Mount Ephraim Gardens is a relaxed, family-run country garden located between Faversham and Canterbury, with far-reaching views across the Kent countryside. It’s a place to slow down, wander at your own pace and enjoy the changing seasons as they unfold, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.

Open every year from April to September on Wednesdays to Sundays, the gardens move through an ever-changing mix of colour, structure and scent—from spring blossom and wisteria, to summer borders and early autumn colour. Every visit feels a little different, which is part of the charm.

In these enchanting Edwardian gardens, terraces of fragrant roses lead down to a small lake and water garden, framed by a distinctive Japanese rock garden and bridge. Highlights include unusual topiary shaped into animals and birds, a grass maze planted with ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials, the arboretum, and an extensive collection of spring bulbs and mature trees.

We’re a dog-friendly garden, and well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome throughout the grounds and in our Tea Room, making it a great place for a walk for both you and your four-legged companions.

There’s plenty here for all ages to enjoy. Families can explore freely, follow our small animal trail and make use of the informal play area and grass maze, while couples and friends often come to enjoy the peace, space and views, followed by a visit to the Tea Room for homemade cakes, cream teas and light lunches.

Picnics are also welcome, so you’re free to bring your own and find a quiet spot to enjoy the gardens at your own pace.

Whether you’re looking for a gentle afternoon stroll, a family day out, or somewhere to meet friends in beautiful surroundings, Mount Ephraim offers an easy, welcoming escape into the Kent countryside.

To help plan your visit, you’ll also find more information here:

GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS

The Rock Garden (established in 1910 – 1912)
The rock garden is based on a series of pools ornamented with a Japanese stone bridge and lanterns. Spring bulbs are followed by flowering cherries, dwarf rhododendrons and azaleas. Shrubs are widely used, with foliage effects produced by berberis, cotinus, maples and variegated hollies. Some of the large conifers on the rock garden were part of the original planting. Beautiful at all times, but perhaps at its most glorious in May, when the colours are most exciting.

The Lake (created 1912) 
The lake is an area of peace and beauty all year round. It is fed by springs and by a stream from the Blean hills and carries a variety of coarse fish. It was dug by hand in 1912 by unemployed Welsh miners.

The Water Garden (added in 1990) and Little Wood 
Piped water from the lake overflow was released to form a meandering stream, with one large pool and a small cascade. The stream is now bordered by moisture-loving plants. At the same time the Little Wood, already planted with many rhododendrons, was extended with the planting of mixed shrubs and trees. Specimen trees lead the eye towards the orchards and to the view of the parish church of Hernhill. 

Arboretum (added in 1995)
Planted to commemorate the late Mary Dawes’ 80th birthday and 300 years of the family’s ownership of Mount Ephraim. Sited on an artificially raised mound, it creates a wonderful viewpoint, and is, arguably, at its most beautiful in spring when the blossom first appears.

Miz Maze (planted in 2004)
The Miz Maze is based on a medieval labyrinth called a Miz Maze, a touching coincidence since Mary Dawes’ lifelong nickname was Miz. The maze is planted with ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials and creates a Catherine Wheel of contrasting colours. Sited through a beautiful old motto gate, it is best seen as the summer draws to a close. 

Topiary and herbaceous border (First established 1910)
The elaborate and unusual topiary features a miscellany of birds, animals and First World War memorabilia and sits alongside a traditional herbaceous border. Currently planted with a vibrant mixture of traditional border stalwarts, and some slightly more unusual varieties and colour combinations, the border aims to provide interest from late spring to late autumn.

The Millennium Rose Garden (planted in 2000)
Abundant with scented roses, representative of those grown over the centuries, it is enriched with wrought iron arbours, and has a commanding position overlooking the surrounding countryside. Best visited in midsummer when the subtle colours combine beautifully with the heavenly scent. The Rose Garden was featured on Gardeners’ World which aired on Friday 2 June 2023.