A few months ago, I was at the Singapore Botanical Park, and I've seen Victoria's Butchart Gardens. So, perhaps I had higher expectations (probably bolstered by the stellar reviews here).

It is mostly just a green-space with some landscaping. There were a few patches for herbs, etc. - and some rose bushes. Not very impressive.

For a small town like Huntsville, it is adequate. We enjoyed the stroll.

I don't claim to be a fan of botantical gardens. I would frankly rather poke my eyes out than being forced to send half a day walking around in the heat looking at flowers. But I truly enjoyed this park, and my kids did as well.

The Gardens get things going right-- you walk out of the visitors center amd the first thing you see is a buindle of kids excitedly watching a train display. Only after a while did a realize they were tricking me into looking at bonsai trees. The kids area again mixed fun with flowers-- and the kids really enjoyed it. We got a kick out of the giant bug displays (I think that was a traveling exhibit).

It almost makes me want to give other Gardens another try.

I went to Huntsville specifically to see the butterfly exhibit at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Photography is a hobby of mine, and it was recomended by another photographer as being a large and impressive exhibit. In fact, according to the local brochure it's the nation's largest seasonal butterfly exhibit. So I was rather disappointed that though the venue was large and attractive, they only seemed to have three species of butterflies when I went, and the most common ones at that (Monarch, Zebra Longwing, and Julia). As far as butterfly exhibits go, I think the one at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is much better.
But while I was disappointed in the butterflies, I thought the Children's Garden was delightful, full of imaginative touches in small themed gardens ranging from dinosaurs with misting rocks, to space with a pod to walk through, to a small maze by my favorite--the storybook garden. At the center is a giant board game laid out with colorful path stones where you're the pawn. My four-year-old nephew would love it!
They had a seasonal exhibit of giant insects throughout the grounds, and it does require a bit of walking to see everything. The water garden was particularly impressive and worth the walk. I had a wonderful, fresh salad at the cafe at the entrance, and they also have a gift shop.

We were quite surprised at the diversity of garden areas that this place had. We visited early September and they had their annual Scarecrow Trail exhibit which meant that there were awesome scarecrows all along every trail in the place. I didn't know they could make so many different kinds of scarecrows, but somebody later told me there are scarecrow making classes available.

We spent many hours winding throughout the gardens and woodland trails. It was a lovely cool day and it wasn't crowded even though it was Labor Day. The Butterfly House was very special with beautiful flowers, many butterfly species and turtles in a beautiful pond. They even had butterfly chairs to sit in. It's a real treat and well worth the time and admission.

View more photos in my online photo gallery.

Gardens and Butterfly House:
http://www.theherbsplace.com/gallery/huntsvillegardens

Scarecrow Trail Photos:
http://www.theherbsplace.com/gallery/huntsvillescarecrow