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The Cut Flower Garden

Durham is the only UK cathedral with its own cut flower garden. Located on the South Bailey it is a hidden gem in the heart of this historic medieval city.

There has been a garden on this plot since the 18th Century

The Cathedral gardeners maintain the cut flower garden throughout the year, setting seeds in winter in the potting shed and tending to cuttings in the greenhouse in early spring. The garden comes to life in May and is a riot of colorful blooms between July to October. In autumn, the garden also has its very own pumpkin patch.

So that it can provide for the floral arrangements for the cathedral, the garden grows over 30 varieties of Dalia, as well as alstroemeria, chrysanthemum, gladioli, status, verbena and zinnia. These flowers are beautifully arranged each week by cathedral volunteers.

Seasonal bedding plants are also grown in the garden to maintain the planting around the cathedral, as well as for the residential gardens in the College and the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Garden of Remembrance.

Support the flower garden

From buying bulbs to fixing the greenhouse, maintaining Durham Cathedral's flower garden would not be possible without donations and sponsorship.

The Cathedral is grateful for the support of Hargreaves Services PLC, which is making possible both the conservation of the garden's heritage and its continued evolution. Hargreaves is a local company with a global reach, delivering a range of services to the industrial and property sectors, including logistics.

'Durham Cathedral is an icon of the North East: a sight that welcomes you home after a long road or rail journey and a beacon, both spiritually and as a community. Hargreaves is proud to be part of that community and, by our association, publicly celebrate our North East heritage.' - Gordon Banham, CEO Hargreaves Services

As the flower garden shows, the history and heritage of Durham Cathedral is even more than the amazing Norman church! If you are green-fingered and, like us, passionate about historic green spaces, we would love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Development Team at Durham Cathedral here.