matthew l.
Yelp
The Horticultural Center is an urban treasure, home to a marvelous Japanese Tea House with bridge and garden, exotic flora and rare plants, especially huge tropical succulents in the green house. The reflecting pool in the rear is a transcendent scene at twilight, seeming always to split the spectrum with a kaleidoscope of unearhtly hues, some coming directly toward you, most dancing off the still water. Really a sight! For weddings it is special, the square space in the green house amidst the foliage easily seating up to 200 guests, and the photo ops outside non pareil. We took most of our wedding shots around the Japanese House and the wedding party shot on the garden bridge, quite special! Then we just drove up, jumped out, well the guys jumped out, walked through the unlocked gate and started shooting. Now I understand you need to apply for a permit months in advance so they can unlock everything, and there's a fee. One other drawback; the interior from May to August ranges from uncomfortable to unbearably hot both for visitors and wedding parties. But if the weather is right it is really extraordinary.