The 76 hectares (0.76 km2) garden was established in 1946, and of late hosts the headquarters of the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

The Garden was officially opened on 23 October 1958, but it could only be visited by special arrangement because it was primarily a research facility under the management of the Botanical Research Institute (BRI), which traces its origins back to 1903.

Situated among these is a restaurant, concert stage, tea garden and function hall beside an artificial waterfall.

It has an avenue of Bolusanthus speciosus trees by Mr Jan Evens in 1946.

An arboretum and natural grassland is located here, besides the Dassie walking trail along the central ridge,[5] and the garden offices.