Monthly Attractions..
Each and every month at Green Island Gardens near Colchester in Essex, the gardens produce a variety of wonderous plants and flowers for visitors to enjoy.
Other plants at their best this month include; Snowdrops, Chimonanthus praecox 'Lutea', Daphne bholua 'Jaqueline Postil', Hamamelis (huge collection) Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn' Camellia sasanqua' Crimson King'
Attractions this month are scented shrubs; Lonicera standishii, Chimonanthus praecox, Chimonanthus praecox Lutea, Daphnes including the stunning Daphne bholua Jaqueline Postil, Viburnums and Sarcococcas as well as Camellias, Snowdrops, Hamamelis, a huge collection, Hellebores, Crocus, and Cyclamen all look good as well.
The Camellias are at their best this month. Magnolia stellata, Corylopsis 'Gotoana', Corylopsis pauciflora, Clematis armandii, species tulips, Ribes speciosum and Ribes sanguineum all complement the daffodils.
The camellias continue to provide a stunning display. Bluebells, Tulips, Magnolias, Acers, Azaleas, Stachyurus, Davidia involucrata Narcissus and Pulsatillas all herald the arrival of spring. The woodland floor comes alive with Trilliums, Anemones, Primulas, Corydalis and Epimediums.
Azaleas, Bluebells, Alliums, Rhododendrons, Camassias, Davidia involucrata, Iris, Tree peonies, Wisteria, Arisaemas, Embothrium lanceolatum, Paulownia tomentosum, Calycanthus 'Hartledge Wine', Cornus, Magnolias
Leptospermum scoparium, Crinodendron hookeriana, Bignonia capriolata, Nellia thibetica, Gladiolus byzantinus, herbaceous Peonies, Iris, Dictamnus, Dracunculus vulgaris, Cornus 'Porlock', Roscoa cautleyoides, Amsonias, swathes of primulas in the water garden, Cardiocrinum giganteum, Eremerus, Tritelia koningen 'Fabiola'
The main borders are filled out; Alstromerias, Crocosmias, Hemerocallis, Monardas and Phlox and many varieties of Lily create vivid colour. In addition Feijowa sellowana, Zantedeschias in the water garden, Schizophragma hydrangeoides, Callistemon, Eremerus, Aristea ecklonii and Gladiolus papilo Ruby provide more unusual interest. The Watsonias, Dierama pulcherrima and Agapanthus in the gravel entrance garden are stunning. An evening visit to the gardens is memorable for the scents of Lilies, Phlox and Oenothera.
Hydrangea paniculata in variety, Penstemons, Sedums, Salvias, Eupatoriums, Cimicifuga, Zauschnerias, and Asters provide colour in the late summer borders whilst the leaves begin to take on the Autumn hues; Cercidiphyllum japnica and Parrotia persica are two of the earliest to colour.
Asters, Schisostylis (8 varieties), Nerines, Penstemons, Camellia sasanqua and Cyclamen hederifolium are all in bloom. The stunning Autumn colour is provided by dozens of different Acers, Nyssas, Parrotia persica, Euonymous in variety and Cotinus sp.
Spectacular Autumn colour to be seen this month. Leaves of the Acers, Azaleas, Liquidambers, Cotinus, Enkianthus, Nyssa, Taxodium distichum, Euonymous, turn the most vivid shades of red, orange and yellow before dropping. Cyclamen, Schizostylis and fungi continue to provide alternative colour.