The gardens were looking "particularly lush" at the moment and with consultation about the draft gardens management plan under way, Mr Bailey was taking the chance to show people a different side of the recreational area with the half-hour tours.
"I'll be taking groups for ... tours around the gardens, looking at the highlights of this season's planting as well as some hidden treasures that people might not normally notice.
"The tours will concentrate on the plants, especially what's currently in or about to bloom like rhododendrons, roses and peonies.
"I'll also be talking a bit about plant history and giving tips on growing."
Mr Bailey said the tours were a chance to celebrate the handiwork of the hard-working council horticulture team as well as giving the public a closer look at the gardens before submissions on the management plan for the reserve close on November 26.
"It's an opportunity, not just for keen gardeners but for everyone to come along and take a closer look at what we do, what we plant and the reasons behind it.
"Hopefully everyone will walk away with some useful information and some new favourite places in the gardens."
The Gardening with Gordon tours will take place from noon to 12.30pm tomorrow and Thursday.
Anyone interested was advised to meet at the band rotunda in the Queenstown Gardens five minutes before the tour start time.
Bookings were not required, Mr Bailey said.
