk – trains and supports volunteer mentors for prison leavers.
Sunday July 5 for the National Garden Scheme – funding nursing and health charities.
Sunday July 12 for St John Ambulance – first aid charity.
Sunday July 19 for Norwich Door to Door – community transport for people with limited mobility.
Sunday July 26 for Vision Norfolk – supporting people through sight loss.
Bishop’s House Garden, Norwich, NR3 1SB. Opening hours 1pm-4.30pm (last entry 4pm). Admission £5, children and wheelchair users free, assistance dogs only. Teas, plant stall.
For more information visit www.DofN.org/BishopsGarden
The garden will also be open for Heritage Open Days on September 16 and 17 and private group tours with the head gardener are available by emailing louise.cumberland@dioceseofnorwich.org
