Reviews of Green Island Gardens. (Other) in Colchester (Essex).

Green Island Gardens

99 Reviews

77 Comments

Other

Garden

Green Island Gardens, Park Rd, Ardleigh, Colchester CO7 7SP, United Kingdom

Go to the comments

Description Map Open Hours Reviews Contact Photos

Description

Information of Green Island Gardens, Other in Colchester (Essex)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Green Island Gardens

Sunday

10am–5pm

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

10am–5pm

Wednesday

10am–5pm

Thursday

10am–5pm

Friday

10am–5pm

Saturday

10am–5pm

Popular times

Monday

10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Tuesday

10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Wednesday

10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Thursday

10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Friday

10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Saturday

10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Reviews of Green Island Gardens

A. T.

We have recently moved to the area and my wife found your website. Today, we visited for the first time and cannot believe we have such a fantastic place on our doorstep. A great place to unwind and relax and it was great to meet Fiona and the dogs and cats too. So impressed, we signed up for a season ticket and look forward to returning soon.

W. G.

Visited here on a lovely sunny day which was perfect for exploring these glorious gardens. Such beautiful colours and very tranquil. We also had afternoon tea here which although nothing fancy, was a good price and very enjoyable.

E. W.

Stumbled upon this gem tucked away on the outskirts of Colchester. Visited in mid April so plenty of colour on show and was lucky with the weather which always helps. The gardens are part of someone’s private home and this isn’t your typical commercial tourist trap which is always a massive + to us. Beautiful ponds which are well set out, well though out plant beds with the added bonus of wildlife. The on-site nursery had a range of plants which are sensible priced and the owners were knowledgable (as expected) and helpful with assisting us find the plants we were after. I can see why other reviews have said about the entrance sign and if you weren’t paying attention it could easily be missed. Look forward to coming back in a few months to see how the gardens/flowers/colours have changed

C. M.

Beautiful gardens. Perfect mix of cultivated beds complemented by natural wooded areas. We went when the azaleas were in full bloom. The colours and scent were spectacular. Enjoyed delicious cake from the tearoom. The family pets were an added bonus.

B. R.

Beautiful gardens with lots to see! We walked around for about 3 hours but definitely could've stayed longer if it wasn't for other plans. The lady there is really lovely, she was happy to chat to us about the gardens and even gave us an umbrella to borrow when it absolutely poured it down with rain! The plant shop is wonderful, lots of plants and very well priced. Will try the tea room next time as it looked lovely!

R. P.

We went at the middle of March when the camellias were in bloom and some snowdrops were still out. Beautifully laid out garden, you can really see the skill of the owner in creating different pockets of the garden, all of which complement each other so well. Paths aren’t too muddy, even through the woodland section, and they are well laid out. We ate at the cafe and had the pleasure of Lola and Bo as company, and saw friendly Tinie the cat, so lovely. Food was plentiful and freshly made, and good portions.

Me and my husband visited the garden on Sunday. What a great place very relaxing to walk around and enjoy all the plants. It was lovely to meet Fiona and her dogs. We bought a couple of her plants from her plant nursery. I look forward to returning and having a coffee and cake.

Found this place by chance after visiting Beth Chatto and certainly preferred it. On a nice day the grounds provide a very pleasant stroll with interesting plants and trees popping up as you go. No doubt the view changes over the seasons but we were very happy with our visit and the plants we purchased. Yes the driveway could do with a bit of patching up and we missed spotting the bell too but this was quickly resolved and Fiona and her assistant were friendly and helpful.

W. A.

A gentle place, a delight to find this place of serenity in our busy world . Lovely pockets of autumn colour.

L. T.

Green Island Gardens was as lovely as ever. Lots of colour with spring bulbs out, vibrant acers, lovely azeleas and rhodies out and gorgeous carpets of bluebells (with some white and pink in the mix) amongst the trees in the wooded area with paths to wander. Sitting by the lake was very nice as was sitting by the pond in the 'Beach Garden'. Sitting outside on the terrace for lunch and afternoon tea is beautiful and a bit of a sun trap on a nice afternoon.

S. G.

Beautiful tranquil gardens. Welcoming owner..Fiona...who also makes good coffee. Lots of plants to choose from in nursery area. Plus some helpful camelia advice. Will visit again

C. T.

Lovely tranquil walk around this beautiful garden and wooded area today. Waggy tailed greetings at the entrance, tearoom for a midway cuppa and an upgrade to a season ticket as we loved it - and its on our doorstep! What a gem of a place.

D. E.

A hidden gem of a garden. A real plant persons' paradise - a place of tranquillity to enjoy at your leisure. The owner, Fiona is very welcoming and is more than happy to chat with you about any plant queries you may have... Definitely a place to add to your must visit list - you won't regret it...

N. W.

Fantastic gardens and lovely tasty food.So beautiful and relaxing, a hidden treasure.

A. M.

Fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The gardens are absolutely phenomenal. Recommend you get the guide book (bargain)!! It was amazing to meet Fiona and her team; so friendly and warm. Next time I would probably like to stay on site (if that's an option??). Thank you for having me!!

S. B.

Beautiful - very natural, not overly tamed gardens with ample parking and a nice tearoom. The sound of birdsong and woodpeckers was lovely.

J. T.

Beautiful place hidden gem ..I love the story of how Green Island came to be my friend and I picked a Beautiful day and we booked afternoon tea...tel and booked literally an hour and a half in advance gardens are simply wonderful

M. P.

Just had a lovely day at Green Island even when it rained what a joy, thoroughly recommend this gorgeous haven to all types of gardeners

A. H.

Such a beautiful piece of heaven. The cafe is wonderful. The staff can't do enough for you, always making sure you have everything you need. Fiona is incredible, so friendly and happy to answer questions and is a wealth of knowledge in all things green. Wonderful experience, we will be back and when life returns to normal we'll be bringing more friends! Thank You Green Island. I literally could have stayed in the water garden area all day! xxx

S. B.

What a great find, tucked away down country lanes. Met friends there for catch up and a mooch around the nursery to find unusual plants for sale. Has a great 'family' feel to it - not anything like the commercial plant places.We had a bowl of delicious soup and sat looking out on the closest part of the garden. Made a plan to do the gardens in August when we have at least half a day and will buy a season ticket as to see the gardens during each season will be a joy. Such a good find. Thank you for being there!!

C. B.

We had a wonderful time at this very varied super gardens. It was very welcoming and is obviously well loved. We came away having bought a family season ticket at great value. We look forward to exploring further. The visitors handbook is really informative and helps you to connect with all the different areas

V. J.

This is a small gem in Ardleigh which is perfect for a few hours wander. It is a family owned venture which makes its idiosyncratic entry and tearoom charming in their own right. Perfect for all ages and stages of family life it was great. It isn't huge but it is charming and has a little nursery with lovely finds. Go, it is worth it.

M. W.

This is my favourite place to go and walk, sit, relax, take friends, be alone, enjoy the sunshine or even wander around in the rain! There is a manicured garden with lush flower beds and a peaceful pond on one side of the house, and a tended woodland with crunchy leaves and dappled light on the other side. Everyone I've taken there has loved it! There's also a tea room and plant nursery to round off your visit! Must-visit! <3

S. T.

Lovely gardens, large well planted areas. Nice to have separate themed gardens that all flowed together instead of the usual hedges and fences seen in May garden separating different sub-gardens/sections from each other.

L. B.

Beautiful gardens, very peaceful. Had a nice simple lunch in the cafe. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is for the lack of labelling of plants in the garden and the two massive dog turds on the lawns, presumably down to the two lovely canines who live there, but really should have been cleared up.

G. C.

Lovely gardens. Grass snake swimming in the pond. Bought a Joe Pye Weed in the nursery. Tea not very hot but cheese scone with pickle was mmmm and hot.

L. W.

I took my friend here today as she had never been before, she was very impressed. The gardens are really beautiful, all that can be heard is the birds singing. Lots of Azealas and Rhodadendrons on bloom, lovely colours. The light lunches in the cafe were amazing, bagettes were very tasty and the salad was fresh. Staff are very friendly. I will be going back later in the year. Well done Fiona!!

A. H.

Had a fantastic time on my first visit today to Green Island Gardens with my sister to these beautiful peaceful gardens. It was lovely to wander through the gardens and woods and see the many variety of flowers and trees. The snowdrops, Hamamelus and camilias were particularly beautiful today. I would definitely recommend a visit.

J. K.

A beautiful, peaceful garden to visit. The scents from the daphne's were glorious! Garden alive with birdsong, the bird life encouraged by the feeding stations and nesting boxes. I found the fact that the whole set up was not commercialised refreshing, it really felt we were visiting a home.... which of course we were. Owner friendly and helpful, the two family dogs just added to the warmth of the place. If you want to experience real peace and tranquillity and escape the noise, hustle and bustle of modern life this is the place to go! Thank you to Fiona for creating this oasis of peace and calm.

J. M.

Beautiful garden(s) with the added bonus of a picnic area, and small goals for children to play. Lovely place to visit, if you need a place to unwind. Owners and staff are very friendly and helpful.

J. H.

Hidden oasis of lush woodland gardens, colourful rhododendrons, rambling roses and mixed perennial borders. Covers several acres. Tea room and nursery provide the icing on the cake.

A. J.

Very good loads of pace to walk round the gardens and the wood . Some nice plants to buy from the nursery and a very good little restaurant to have some home made food from we all had a good day

J. F.

I think there's some confusion over whether it's open on Saturdays in February as we were the only people there! Lovely snowdrops throughout the garden, also cyclamen, crocus and a few irises, many daffodils obviously coming up. Also winter flowering and scented shrubs. No one serving in the tearoom but perhaps we could have asked.

I live fairly local and didn't know about this place until a friend of mine (who is not local) told me about it. She learned about Green Island Gardens through word of mouth. Local advertising needs a bit of a boost! Great place to visit (situated in 20 acres) and reasonably priced and 'unusual' plants for all year-round!

s. l.

Can't recommend this garden too highly. It is attractivelylaid outwith several island beds and borders near the house. The recommended times to visit are late spring and late October when there is a blaze of colour from numerous acers. We went in late September but a lot was still in flower, including a spectacular hydrangea paniculata and a pretty purple flowered shrub and asters.There was also a lot of foliage and shape and height variation. The staff were exceptionally helpful and patient in answering questions. There is a good light lunch menu, soup, delicious toasted sandwiches and salad, and cakes.. We spent a hapopy 2 hours there including lunch.

J. E.

Absolutely stunning the gardens, cant wait to come back and look in the forest too next time. Very relaxing, tranquil and lovely to walk around , its like a little piece of heaven.

R. P. o. P.

It was a beautiful May day and my group spent over 2 hours on a tour with Fiona Edmond as she took us through the history of how the gardens were established and the different areas of soil and planting decisions. I am not a gardener and learned a huge amount in terms of types of soil and planting for leaf shape, colour and smell as well as all the pretty flowers which I naively assumed are the main basis of gardens. If you ever get the chance of a tour take it, even the gardeners in my group learnt a lot. She shared her years of experience e.g. don't believe what the books say about growing acers, how trees behave to try to preserve themselves when challenged by health and the environment. It was refreshing to hear an experienced gardener say she could not grow plants in certain areas (soil issues), so many come across as being able to grow anything anywhere I always feel doomed to fail. As a non gardener I came away inspired and felt I could achieve. I now want to grow a burnt sugar smelling tree and a stand alone wisteria tree! The colour was impressive with the different flowering azaleas and rhododendrons, but I want to go back in the autumn and see the leaves on the trees. These are not stuffy formal gardens but a personal journey of her private gardens attached to the family house which has been opened up to the public to share. The wooden sculptures and good for both young and old who are young! Oh yes, and the cafe was great for light snacks.

L. P.

A most beautiful, tranquil place....a little bit of heaven on earth. We visited for the first time yesterday + ended up buying a season ticket. It's the perfect place to relax, take the family + end the visit with a delicious piece of cake + a cuppa.

M. G.

A wonderful, tranquil place to visit and a lovely welcome from the owner. This is a real gem and the gardens are beautiful. I will definitely be going back regularly to see the gardens throughout the seasons. Mary, Colchester x

K. B.

This gem of a place should be sort out. An oasis of calm makes a visit really worthwhile. Beautiful gardens and a warm welcome made for a lovely afternoon.

O. E.

Visited with Chorleywood Horticultural Assoc on Saturday. Outstanding! Ideally need a tour guide as no plants/trees labelled. Fionas knowledge and her 4 boys practising in the cricket nets to give the lovely sound of leather on willow also made for an unforgettable experience. Will come back privately.

L. B.

Beautiful colours in the Autumn, unusual fungi was of great interest with camera enthusiasts, many Acers, even in woodland, loses a star as entry price a little steep compared to larger gardens to visit but I enjoyed it

M. L.

We had a nice time here today, the staff were lovely and I was really pleasantly surprised by the amount of vegan options in the tearoom

G. M.

This is a lovely garden. Very peaceful and very varied. Good refreshments too. A pair of nice friendly dogs too if you like dogd. Well worth a visit.

K. T.

Beautiful gardens even in the rain. Staff very friendly and helpful. A hidden gem.

G. D.

A secret garden full of wonderful plants, flowers and trees for every season. Thank you for the oasis of tranquility and wonderful nursery.

p. p.

Beautiful gardens lovely day out very friendly people and knowledgeable about plants in garden.The dogs were a great source of amusement hope to return in the autumn to see the acers.

V. W.

First time at the gardens, very impressed, friendly staff, great food, jacket potatoes were delicious, already bought a season ticket for return visits xxxxx 🤗💓

D. V.

Me and my partner and my daughter, went to the gardens on the summer, I enjoyed the huge variety of plants in the gardens, and the staff were attentive to our daughter.

V. N.

Have just got home from a lovely visit our Green Island Gardens Ardleigh, would highly recommend a visit, after a couple of hours walking round the beautiful gardens popped into there tea room for a lovely cuppa and a beautiful slice of home made Victoria sandwich cake, very friendly members of staff and brilliant service all in all a lovely day out!!!