The botanical garden was designed, by the Pittsburgh landscape architects Environmental Planning and Design, to enhance the zoo. In a similar manner, eighteenth and nineteenth century zoos were often set in gardens. Themed gardens include a Dry Garden, Shade Garden, Bog Garden, Walled Garden, Old Rose Garden and Garden Amphitheater. With a central canal and fountains at each end, the Walled Garden was the first section of the Botanical Garden to open to the public. There is an area with plants that glow in the moonlight. The Garden is host to free weekly demonstrations presented by the Clemson Extension Urban Horticulture Center.