One of Norfolk's hidden gems is making a prime-time TV appearance on a beloved BBC show.
Mr Gray said fans could expect a “huge surprise”.
“It’s because we’re in the middle of nowhere but at the centre of the universe,” he added.
The old vicarage features sub-tropical gardens, a sunken rose garden and a large woodland area which are maintained by volunteers throughout the summer.
“[The production crew] involved everybody that works here, which is more important than anything else because they’re the people that make it what it is,” Mr Gray said.
“I’ve never seen them arrive quite so smart. They all had their hair done to look the part. It was really lovely.”
When Mr Gray and Mr Robeson first bought the old vicarage, they said it had no garden at all.
Over the years, they bought adjacent land in order to expand.
Last year they announced they would leave the garden to charity in their wills.
In Friday’s episode, at 20:00 BST on BBC Two, presenters Arit Anderson and Adam Frost discover the property’s history and tackle some seasonal jobs.
Gardeners' World is Britain’s longest-running gardening show, having first aired on 5 January 1968.
The History of the Vicarage Garden
The history of the gardens at the East Ruston Old Vicarage will be the centre of a piece airing on Gardeners' World next week.
The vicarage spans 32 acres and is home to a large variety of plants and flowers in spaces such as a sub-tropical garden and a Mediterranean garden.
The property was bought at auction in 1973 (Image: Graham Robeson and Alan Gray) The show hosts Arti Anderson and Adam Frost went behind the scenes where they were told about its 50-year history.
The Evolution of the Vicarage Garden
The vicarage celebrated its 50th anniversary at the hands of owners Graham Robeson OBE and Alan Gray last year.
The garden is popular with visitors and hosts plant sales (Image: Graham Robeson and Alan Gray) Since 1973 it has been enlarged and improved from a vicarage with around two acres of garden to the 32-acre garden and parkland it is today.
Great emphasis has been applied to the attraction of wildlife and it is now home to many bird species, as well as other mammals and invertebrates.
The show will air on BBC Two on September 6.
A Final Thought
The East Ruston Old Vicarage, with its history of gardening and its dedication to environmental sustainability, serves as an example of how passion and dedication can transform a property from simple grounds to a stunning 32-acre haven of diverse flora and fauna.
This captivating tale is set to capture the hearts and minds of viewers across the UK, inspiring viewers to appreciate the beauty and transformative power of gardens.
The episode is sure to be a visual delight, offering insights into the dedication and care involved in maintaining such an impressive garden, and will leave viewers eager to explore their own green spaces.
