I remember Norfolk winters as bitingly cold so desert-style planting was the last thing I expected to see at East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden. Yet, as I discovered on a walk around with Alan Gray, this is somewhere that likes to do things differently.
Created over more than 40 years by Alan and his partner Graham Robeson, its 32-acres mix traditional topiary and borders with flashes of theatrical design and the unexpected – a grove of tree ferns, modern water sculptures and borderline hardy plants.
“It’s all about pushing the boundaries and having fun,” Alan told me. “We’re continually experimenting.”
When they bought East Ruston Old Vicarage, it had just over two acres and no garden. Gradually they were able to buy more land with the last 12 acres just 15 years ago.
The secret to their success with growing more exotic plants is due to East Ruston’s position and careful planning. Firstly, the garden is close to the Norfolk coast, with the maritime influence giving it a climate more akin to the South West of England, while the county’s notorious low rainfall helps plants survive the winter.
“Plants will withstand cold if they can remain relatively dry at the root,” Alan commented.
Planting trees and shrubs along the boundaries and dividing the 32 acres with hedges and walls has kept the wind out. It also creates microclimates that allow them to grow things like tender Hardenbergia comptoniana and early narcissi more commonly seen on the Scilly Isles.
The division into ‘garden rooms’ fits the Arts and Crafts style house and the strong design has long vistas and glimpses into other areas through gaps in hedges and gates.
At times, I felt as though I was in a maze, turning into a section to find it a ‘deadend’ area of sculpture, grass and hedge, and at other times not discovering a gap in a hedge until right upon it. The guidebook – or a guide – are recommended.
Graham is usually responsible for the design with Alan the main influence on planting but after decades together, he says the boundaries between the pair are blurred.
The ‘Desert Wash’ is Graham’s area though and designed to replicate Arizona with the arid appearance enhanced by big pieces of Norfolk flint – they had to be individually unloaded from the delivery van as tipping would have broken them.
The critical good drainage has been achieved by planting on a bed of sharp gravel and then mixing more gravel into the soil. Judging by the size of the agaves, cacti and other succulents, it works.
“When we first planted this, we were looking down on everything,” said Alan. “Today, we’re walking amongst it.”
I had wondered if there would be much colour given that it was in the first week of East Ruston’s new season but there was plenty to see.
An early visit also allows the framework of the garden to be fully appreciated with the long vistas, architectural details, and views out to nearby landmarks uncluttered by flowers.
The inclusion of theatrical antiques not only reminded me of Sir Roy Strong’s Laskett garden, they are also a nod to Alan’s work in antique dealing. (You can read about my visit to The Laskett here.)
One terracotta coat of arms has a Latin motto that translates as ‘by counsel and by labour’. It now tops an entrance near the house.
“I humorously thought ‘by argument and bloody hard work’, because that’s how this garden was made,” said Alan. “Frequently when we’re deciding on something we have debates, and they can become quite heated at times. But you know, it’s a great way, having a somebody to play bat and ball with.”
And it’s a garden that’s not finished with a woodland area among the newest developments while box is gradually being replaced due to blight.
“My philosophy is, if I gaze reproachfully at the plant because it’s not looking good and it gazes back equally reproachfully at me then it has to go. Neither of us are enjoying ourselves. So get rid.”
My only regret was that I didn’t have longer to explore. A return visit is now on my ‘must see’ list.
East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays until the end of October. For more details see the website.
Enjoyed this? You can read more of my garden visits here.
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