The Michael Collins Botanical Gardens were built early in the Mars colonization program. Designed to meet the needs of both food and oxygen production (as well as carbon dioxide recycling), it has since been mostly replaced by larger and more modern installations. However, unlike the newer installations, it was built to be beautiful and spacious due to its proximity to the original colony pods. Only one of these, preserved as a museum, remains today next to the gardens.

Still operational despite being replaced, the gardens now mostly serve a recreational need. The Earth-bound Terrace Cafe serves drinks and food, while allowing colonists to sit amongst authentic plants imported from Earth. The Greenhouse allows visitors to walk amongst the overgrown biologically engineered plants, amongst the oxygen collection piping. Recently, most of the hydroponics bays have been ripped out in favor of a hermetically sealed single-rail roller coaster, giving colonists another means of entertainment in the Gardens. The former freight elevator has been repurposed to allow for guests to head up to it.