Find a little piece of heaven on earth in Colchester

Colchester, Essex

Green Island Gardens features stunning gardens professionally designed by Fiona Edmond and set within woodland destroyed by the 1987 hurricane.

Tucked away in the English countryside in the village of Ardleigh, near Colchester, is this 20-acre triangular-shaped wooded “land island”. A visit takes in the terrace and huge island beds, as well as Japanese, water, gravel, seaside and extensive woodland gardens.

The water gardens and huge island beds really come into their own in summer. However, these colourful English gardens are designed to impress all year round so whenever you choose to visit you’ll see a multitude of rare plants.

There’s a nursery stocking the unusual plants seen growing in the gardens and you won’t be able to leave without taking away a few treasures of your own. There’s also a lovely tearoom serving delicious homemade snacks, cakes and cream teas to order.

With plenty of places to stay in nearby Colchester, from hotels to B&Bs, a visit to these charming and memorable country gardens won’t leave you disappointed. 

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Bluebells and Azaleas at Green Island Gardens Bluebells and Azaleas at Green Island Gardens © Fiona Edmond
Japanese GardenJapanese Garden at Green Island Gardens © Fiona Edmond
Green Island GardensGreen Island Gardens © Fiona Edmond

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