As a florists who has studied in Horticulture, I strongly recomend visting Maymont. The gardens are excellent and mostly period acurate. No matter what time of the year, there is usually some plant in its full splendor to be seen. Such beautiful gardens are rare in cities, Maymont is perfect,a great place for artist, gardeners, and people who just want to get away. Plus , kids LOVE the animals, and the Japanese garden is fun for kids too.