Business Details
30 Years
experience
Award-Winning Gardens in Colchester, Essex
At Green Island Gardens, we have dedicated over two decades to cultivating a 20-acre horticultural haven near Colchester, Essex. Founded by Fiona Edmond during her recovery from illness, our gardens exemplify resilience and passion for plant conservation. Professionally designed with structured layouts, we showcase rare and unusual species, including our acclaimed National Plant Collections of Hamamelis and Camellias. Recognised by the RHS as Partner Garden of the Year 2024, we combine educational value with sensory experiences across seasons. Our team offers expert-led tours, garden design consultations, and hands-on courses, ensuring visitors gain practical horticultural knowledge.With wheelchair accessibility, a plant nursery, and a seasonal tea room, we cater to enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Our commitment to wildlife-friendly practices and sustainable gardening underscores our authority in fostering ecological harmony. As stewards of this unique landscape, we prioritise transparency in operations and strive to share our healing 'Plantsman's Paradise' with generations to come.
Services
Garden Tours
Plant Nursery
Tea Room
Gardening Courses
Event Hire
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of expertise in rare plant cultivation and garden design.
- Our unique 'island microclimate' enables borderline-hardy plants to thrive.
- Awarded RHS Partner Garden of the Year 2024 for horticultural excellence.
- Sensitively planted for year-round interest with seasonal highlights.
- Wheelchair-friendly grounds with loanable mobility equipment available.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
- Plant Heritage
What people say
Breathtaking displays
Year-round interest
Expert plant knowledge
Tranquil atmosphere
Excellent courses
Services
Garden Visits
Explore our 20-acre award-winning gardens featuring structured displays of rare trees, shrubs, and perennials. Designed for year-round interest with seasonal highlights including snowdrops, bluebells, and autumn foliage. Wheelchair-accessible paths allow full enjoyment of this horticultural paradise.
Plant Nursery
Purchase plants directly from our gardens, including acers, camellias, and other rare species. Our nursery supplies both amateur and professional gardeners with container-grown specimens suited to diverse climates. Expert advice available from Fiona and her team.
Gardening Courses
Participate in expert-led courses covering garden design, planting techniques, and seasonal maintenance. From one-day workshops to six-week evening classes, our programmes cater to all skill levels. Season ticket holders receive exclusive discounts on course fees.
Tea Room
Relax in our licensed tea room serving homemade cakes, light lunches, and traditional cream teas. Pre-ordered group catering available. Enjoy wildlife photography exhibitions and garden design displays while dining in this horticultural setting.
Event Hire
Host weddings, corporate events, or private parties in our picturesque gardens. Flexible packages include Victorian afternoon teas or evening hog roasts. Exclusive access available for photography sessions and special celebrations amidst our landscaped grounds.
People
Fiona Edmond
Owner & Garden Designer
Founder of Green Island Gardens, Fiona transformed 20 acres of woodland into an award-winning garden during her recovery from ME. A former amateur golfer and Inchbald School-trained designer, she now shares her horticultural expertise through courses and private commissions.
Robert Macdonald
Father
Fiona's father provided crucial support during the garden's development, contributing machinery and manpower. His practical assistance proved instrumental in creating the garden's infrastructure, including the water system and rabbit fencing.
Questions
Are dogs allowed in the gardens?
Only assistance dogs are permitted for safety and conservation reasons.
Can I visit without paying admission?
Nursery and tea room access is available without entry fees.
Do you offer guided tours?
Yes, expert-led tours with Fiona Edmond cost £60 for 1-1.5 hours.
Are there group discounts?
Groups of 20+ receive discounted admission at £9 per person.
Can I hold a wedding ceremony?
We host alternative ceremonies and receptions but lack traditional licensing.
Do season tickets include events?
Season tickets grant garden access but exclude special event surcharges.
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