It was founded in the late 19th century, during the time of British Guiana, on an abandoned sugar estate, Plantation Vlissengen.

At the time, it was at the eastern end of the city limits.

An early garden superintendent was botanist George Samuel Jenman.

[3] South of the gardens, across Homestretch Avenue is D’Urban Park, which includes the National Cultural Centre.

It is bound by Vlissengen Road to the west, across which is Georgetown Football Club.