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Mount Ephraim Gardens shortlisted for Historic Houses ‘Garden of the Year Award’

Mount Ephraim Gardens, near Faversham, is delighted to have been shortlisted for the Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2022 Award. We are calling on the people of Kent to get behind the only garden in the county to be shortlisted this year.

The Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2022 has eight extraordinary gardens competing to be named the Garden of the Year in a public vote. The award, launching in 1984, and run in conjunction with Christie’s auction house, has gone from strength to strength since then with over ten thousand votes cast in the 2021 competition. Shortlisted entries are chosen from among the hundreds of gardens, parks, and grounds that offer free entry to members of Historic Houses, the association that represents and supports the UK’s independent historic homes, castles, and gardens.

Ben Cowell, Director General of Historic Houses, says:

“Once again, our Garden of the Year Award celebrates the very best gardens from across the UK – and now, beyond. That’s because for the first time our shortlist features a garden from the Channel Islands too. We are very excited to launch this public vote, at the start of what we hope will be a very successful year for open gardens. The award shines a welcome spotlight on our national passion for horticulture – so we encourage everyone to take a look at the shortlist and cast their vote.”

Mount Ephraim is a privately owned family estate which has been home to the Dawes family for over 300 years. It is still run by members of the family today which is what makes it so special. Visitors to the events can also enjoy the ten acres of Edwardian gardens including the Japanese rock garden, water garden, lake and the grass maze. The gardens also boast the West Wing Tea Rooms offering delicious afternoon and cream tea overlooking the stunning topiary and herbaceous border.

Lucy Dawes of Mount Ephraim says: “We are so thrilled to have been shortlisted for this Award alongside some beautiful gardens across the country. We really hope that everyone living locally in Swale and indeed across Kent will get behind us and vote for us to win the Garden of the Year Award. If you’ve not been before, it’s just £7 per adult to visit, and we are open on Wednesdays to Sundays and Bank Holidays until 30th September.

Ursula Cholmeley, Chair of the Historic Houses Gardens Committee:
“The Garden of the Year Award recognises the beauty and quality of gardens in family owned homes. The contemporary spirit of our great country houses is often reflected in the gardens where each generation of inhabitants can make their mark and leave a legacy for the future. Those gardens that are able to evolve are amongst the finest in the country and we hope that you will get great pleasure from visiting some of these gardens and voting for your favourite.”

The ten acres of gardens are open every year between April and September on Wednesdays to Sundays between 11am and 5pm. For more information on the gardens please visit www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk or call 01227 751496.

Image credit: Molly Hollman Photography

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