These gardens are one of the oldest plantations in the southern United States, covering 160 hectares and include both formal gardens and wildlife habitat.

The gardens have been enjoyed by tourists and locals since they opened to the public in 1870 but the plantation house was destroyed during the Civil War, so the current building was re-constructed and is based on the original building.

The gardens can be enjoyed with or without the additional tours.

The Nature Train and The Boat Tour are a chance to rest your feet to see more of the gardens and wildlife habitats with the help of a knowledgeable guide. Other tours include The House, 'From Slavery to Freedom' and Audobon Swamp Garden.

The gardens are well known for their numerous Azalea plantings which are a highlight and can be enjoyed from March to early April. The Camelia collection is superb and can be enjoyed from November to March.

Other areas to enjoy include:

• Barbados Tropical Garden - indoor tropical garden.
• Biblical Garden - plants mentioned in the Bible, with Old Testament and New Testament areas
• Cattail Wildlife Refuge - approximately 500 acres (2 km²), with tower for bird observation.
• Cypress Lake - Bald cypress trees, up to 100 years old, along riverbanks and wetlands.
• Flowerdale (50 acres) - Formal plantings of annuals set within triangular beds enclosed by boxwood hedges. Two large camellias date from the 1840s.
• Long Bridge - Built in the 1840s, one of seven bridges on the grounds.
• Maze - replica of England's famous Hampton Court maze, but planted with some 500 Camellia sasanqua interspersed with Burford holly.
• Nature Center and Zoo - domesticated animals typical to Southern plantations, injured or orphaned natives.

It is worth taking insect repellent as depending on the time of year there can be lots of mozzies around the wetlands.