I came here with my parents on Good Friday. We purchased tickets in advance online and arrived just after 1pm. The line to get in was out the door and ridiculously long. There was a person (I'm assuming a volunteer?) Out front answering questions, but he wasn't directing us on what to do, if we had to stand in that line to purchase tickets or what. They could used more queuing stantions and signage so the line didn't cross a driving lane in the parking lot... not very safe.

After waiting in line for AGES in the direct sun, we got to a ticket counter to scan the QR code from our tickets we purchased ahead of time and that's literally it. Then we had to get those same tickets scanned again before entering the facility. I think the first line and scanning was a HUGE waste of time and patience because what they did at that counter was done later as you enter past the shop and restaurant. Super inefficient and completely unnecessary. Whoever thought of this process needs to be fired immediately and rethink their life choices. Why should I have to stand in line at the ticket counter when I already bought tickets? And why scan my tickets there when they're just going to scan them again at a mobile cart anyway? They didn't even give any information at the ticket counter. It was such a stupid process. Seriously, if the gardens weren't so spectacular, my overall rating would be very different. Ok, rant over... now onto the good stuff!

We decided to stick to the gardens this visit and bypassed the art galleries. We wandered into the camelia garden and while we were a little late for peak bloom, there were still plenty of very pretty flowers. We wandered into what I think was the Shakespeare garden (maybe?) and then headed to the conservatory. My dad is super into orchids and he had read about a huge one they have and really wanted to check out their orchid collection, but the conservatory we assume the orchids were kept in was closed. Boo. But... the huge orchid he really wanted to see was on display in the Chinese garden and we happened to stumble upon it (again, they need better information on where to find things). Hooray!

The gem of this place is the Chinese garden. It is spectacular! The architecture and landscaping are incredible and could transform you to Shanghai. I wish there was more information available to tell you what everything symbolized. There was a pamphlet box near the entrance, but only a couple of pamphlets in Chinese were left, so maybe they typically have information available. Photos do not do the Chinese garden justice. It is really beautiful here. There is also a restaurant and a grab & go place where we got some much-needed cold water.

The Japanese garden is nice, but a little sad in comparison with the Chinese garden and other Japanese gardens I've been to. The two big features are the pond with the half-moon bridge and weeping willow, and the sand garden. I feel like they could do more with the ceremonial tea house, but it was nice that they included one, as is customary in most gardens in Japan. The bonzai collection (in both the Japanese and Chinese gardens) is outstanding! I wish the signage was a little better. It would be really cool to know the type of tree and how old it is.

My other favorite garden was the desert garden. So many succulents and cacti were in bloom! It was beautifully done and very nice to wander around before heading out.

Their gift shop is really great. Lots of great finds - something for everyone! It was clean and well-organized.

Overall, a very nice day. If they fixed the entrance line situation it would've been a full 5 stars.