Historic Gardens

Mount Ephraim, Faversham

Mount Ephraim Gardens is set in ten glorious acres of stunning Edwardian terraced gardens against a backdrop of the beautiful Kent countryside. The gardens were laid out in the early 1900s, and were restored in the 1950s after suffering years of neglect. The elaborate and unusual topiary, with a miscellany` of birds, animals and First World War memorabilia in clipped yew, truly captures the imagination. The Millennium Rose Garden abundant with scented roses and a traditional herbaceous border complete this stunning area. The gardens also feature a Japanese rock garden, water garden and lake, arboretum and a spectacular grass maze with a play area for children. It is a place of tranquillity and charm so often lost in larger more impersonal gardens.

www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk

Officers' Terrace, Chatham

The Officers' Terrace is within Chatham Historic Dockyard which is now a visitor attraction run by Chatham Historic Dockyard. For more than four centuries the Dockyard was one of Britain's most important centres of warship building and repair. The elegant Georgian Officers' Terrace was built in 1723-33 to house the most senior ranks of the Royal Navy. The terrace remains a parade of family houses, each with its separate walled gardens. The Officers' Terrace and its gardens is not open to the public, but the Commissioner's Garden is open if visiting the Dockyard.

thedockyard.co.uk

Penshurst Place, Penshurst

Picture of Penshurst Place Penshurst Place gardens are amongst the oldest in England with records dating from 1346. There are 48 acres of grounds with 11 acres of formal walled gardens. Originally laid out in 1580, it has kept remarkably true to its original design. One mile of yew hedging divides the garden into a series of rooms, each with its own seasonal colour. Some have a contemporary design such as a union-flag design planted with red and white roses and lavender. Other gardens include an Italianate garden with a formal parterre, a rose garden and a nuttery. The historic gardens continue to evolve, illustrated by the recent Jubilee Walk project, a 72 metre double herbaceous border planted to a design by RHS gold medal winner, George Carter. The project has been described as a renaissance of the double herbaceous border with a 21st century look. The design includes a traditional feature at Penshurst, the planting of apple trees, which were supplied by the national fruit collection at Brogdale.

www.penshurstplace.com