Business Details
30 Years
experience
Award-Winning Gardens in Colchester, Essex
Green Island Gardens was founded in 1996 when Fiona Edmond and her husband purchased the property, transforming it into a 20-acre horticultural haven. Our gardens, professionally designed by Fiona, showcase rare and unusual plants across structured landscapes, including a Japanese garden, woodland areas, and water features. Recognised as RHS Partner Garden of the Year 2024, we hold National Collections for Hamamelis and Camellias, reflecting our commitment to excellence. The gardens, open to the public year-round, provide sensory delights through seasonal displays, from snowdrops in February to autumn foliage.Our nursery offers plants grown on-site, many of which are featured in the gardens, while the tea room provides a space to relax with homemade refreshments. We host educational courses, group visits, and special events, ensuring a dynamic experience for all visitors. With wheelchair accessibility and a dedication to wildlife conservation, we strive to make horticulture accessible and inspiring. Fiona's personal journey of creating this sanctuary, alongside her expertise in garden design, continues to shape our mission of sharing this 'Plantsman's Paradise' with the world.
Services
Garden Visits
Plant Nursery
Tea Room
Garden Design Courses
Group Visits
Photography Exhibitions
Wedding Events
Gift Vouchers
Plant Fairs
Garden Talks
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in creating award-winning horticultural spaces.
- Our gardens hold National Collections for Hamamelis and Camellias, showcasing rare plants.
- We offer wheelchair-friendly access across 20 acres of landscaped gardens.
- Our nursery provides plants grown on-site, many featured in the gardens themselves.
- We host RHS-recognised events and educational courses for gardening enthusiasts.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
- Plant Heritage
What people say
Year-round beauty
Rare plant collections
Peaceful atmosphere
Expertly designed
Wheelchair accessible
Services
Garden Visits
Explore 20 acres of professionally designed gardens featuring rare plants, seasonal displays, and themed areas like the Japanese garden and woodland beds. Open year-round with wheelchair accessibility and guided tours available. Ideal for horticultural enthusiasts and casual visitors seeking inspiration.
Plant Nursery
Purchase plants grown on-site, including Acers, Hamamelis, and Camellias, directly from the gardens. The nursery offers container-grown specimens and expert advice, with many plants featured in the garden displays. Prices are kept competitive to support gardening enthusiasts.
Garden Design Courses
Participate in one-day workshops and evening courses on garden design and planting led by Fiona Edmond. Topics include autumn colour planting and low-maintenance gardens, combining theory with hands-on experience in the gardens for practical learning.
Group Visits
Organise tailored group outings with exclusive access, private tours, and catering options. Suitable for horticultural clubs, social groups, and educational institutions, with discounted rates for parties of 20+ and pre-order meal arrangements.
Tea Room
Relax in our tea room serving homemade cakes, light lunches, and traditional cream teas. The space features wildlife photography exhibitions and garden design displays, complementing the visitor experience with locally sourced produce.
People
Fiona Edmond
Owner and Creator
Fiona Edmond founded Green Island Gardens in 1996, transforming it from a storm-damaged site into an award-winning horticultural destination. A former amateur golfer and garden design course graduate, she combines personal passion with professional expertise to create a 'Plantsman's Paradise'.
Questions
What are Green Island Gardens' opening hours?
We are open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–4pm (5pm in April–October) and Sundays 11am–4pm. Closed Mondays.
Are dogs allowed in the gardens?
Only assistance dogs are permitted; other pets are not allowed to protect the garden environment.
Is the garden accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the grounds are reasonably flat with wheelchair loans available for visitor convenience.
Can I book a group visit?
Groups of 20+ receive discounted admission. Contact us to arrange exclusive access, tours, and catering options.
Does the tea room require garden admission?
No, the tea room and nursery are accessible without purchasing garden entry tickets.
What accreditation does Green Island Gardens hold?
We are RHS Partner Garden of the Year 2024 and maintain National Collections for Hamamelis and Camellias with Plant Heritage.
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