Memphis Botanic Garden
Memphis Botanic Garden
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Peaceful gardens offering beautiful scenery all year round.
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103 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
441 reviews
Excellent
270
Very good
104
Average
45
Poor
16
Terrible
6
TJ
1 contribution
Mar 2022
Place was great when we went during summer last year. With my kids on spring break today, we figured it'd be nice to see the new blooming stuff at the gardens. Went in with my wife and 3 kids, and noticed immediately things under construction even in the room with the desk where you pay to get in. No big deal. Sign on the wall said the coy fish are not out at this time due to hibernation. Shame, since my kids loved feeding those fish last time, but all good.
We paid and went out to see that most of the bushes and trees looked dead, not having even started to bloom. Flowers are even blooming on the side of the roads in my neighborhood at this time, but whatever. Before even getting past the building we came out of, we saw a playground area my kids wanted to go play in- closed. An area to the right looks potentially neat- big sign said closed. We started down another path and saw that whatever the exhibit in the distance was, it had a sign on the path that said closed too. At that point my wife and I decided we made a mistake and should see if we can get our money back since we were ready to leave already. Kids fully agreed, so we went back into the building we'd just left.
I approached the desk and asked the same lady with glasses and black curly hair that we had paid minutes ago if I could ask her something that I hate to ask. She said yes, so I started telling her how we had something different in mind when we came for the kids spring break today but it seems nothing is in bloom and a lot looks closed. She interrupted me before I finished to say "So do you have a question or what? Do you expect me to make the flowers bloom? No, its not a good time to come here. It won't be a good year to be here. It snowed recently. What do you want me to do about it?"
Trying to ignore how awful she was, I told her we were hoping to get a refund since we just got here and are leaving. She got up and said "Let me ask my supervisor", then getting her boss's attention, she said "These people have been out in the gardens for over 30 minutes and now they want their money back". As I told her manager that wasn't true at all, the rude lady called the next customer in line over and disregarded me altogether. Her boss asked me if free passes so we could come back when the park is in better shape would be okay, and I said yes absolutely, then we left.
There was no reason for that lady to be so mean. Horrible and embarrassing experience. I probably won't ever even use these tickets because I'd never want to deal with that person again.
We paid and went out to see that most of the bushes and trees looked dead, not having even started to bloom. Flowers are even blooming on the side of the roads in my neighborhood at this time, but whatever. Before even getting past the building we came out of, we saw a playground area my kids wanted to go play in- closed. An area to the right looks potentially neat- big sign said closed. We started down another path and saw that whatever the exhibit in the distance was, it had a sign on the path that said closed too. At that point my wife and I decided we made a mistake and should see if we can get our money back since we were ready to leave already. Kids fully agreed, so we went back into the building we'd just left.
I approached the desk and asked the same lady with glasses and black curly hair that we had paid minutes ago if I could ask her something that I hate to ask. She said yes, so I started telling her how we had something different in mind when we came for the kids spring break today but it seems nothing is in bloom and a lot looks closed. She interrupted me before I finished to say "So do you have a question or what? Do you expect me to make the flowers bloom? No, its not a good time to come here. It won't be a good year to be here. It snowed recently. What do you want me to do about it?"
Trying to ignore how awful she was, I told her we were hoping to get a refund since we just got here and are leaving. She got up and said "Let me ask my supervisor", then getting her boss's attention, she said "These people have been out in the gardens for over 30 minutes and now they want their money back". As I told her manager that wasn't true at all, the rude lady called the next customer in line over and disregarded me altogether. Her boss asked me if free passes so we could come back when the park is in better shape would be okay, and I said yes absolutely, then we left.
There was no reason for that lady to be so mean. Horrible and embarrassing experience. I probably won't ever even use these tickets because I'd never want to deal with that person again.
Written March 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah P
Cape Girardeau, MO29 contributions
Oct 2021
I realize we were past the "season' at the time of our visit, many of the garden areas seemed neglected and untended. There is poor signage and even with a map it is difficult to figure out where you are and how to get back to the entrance. Take water and prepare to walk a lot. Only restroom we could find was in the main building
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carpe Diem
595 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Great place to visit and enjoy some floral creative art. The place is huge and you will need almost a full day if you want to visit every garden design. Summer time is the best because it has some water options and kids can play in the various garden and house designs. Prices were decent and well worth the time spent. We did not see a restaurant option. Make sure you bring plenty of drinking water.
Written October 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cliff_taylor
Stafford, UK477 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We managed gardens, the entrance building had a good cafe and more importantly was cool! My party love this kind of attraction and thoroughly enjoyed it, you need probably 3 hours to get around all of it. For me it was just a garden centre kind of experience, without the expensive shop bit, with a look if you have the spare time.
Written August 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz S
260 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
My BFF and I had an appointment for opening weekend for their Alice in Wonderland exhibit. We had not realized just how large this garden actually was. It is massive. Bring the kids because there is a lot to do. Bring your date because it is beautiful to see. Bring a picnic to enjoy and A LOT of water because it was hot and they're a lot of walking! There were stands with ice pops available which we saw most people enjoying. While the Alice Displays were amazing, we really enjoyed the Japanese garden the most. It was relaxing and the geese were entertaining!
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magik58
Bishopton, UK36 contributions
Nov 2022
Visited the gardens holiday wonders 25/11/22, it was fabulous and I only wish I had the time to visit the botanical gardens if this was anything to go by. A wonderful christmassy experience, walking round this winter wonderland with places to sit with fire pits, drinks, music playing. Just a perfect night! Loved it.
Written December 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX3,444 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
I was so excited for the Alice in Wonderland exhibit but was a bit disappointed there wasn't more sculptures. I think there were only 4 big ones then most of the other stuff is in the kids section. The garden itself is really pretty especially the pond with the red bridge BUT I've been to way better Botanic Gardens in other states so I wasn't very impressed. It's a lot of walking and there wasn't a lot of flowers (maybe it was too hot) so we didn't stay longer than 2 hours. On the plus side parking is free!
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noel78
Tennessee621 contributions
Jul 2022
I had a wonderful visit to this garden. I did not go to see the temporary exhibit of Alice in Wonderland giant-size topiaries, but they were impossible to avoid. I doubt many American children have ever heard of Alice in Wonderland, unless she appears on a little screen on some app these days. However, they are smashing, and I got a big laugh from them.
The real thing real is the vast gardens, the potential to stroll in Nature, and the chance to leave your cares behind as you leave the Visitor Center. The garden is divided into different theme gardens, and I enjoyed all of them, except the rose garden. Whose Idea was it to plant roses in the Memphis climate. What a disaster.
The adult admission fee seems quite reasonable. I was sorry the restaurant was closed over the busy Fourth of July weekend. The gardens were filled with visitors, but it never seemed crowded because of the layout. They have a lovely little gift shop.
I hope to return in another season and when a few areas under construction are completely repaired. Meanwhile, carry on, Memphis Botanic Garden, and keep the plants watered in this deathly heat!
The real thing real is the vast gardens, the potential to stroll in Nature, and the chance to leave your cares behind as you leave the Visitor Center. The garden is divided into different theme gardens, and I enjoyed all of them, except the rose garden. Whose Idea was it to plant roses in the Memphis climate. What a disaster.
The adult admission fee seems quite reasonable. I was sorry the restaurant was closed over the busy Fourth of July weekend. The gardens were filled with visitors, but it never seemed crowded because of the layout. They have a lovely little gift shop.
I hope to return in another season and when a few areas under construction are completely repaired. Meanwhile, carry on, Memphis Botanic Garden, and keep the plants watered in this deathly heat!
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
April F
49 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
If you enjoy a relaxing day taking in beautiful gardens, I recommend a trip here. We were lucky and visited while the Alice and Wonderland displays were up. Incredible work. Loved all the bridges, and different gardens they offer. Coy fish were a plenty in the Japanese Garden. Would visit again in the future.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liquidskiy
Dallas, TX541 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
We had a great time, from out of town and have no idea what it looks like during the day but it was great in the evening. The light displays were great and they even had a small bar with Christmas cocktails. The foggy shop was crazy expensive but everyone was friendly and we had a great time
Written December 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the Memphis Botanic Garden dog-friendly? I know it is on the special dog event days but wondering about normal times.
Written October 11, 2019
Sorry, not sure if it is dog friendly. We didn't see any dogs on our visit. You should check with the management.
Written October 11, 2019
Can you bring your own food and drink for outdoors concerts
Written July 29, 2018
Based on the two responses above, I'd say you can bring food and drinks to amphitheater shows. I haven't attended one yet. But last Christmas we went to see the holiday lights, and you could roast hot dogs over an open fire with the wind chill at about 10 degrees. Ha.
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Written July 31, 2018
Yes you should be able to see most of the plants. The garden is massive, we didn't see it all as it got far too hot for us. We made it through 70%. Parking is on site and make sure to bring a bottle of water and sunscreen
Written March 2, 2018
0
Votes
Here's what it says about admission on their web site:
Admission
Â
Adults
      $10
Â
Seniors (62+)
   $8
Children (2-12)
   $5
Children (under 2)
   Free
Garden Members Free
Group rates: $1 discount per person for groups of 20 or more
9 hours ago
- Are you a member of your local garden? We joined ours even though it is free and are able to enjoy gardens for free all over the country.
Written May 29, 2017
I felt very comfortable leaving my car in the parking lot and walking around. There is a golf course across the street and the business district, which is a couple of blocks away, appeared safe and clean.
Written March 29, 2017
$56.40 for lawn; check online at the Memphis Botanic Garden site for VIP packages/tours
Written May 1, 2016
I don't know. We went to look at plants, and did not have time to picnic. You should ask the Garden: (901) 636-4100. Or go to the Garden's website, scroll down to the bottom of the home page, and get their email address.
Written May 2, 2016
Saul B
New York City, New York
Can I bring food and drinks into botanic garden to have a picnic
Written May 15, 2015
I don't know. Call the garden and ask. They have a cafe in the visitors center, but it's hours are limited. However, the food is excellent.
Written May 23, 2015
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