Plants and People in a Walthamstow Churchyard

In the heart of Walthamstow lies the Village, where you’ll find the ancient St Mary’s church with its extensive and historic churchyard. Here the dead lie at rest in a verdant, peaceful spot which is fast becoming a local treasure. Perhaps its silent inhabitants can hear the woodpecker, tap tapping in the trees above, as bees hurry to and from their churchyard hives. Here and there, graves are planted up in the style of their volunteer gardener and you may spot other volunteers tending the wildlife pond or tackling weeds.

In previous years we have brought you walks around the community gardens in some of our streets. In this last year much has happened to both church and churchyard and there’s a lot to see. Nearby is the community meadow, the 1870s Penfold post box set against the backdrop of the 15th century Ancient House, the Vestry Museum, Georgian almshouses and the famous Orford Road shops, pubs and restaurants.

HEAD GARDENER TOUR NEW THIS YEAR! Join Head Gardener Tim Hewitt on a guided tour of the churchyard. Hear about the innovative planting schemes which he’s trialling, such as a dry bed and how the management of the whole churchyard is designed to attract and maintain a gloriously biodiverse haven.

BURIALS IN BLOOM TOUR NEW THIS YEAR! Volunteer gardeners will be on hand to answer questions about their adopted graves as a guide takes you round. Marvel at the variety of styles and how they complement each other.

HISTORICAL TOURS The churchyard has many fine monuments and we will be running guided tours covering the graves themselves and the stories behind them.

The church will be open and you can explore at your own pace or benefit from a local guide.

PRACTICALITIES

Head Gardener tours at 11am, 12pm and 1pm. The other tours will be more flexibly timed but will start about 11.15am and will be repeated according to demand. Numbers are limited on the tours and you can sign up on arrival.

Refreshments and stalls The new church café will be open and plants and churchyard honey will be on sale.