Green Island Gardens

Green Island Gardens, located within Colchester City Council in Colchester, offers an exceptional horticultural experience perfect for enriching after-school activities and holiday clubs alike. This award-winning private garden, plant nursery, and tearoom provides a peaceful, welcoming environment designed by its owner, Fiona Edmond, across twenty stunning acres. Known as "A Plantsman's Paradise," it showcases a vast range of unusual trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs, holding two National Collections and maintaining year-round horticultural interest, earning its recognition as RHS Partner Garden of the Year 2024.

Children and adults benefit immensely from Fiona's deep knowledge and practical teaching through workshops, expert-led courses, and clear demonstrations, fostering skill development in a relaxed setting. These engaging activities inspire creative exploration, from crafting festive wreaths using natural garden materials to nurturing artistic talents with expert guidance. The beautifully designed gardens and a warm, cosy workshop provide a wonderfully calm and homely backdrop, fostering a focused space for children to learn new concepts confidently. Beyond structured learning, youngsters enjoy active play on the playground, complete with a trampoline and tree house for climbing, building strength and balance.

Exploring the extensive grounds encourages gentle physical activity, promoting healthy movement and physical wellbeing throughout the varied garden areas. Families particularly appreciate the engaging Christmas Wreath Making Workshops and a diverse array of Special Events, offering unique, seasonally-themed activities ideal for school breaks and holiday camps. Parents consistently commend the friendly, exceptionally helpful, and professional staff whose approachable demeanour ensures every child, regardless of ability, feels supported and encouraged to participate and ask questions. Green Island Gardens cultivates an inclusive learning space where advice is thoughtfully tailored for gardeners of all abilities, fostering confidence and a deeper understanding in a non-pressured environment.

Visitors consistently find the gardens serene and peaceful, offering many spots for quiet reflection and relaxation, contributing to a truly lovely and uplifting experience. The venue also stands out for its excellent affordability, providing great value with reasonably priced admission, flexible visiting options, and benefits like free entry for RHS members and 2-for-1 discounts for Gardeners World subscribers. Its comprehensive annual opening schedule, accommodating various group visits and diverse admission options, ensures accessibility for all, enhanced by a fully wheelchair-friendly environment.

Green Island Gardens truly offers a delightful and enriching experience, making it an ideal destination for fun, learning, and connection with nature in a safe and supportive setting.