2019 Update: I visited BGG the week of the Sakura ...

2019 Update: I visited BGG the week of the Sakura Matsuri event this year, and BGG was a lot more crowded. I've also noticed that the trees around the entrance and the pond was already close to post-bloom, but fortunately, the trees at the esplanade was just reaching peak-bloom. Definitely be sure to choose the timing of your visit carefully if you want the nice cherry blossom photos. The BGG website is a must to check for bloom status.

Came here on a weekday to see the famous cherry blossoms. Glad I've used the BBG website to check the bloom status. Parking on site was not an issue and the place wasn't too crowded (since it was a weekday). It was not the biggest botanical garden, but the Japanese Garden was very well designed. Definitely worth the admission to see the cherry blossoms, but not sure if it's worth the trek to the middle of Brooklyn to just see the other plants during the rest of the year.

Tip: discount admission prices for students and senior (with ID) and free admission on Fridays before noon and winter weekdays (Dec.-Feb.)