The Gardens

About this board game

The Gardens is a card-drafting and tableau-building game for 1–4 players, with play lasting about 45 minutes. Inspired by Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden, it invites players to create their own portion of this beautiful and historically significant retreat.

Each turn, draft a card depicting a feature of the Gardens and add it to your growing tableau. Your layout contains three rows: waterside, grass, and cityside. Continue adding one card each turn until your area is filled.

Scoring is based on what visitors see as they walk past the Gardens. Arrange flower beds, ponds, native trees, and statues to shape the view through your tableau and create a satisfying garden landscape. The rules are accessible and simple to learn, while the card choices provide room for thoughtful decisions.

• Draft cards and build a personal garden tableau.
• Organize your area across waterside, grass, and cityside rows.
• Score points according to what visitors see as they pass by.
• Use included modules to add variety and depth.

For experienced players, optional modules introduce additional possibilities, including landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. These landmarks can provide extra points or special abilities, adding new ways to shape your garden.

With its gentle theme and straightforward structure, The Gardens captures the calm appeal of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Welcome picnickers, joggers, lorikeets, and bin chickens as you build a distinctive tableau and enjoy a day among the gardens.