The Botanical Gardens were probably opened on the 13th August 1877. An article in the Wrexham Guardian, on August 4th of that year, described the enterprise of Mr R.D.Roberts (Mwrog) – “Mr Roberts purposes opening these beautiful grounds on the 13th inst. to the public”.
The North Wales Express reported, on 13th September 1878, that there was to be a public auction of Mr R.D. Roberts’ property at the Royal Hotel. However, it stated that the sale of the Botanical Gardens was withdrawn as only £1,850 was offered for it (see references below).
It was acquired by Rhyl Urban District Council in the 1920’s.
Here are some lovely photographs of the Botanical Gardens, the first two are from the late 1920’s/ early 1930’s.
click on images to enlarge
For a comprehensive history of the Botanical Gardens there is a very interesting article “The changing fortunes of Rhyl Botanical Gardens” by Glynis Shaw, to read it click here
In 2003 Denbighshire County Council planned to demolish the cafe and build a new Register Office and car park. Rhyl South West Central Association was formed and they campaigned tirelessly, securing 5,ooo signatures in a petition, to save the Gardens for the people of Rhyl – which they did. There is now also a community centre within the Botanical Gardens which runs classes and groups such as art, craft, 
family history, tai chi, computing etc. The Association received the 2008 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for the reinstatement of the Gardens – for this the community at large owes them an enormous debt and a great big thank you.
To read more about the Botanical Gardens and the work of the Rhyl South West Central Residents Association click here.
they also have a facebook page, to view, click here.
Here is how the Botanical Gardens look today:
references:
http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3854624/ART69/rhyl%20botanical%20gardens
http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3558308/ART54/rhyl%20botanical%20gardens
Rhyl History Club 
It has to be one of the good parts of Rhyl which has so far managed to escape closure and must have been visited by many locals down the years old and young. Lovely to see it being put to such good use and this oasis of calm in Rhyl helps to restore our faith in our town which sadly gets such bad press. Well done to all the volunteers for their commitment to keep it up and running for our enjoyment. Its much appreciated.
It is with some regret that due to my age I was obliged to take the opportunity to retire from retail, when I had the chance 10 years ago, at Wm. Roberts Ltd, an old established (1885) Family Business in which I was privileged to serve the community of Rhyl and proud to belong to this family.
Now, I have the privilege to serve again, as I was asked to become the treasurer for Rhyl South West Central Residents Association (Supporters of Rhyl Botanical Gardens), an even older institution of Rhyl. I am constantly amazed by the efforts that have been, and are being put in, to keep The Gardens viable and of interest to the community and open for the residents to enjoy. The daily commitment of the volunteers in the Café with Helen Davies, the ad hoc events tirelessly organised by Sharon Jones, whose health has reluctantly forced her to retire this year, all devotedly and enthusiastically lead by Noreen Stevenson, is truly exceptional.
Do please visit the gardens, have a cuppa and a slice of Helen’s superb home-made cakes, and support their efforts.
Thank you to Rhyl History Club for this excellent Article and Links to the past glories of The Botanical Gardens.