Green Island Gardens

There were some bright blue skies across Colchester this morning so we headed out to Green Island Gardens, near Ardleigh, just a mile or two north of town.

Green Island is a 20-acre triangle of land somewhat off the beaten track, and Fiona Edmond has been working on developing the garden and woods since 1996.

The gardens are spacious, with lots to see. Many of the main borders replaced the old orchard that was cleared, and have a wide range of plants – some quite commonplace, others quite rare. There are different areas – many in the pictures below – a terraced garden, Japanese garden, and seaside garden close to the garden entrance and tea shop. The woodland garden leads you to a tree hut, and a gorgeous water garden and large pond.

To the west are the woods, which have been cleared more recently, with shaded walks, a lovely Jungle garden for the children, and a newer pond which is a work in progress, and we’ll return to watch the plants surrounding it grow season by season.

You can find out more about Green Island Gardens at their website. Only ten minutes drive from Dedham, it’s well worth seeking out!