There is a mulberry tree in the grounds of Wilberforce House, close to the River Hull. Perfectly shaped, knarled and old, it crops well.

Wilberforce House in Hull is the birthplace of William Wilberforce.

William Wilberforce led the long and arduous campaign against the slave trade, which resulted in the abolition bill in 1807.

In 2007, it will be 200 years since this momentous occasion. We will commemorate the abolition of the slave trade and celebrate the spirit of bravery, determination and the acceptance of others that helped make it happen.

To mark this important anniversary a mulberry tree has just been planted on the edge of our veg patch.

It evokes childhood memories of:

• mulberry jam
• carpets of fallen, juicy, red mulberries under the tree
• picking mulberry leaves
• the sound of pet silkworms munching on the leaves, in the quiet of the night

The mulberry in the garden will attract birds which will help keep down the insect pests.

Mulberries are adaptable and do well in more marginal soils and climates.

mulberry tree