A garden near Colchester has been named the best in the world in a recent competition.

Green Island Gardens in Ardleigh was crowned the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Partner Garden of the Year 2024.

The garden, which has only been an RHS Partner Garden for two years, was up against more than 200 other gardens in the UK and around the world.

It was also named the best in the Midlands and East Anglia region.

The garden has been open to the public for 25 years but only joined the RHS Partner Garden scheme in 2023.

Owner and designer Fiona Edmond decided not to enter the competition in 2023, instead focusing on settling into the scheme.

She entered the competition for the first time this year and said: "We are so excited to have won this award, especially since there was such fierce competition.

"We are immensely proud to be an RHS Partner Garden, and it makes all the hard work worthwhile when visitors really appreciate what we are doing here.

"It is an absolute pleasure to share what I have created with so many knowledgeable gardeners that have come to Green Island since we became an RHS Partner Garden.

"We are hopeful that what has often been described as ‘Colchester’s best kept secret’ for 20 years may become less of a secret once the news gets out."

The garden is cared for by a small team of two regular staff members, a couple of volunteers, and Fiona herself.

Winning the award is expected to attract more visitors to the gardens, as well as generate interest in other nearby attractions.

The gardens host a variety of events throughout the year, including outdoor theatre performances, children’s school holiday activities, and craft fairs showcasing locally made art, crafts, and produce.

Next year will also see Green Island’s first-ever Plant Fair.