I recently visited the gardens, on a nice sunny day. It was a lovely, calm, serene place. There are many beautiful species of flora here. It was wonderful to see the southern magnolia in full bloom, with flowers as big as my hand and face.

The only downside was the greenhouse closing times and the rude manner in which a staff member spoke to me, hence 4 stars.

I phoned in advance to ask if the glasshouses were open as this was my main reason to visit. Showing my daughter the special cacti housed here. The switchboard told me it would be asscesible till closing at 5pm. Unfortunately this was not the case, they were mistaken. The glasshouses closed at 3pm. 10 minutes before we arrived. When I approached the lady licking them up, she was rather rude with an irritated air to her voice, telling me i was wrong and the switchboard wouldn't have said this and that she has to go. She made me feel like a nuisance when I had planned ahead and been given the wrong information. No people skills at all.

The acers here are beautiful, some in need of a prune but overall it's a lovely place for a picnic and relax. This place is good for mental health reasons, it helps to make you feel like you're out of the city for a bit.

Thanks