For more than 900 years there has been a garden belonging to the Bishops of Norwich nestled in the heart of the city - and on Sunday afternoon it will once again be available for the public to enjoy as part of the annual open garden season.

Tucked away behind the magnificent Norman cathedral, the current four-acre incarnation is a pleasant mix of the traditional and the new, which creates a tranquil and inspiring space away from the hustle and bustle.

While in the 1940s up to 15 gardeners were employed to tend its needs, it is now the task of one full- time head gardener, his part-time assistant and a band of willing volunteers – and what a job they do.

Each year, thousands of people flock through the grand entrance during a series of charity open events, hosted by the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, and his wife, Julie.

Visitors take the opportunity to admire the formal and informal gardens together with unique views of the cathedral, including the stonework on the North Transept which can only be seen from the garden.

Head gardener Simon Gaches, 42, is a man clearly very happy in his role who takes great pride in showing off the garden.

Usually Simon has favourite parts depending on the season, such as the herbaceous borders – one of the central features – in June.

'We are about three weeks behind this year because of the cold winter so I think everything will come at once,' he said.

It is his 19th year caring for the garden, having previously been in hotel management before retraining at Easton College.

He has a particular passion for plants from the southern hemisphere which he has been able to indulge, including a rare Euphorbia x pasteurii Phramptons Patty which smells like honey when it is in bloom.

'Native plants have some interest but times have changed and people want to see more exciting plants and I like to be the one to be the first with them and show them off,' he said.

'For the first six or seven years I was here, I was basically tidying up and bringing the garden, which was private then, to a high standard. When Bishop Graham and his wife came they allowed me free rein, which has been brilliant. The chance to make my mark on something that has been here as long as this, while still preserving the history and values, is amazing.'

For the full story see today's EDP.