Gardens

The gardens at the zoo contain one of Bristol’s most important collections of plants. There are unusual trees, shrubs and plants from around the world, such as the monkey puzzle tree, tree ferns, wollemi pine and the purple-berried flax lily. You can also see rare species like moth orchids from the Philippines or native plants like the bath asparagus, which are endangered in the wild. The tree collection is as broad as it is tall, ranging from ornamental acers to centuries old cedars.

We have carefully combined colour and texture to create stunning displays all year round. You can see this in the formal setting of the spring and summer beds and borders, and in the less formal arrangements of the rock gardens and exotic sub-tropical displays.

It’s thanks to over 170 years of nurture and gardening artistry, that we’ve established these 12 acres of such rare beauty and outstanding variety. So apart from the fascination of the animals, why not simply visit our gardens – which have great botanical and educational interest, and provide an enjoyable horticultural experience for all.