Green Island Gardens
Green Island Gardens
4.6
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Recommended in Great British Gardens 2019 and Essex Days out as well as visit Essex. Featured in Country Life Feb 2019, The English Garden Feb 2021 and Nov 2021. In 2023, we have also become an RHS partner garden as well! 20 acres of professionally designed gardens within woodland destroyed by the 1987 Hurricane. Now laid out with terrace, Japanese garden, seaside garden, water gardens, gravel garden and extensive woodland gardens. It's a plantsman's paradise with a host of unusual plants in all seasons often borderline hardiness thriving in the unique island microclimate. Special highlights include, snowdrops, Bluebells and Azaleas in May and spectacular Autumn colour. National collections of Hamamelis, and Autumn and Winter flowering Camellias. Nursery, Tearooms, Events & Courses Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, or dusk which ever is earlier.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.6
661 reviews
Excellent
500
Very good
103
Average
36
Poor
12
Terrible
10
Michael M
Colchester, UK6 contributions
Nov 2024 • Solo
My visit to Green island gardens was on a sunny Autumn day with some lingering snow on the ground. I was welcomed by Fiona herself and the 20 acre site exlplained to me. I was followed into the woodlands by one of the sites chocolate labradors; the acer's were beautiful bronzes, yellows and reds and some of the National collection of Camellias were in flower - beautiful. I followed this by a walk around the various gardens, including the Japanese & Fairy gardens. As a passionate tree geek, it was perfect for me to see the many deciduous trees in various states of hunkering down for the winter and the hamamelis and rhododendrons bursting with buds. I am so looking forward to my next visit to see the spring blossoms. I finished my visit with a long hunt through the extensive nursery and left with a lovely acer. The whole site was very easy to navigate and all of the staff were very helpful. I'd wholeheartedly recommend Green Island Gardens to anyone who wants a tranquil walk around the site in beautiful surroundings. Thank you Fiona and Team (and the chocolate labrador).
Written 22 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. It is visitors such as yourself who really appreciate the variety of planting we have here, and can still find such beauty in the garden on a late November day, that make all our hard work worthwhile. We look forward to welcoming you back in another season!
Written 23 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane J
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Couples
Lovely, interesting and clearly much loved woodland garden of 20 acres surrounding the owners house! One side of the house has more formally designed flowerbeds and currently winter flowering shrubs are in flower spreading beautiful scents over the garden. There are many snowdrops around and daffodils will soon emerge.
You can enjoy a surprising variety of good home cooked light lunches, cakes and scones in the lovely tea room with large windows overlooking the flowerbeds and there is a small plant nursery selling their own plants.
Fiona and her small band of helpers are very friendly and knowledgeable.
We shall certainly return to enjoy the garden at other seasons of the year!
You can enjoy a surprising variety of good home cooked light lunches, cakes and scones in the lovely tea room with large windows overlooking the flowerbeds and there is a small plant nursery selling their own plants.
Fiona and her small band of helpers are very friendly and knowledgeable.
We shall certainly return to enjoy the garden at other seasons of the year!
Written 20 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really do appreciate it. I am glad you enjoyed the gardens and tearoom and look forward to welcoming you back again later in the year.
Written 20 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dije101
London, UK40 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
This is a real gem…the more formal side of the garden has many plants of interest and “garden rooms”, such as the Japanese garden and the sea-side garden. The snowdrops , camellias and witch hazel are particularly lovely at the moment but to us, the stars of the show are the mature daphne shrubs which look stunning and send a delicious scent throughout the garden.
It is clear that new plantings and clearances are taking place and the garden is continually evolving.
We really enjoyed wandering through the more informal woodland, again featuring witch hazel and daphne, under planted by snowdrops and cyclamen; the bluebells and daffodils are preparing to follow on.
The plants in the nursery are grouped in a way that makes them easy to find and we purchased a scented shrub which we had seen when walking in the garden.
The owners are friendly and knowledgeable and the tea room looks lovely.
Parking was easy and picnic tables were placed opposite the car park.
We can see that this would be a garden that is interesting throughout the year, snd would also be family friendly.
It is clear that new plantings and clearances are taking place and the garden is continually evolving.
We really enjoyed wandering through the more informal woodland, again featuring witch hazel and daphne, under planted by snowdrops and cyclamen; the bluebells and daffodils are preparing to follow on.
The plants in the nursery are grouped in a way that makes them easy to find and we purchased a scented shrub which we had seen when walking in the garden.
The owners are friendly and knowledgeable and the tea room looks lovely.
Parking was easy and picnic tables were placed opposite the car park.
We can see that this would be a garden that is interesting throughout the year, snd would also be family friendly.
Written 26 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely comprehensive review. February is certainly one of our favourite times of year due to the scented shrubs such as the daphne although the gardens are designed to look good for 12 months of the year.
Written 1 March 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonny R
2 contributions
Dec 2024 • Solo
I was welcomed to the wonderful gardens on a brisk Decembers morning by Fiona herself, giving me a guided tour of the wonderful gardens on offer. The 20 acre site was full of colour, Beauty, and if you were lucky, an array of Maine Coon cats. The gardens are tucked away in their own little paradise, and the experience was truly wonderful. I couldn’t recommend a visit more. Thank you again to the team at Green Island Gardens for making it a Wonderful experience.
Written 13 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jonny,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review, I am so glad that you enjoyed your visit and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Written 13 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
10GazE
Harpenden, UK71 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Thanks to the lovely reviewers on TA for helping me find this garden. So worth the trip. A lovely tranquil, beautifully curated, relaxed place. Food in the cafe was limited (if you fancy a baked potato you need to give them an hour because it'll be a proper Aga baked potato and some things can't and shouldn't be rushed) but generous and tasty.
This is a gardeners paradise with imaginative, relaxed, yet abundant planting. The meandering paths and little surprises everywhere are great. A few sculptures dotted around would add a little something extra methinks which would in no way detract from the garden.
I'll be back. Maybe in the Autumn when all the trees (especially the Acers) will be changing colour. I bet it is quite something.
This is a gardeners paradise with imaginative, relaxed, yet abundant planting. The meandering paths and little surprises everywhere are great. A few sculptures dotted around would add a little something extra methinks which would in no way detract from the garden.
I'll be back. Maybe in the Autumn when all the trees (especially the Acers) will be changing colour. I bet it is quite something.
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review, we really do appreciate it. I am glad that you felt your trip was worthwhile and found the food in our tearoom to your liking. We look forward to seeing you again in the autumn. The second/third week in October is usually the best time to catch the acers at their best.
Written 14 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emily R
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Family
I visited the gardens with my parents last weekend and we were welcomed by Fiona on the National Garden Scheme Charity Day. We saw some of the first snowdrops of the year as well as some lovely crocuses and camellias. We went to the tearooms and enjoyed our tea and cake and we finished off our visit in the woodland area. All in all a great day had by all.
Written 8 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Emily for taking the time to leave us a review, it is much appreciated. The National Gardens and Plant Heritage charity day really highlights our National collection of Hamamelis. The snowdrops are just coming out as well, but really do not peak until the second or third week in February. I'm glad you enjoyed your tea and cake as well and hope to welcome you back to the gardens later in the year.
Written 10 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
linda
Salzburg, Austria2 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
This garden is an absolute gem of a place. I have visited at least once a month since finding it. The extra large plants and beautiful flowers all over the summer has made it an idealic place for all ages. The woods are a perfect place for kiddies to explore and the quirky tea shop makes it a super place to visit.
Written 18 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am so glad you found us...we love welcoming our regular visitors back each time they visit. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a review.
Written 19 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie B
Ipswich, UK2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Fantastic course. I have always thought I needed more flowers, however this course has totally changed that mindset and foliage before flowers is my new mantra. I left with a myriad of ideas and look forward to implementing lots of Fiona's recommendations for adding structure, colour and texture. Thank you Fiona, you delivered the course in such a way that even a novice (like myself) can feel they are not out of their depth and leave with a wealth of information. Lunch was wonderful
a fabulous menu to chose from, something for everyone, as was the opportunity to explore the gardens and nursery. Highly recommend this course or take a visit to the beautiful gardens. I will definitely be back.
a fabulous menu to chose from, something for everyone, as was the opportunity to explore the gardens and nursery. Highly recommend this course or take a visit to the beautiful gardens. I will definitely be back.
Written 27 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a review, we really do appreciate it.
I am so glad that you enjoyed the course and found it helpful. It is nice to receive such positive feedback from people who have attended and pleasing to hear that they can be delivered to experienced gardeners and beginners alike at the same time .
We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Written 27 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NatBow007
Dedham, UK66 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
This is a beautiful escape in the Colchester area, and definitely worth a visit. Just because Beth Chatto is down the road, don't be fooled in to missing out on a little gem. The gardens are beautiful and very natural. They have a great nursery so you can pick up some of the plants you see in the gardens. The nursery is very well stocked. I would also recommend the home made cakes - the victoria sponge was very tasty. GO and visit you won't be disappointed.
Written 18 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review, we really do appreciate it. I am really glad that you enjoyed the gardens and managed to find some plants to take home with you in the nursery.
We hope to welcome you back again soon
Written 21 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicole
Benfleet, UK37 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
We first visited last autumn and vowed to return. We were not disappointed. While the peace and beauty of the garden is constant, the look of it changes with the seasons. In early spring, the sparse canopy lets the light shine on thousands of spring bulbs and tender new leaves. My favourites, fritillaries, were everywhere. There was so much bird song and we were lucky to see a greater spotted woodpecker drumming on a high branch. We've bought a season ticket and I can't wait to see the bluebells! Fiona, despite looking after a coach party, was a perfect hostess and we enjoyed her delicious cakes.
Written 25 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review, we really do appreciate it.
I am so glad you enjoyed your visit and bought a season ticket...we look forward to welcoming you back throughout the year
Written 27 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We do offer carers rates of £2.50 high season and £2.00 low season
Written 6 June 2019
Is the garden wheelchair friendly?
Written 6 December 2018
Yes we are very wheelchair friendly. The grounds are all flat, and the grass paths are dry and firm. There are paths through all the woodland as well, and we have lots of wheelchair, mobility scooters and visitors using mobility scooters. We have ramps at the entrance and tearoom . The only tricky areas are the gravelled nursery and seaside garden, the rest is easy pushing!
Written 6 June 2019
Hi Your gardens look fantastic and my wife is just mad about gardening and we will be in the area on Thursday of this week as I need to visit a company close by and my wife would like to visit your gardens, but would she be able to bring our very well behaved dog?
Thanks
Written 9 August 2016
I'm not sure but would say probably not. You could always ring and ask.
Written 10 August 2016
I cannot remember but it was not excessive,why don't you give them a phone call. Sorry I cannot help you more
Written 1 July 2016
Someone asked if they were allowed to bring their dog? Sadly the answer is No.
Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted. Reason being that we have a chocolate labrador who gets over excited and boisterous when she sees other dogs!
sorry about that!
Written 10 February 2015
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