GREEN Island Gardens have been open for almost ten years.

But ask many visitors and residents about them and only a handful will have heard of the Ardleigh oasis.

It is what makes it such a tranquil place for those lucky few who know it is there.

The 20-acre gardens were created by Fiona Edmond, who is a professional designer, in the woodland that was destroyed in the 1987 hurricane.

They now boast a Japanese garden, water gardens, woodlands and even a seaside section.

The gardens, in Park Lane, also have a tearoom with home-made cakes and light lunches.

Fiona is hoping to introduce the garden to more people this weekend when she holds a two-day charity event.

As well as the greenery, there will be 30 stalls, alpaca petting, pygmy hedgehogs and a bouncy castle. Tickets cost £5 in advance on 01206 230455 or £6 on the door