The grounds consist of beautiful places meant for relaxation and contemplation of nature. We mention the Loudon Terrace, a Pavilion shaded by rare tree species such as a foxglove tree from China, with mauve blossoms, and a rare and beautiful white stemmed birch, planted in 1988 by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen's Mother.
The Main Lawn stretches out from the Terrace, as an amphitheatre, as well as sun trap, providing a good and tranquil spot for sunbathing and picnics, as well as protection from the northerly winds. The edges of the lawn are marked with ornamental trees, the most beautiful of which is the mature copper beech. An analematic sundial has been built on the lawn.
An interesting feature of the Garden is a red-brick cottage located behind the playground, manifesting a playful mixture of architectural styles: decorative brickwork, baroque gables, mullioned windows with stone frames and gargoyles shaped like faces of men and animals. The Cottage displays a collection of what are considered to be favorite plants reminiscent of cottage gardens of the last century: aconites, Christmas roses and snowdrops in winter, auriculas, anemones, hyacinths, columbines in spring, carnations, marigolds, rose of Sharon and numerous others in summer, chrysanths and daisies in autumn.
The Gardens encompass a Pinetum - a conifer grove with pines, cedars, redwood, larch, Douglas fir, maidenhair tree and Ginko biloba, an Alpine yard and the Historical Roman, Medieval and Tudor Gardens, the Japanese Gardens and a Bonsai collection.
Further plant collections are grown in the Glasshouses: the Tropical and Subtropical Houses, simulating a lowland equatorial climate and accommodating sizable trees such as palms, tree ferns, a Norfolk Island pine and a giant bird-of-paradise plant.
The Mediterranean House hosts a colorful plethora of flowers in the atmosphere of a Victorian conservatory, while the Arid House accommodates huge cacti.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens offer spaces for contemplation and tranquility, but also host a library and a study center, providing courses, workshops and family activities.