The study explores the plant species diversity, gardening styles, maintenance practices, and overall aesthetic appreciation of gardens managed by educational institutions in the Kathmandu Valley. Data were collected from five purposively selected gardens in the Kathmandu district, with a focus on species composition, garden design, and maintenance strategies. The gardens were evaluated for their aesthetic appeal and functionality using a Likert scale, incorporating factors such as plant diversity, garden styles (formal vs. informal), maintenance quality, and structural elements (pathways, water features). Results showed that while plant species diversity varied across the gardens, the overall impact on aesthetic scores was more pronounced when diversity was combined with thoughtful design and proper maintenance practices. Informal garden styles (60%) were more common but showed a weaker correlation with aesthetic scores compared to formal styles(40%) with structural elements. Gardens with higher maintenance ratings received better aesthetic evaluations, highlighting the importance of upkeep in preserving garden appeal. The study suggests that both effective management practices and the inclusion of structural elements are key to enhancing the aesthetic and ecological value of gardens in educational settings.