The best time to visit Bellingrath Gardens is during the spring when azaleas are in full bloom. The garden has smooth walkways and many areas of the garden are laid out in rooms with walls of different varieties of azaleas. These azaleas bloom in tones of light pink, hot pink, red, white, and lavender. I was not impressed with the house because the tour group was too large. The boat ride was a bit more interesting. I was disappointed with the Japanese gardens because so much of it was recreated in inferior materials. I believe that originally the Japanese area may have been more authentic, but perhaps damaged or destroyed by hurricane.