Following Hospices of Hope’s highly popular Talking Gardens of Kent in 2024, a new series of exclusive garden tours has been launched for the Spring, 2025. Commencing from 10th April 2025, three fabulous Talking Gardens of Kent events will delight gardening enthusiasts who will relish a great day out knowing that they are helping Hospices of Hope’s partner hospices in Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Albania and Greece. These exclusive private tours will be available in Kent, providing insights from each garden keeper/owner as they provide the tour and recount their extraordinary journeys of transforming their gardens into the amazing spaces they are today.
Doddington Place Gardens, Nr Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 OBB – Thursday 10th April 2025 from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm.
Privately owned by the Oldfield family for more than 100 years, these beautifully landscaped gardens (recognised by (English Heritage for their historic significance) are set within the grounds of a Victorian mansion. The 10-acre site is a hidden gem in the countryside, offering plenty to explore and discover.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 ORR – Friday 23rd May 2025, 1:30pm – 4:00 pm.
Hospices of Hope is thrilled to have the owner of Riverhill House and Estate – Ed Rogers – hosting our exclusive tour – an experience he rarely offers! The Rogers family have resided at Riverhill since 1840 – and as of today, three generations live on the estate. The historic gardens span 12-acres featuring striking, contemporary sculptures; scenic woodland paths – and breathtaking views!
Mount Ephraim Gardens, Staphelstreet Road, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent ME13 9TX – Thursday 12 June 2025 from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm.
Spanning over 800-acrws of woodland, pasture and a fruit farm, this venue is a privately-owned family estate. Head Gardner, Tom, will be hosting our party of garden enthusiasts on a special tour of the 10-acres of Edwardian gardens. Highlights will include an elegant topiary garden; a picturesque rock and water garden; a tranquil arboretum; a vibrant rose garden – and a unique grass maze with ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials. All this glory will include an extensive collection of spring bulbs, trees and shrubs – including rhodedendrons, camellias and magnolia trees.
Last year’s garden tours sold out very quickly, so we advise you to book ASAP. Each garden is £25 per person, and includes a private tour, talk and light refreshments. Alternatively, purchase to attend all three tours for a mere £65 per person! NB: These tours are not suitable for wheelchair users and will take place even if the weather is inclement.
Proceeds will benefit Hospices of Hope’s vital work supporting partner hospices in South and East Europe.
ENDS
Photos: For further information and the latest pictures, members of the Press are invited to contact Jess Bayford, Donor Relations Manager, at jess@hospicesofhope.co.uk or by phone at 01959 525110.
More information about Hospices of Hope
Hospices of Hope, a UK Charity based in Otford, Kent, is dedicated to supporting the development of hospice and end of life care in Eastern Europe. (Country partners include Romania, Moldova, Serbia, Albania, Greece – and Ukraine). With technical expertise, advocacy, training and funding from Hospices of Hope, these partner hospices are developing palliative care and other medical services to members of their native populations who are living with terminal and severe illness. Hospices of Hope is also working tirelessly with the governments of these partner countries to improve legislation, widen access to services and increase the resources available.
Over the last 33 years, Hospices of Hope has:
- facilitated care for more than 70,000 children and adults suffering from a terminal or life-limiting illness;
- Provided 25,000 training sessions in palliative care for medical professionals from 19 countries;
Yet over 85% of people with terminal illness in Eastern Europe are still without proper care.