A hidden-gem city garden will open to visitors on selected Sunday afternoons in aid of local charities – beginning this coming weekend.
The Bishop of Norwich and his wife will open their garden on Sunday May 10 for Big C – and then on several Sundays through May, June and July to raise money for charities including Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Vision Norfolk and Norwich Door to Door.
The four-acre garden set inside medieval walls includes magnificent double herbaceous borders backed by cloud-pruned yew, a thriving kitchen garden, a jungle walk lined with exotic plants, a wildflower labyrinth and orchard where the Bishop’s bees forage, a fernery and bambooserie, and, a hebe grown from a from a sprig taken from Queen Victoria’s wedding bouquet and, at this time of year, wisteria draping purple flowers over a sunny bower.
There are also several new additions to admire in the ever-evolving garden, first tended by monks growing food and medicine for the neighbouring Cathedral and its monastery.
New this year are:
- The redesigned and replanted White Garden, tucked into a corner of the ancient walls.
- Colourful revitalised wildflower beds around the main lawn and a 16th century chapel.
- Huge new pots in the herbaceous borders.
- Sculptural edging created from wooden sleepers and ornamental holly hedging, throughout the vegetable garden.
A new jungle bed is also being created. Other recent additions include the redesigned herb garden packed with medical and culinary plants.
The Bishop of Norwich shares his garden as part of his ministry. Last year it helped local charities raise more than £20,000.
Visitors are invited to enjoy the garden 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.
Opening hours 1pm-4.30pm (last entry 4pm). Admission £5, children and wheelchair users free, assistance dogs only. Teas, stalls, activities, plants for sale. Bishop’s House Garden, Norwich, NR3 1SB. Full information at www.DofN.org/BishopsGarden
