Butchart Gardens continued...
J
ennie Butchart was a woman of vision! She took a former quarry and transformed the space into a beautiful garden overflowing with bright colored blooms and every variance of greenery available. They were named the Butchart Gardens and are still family run to this day.
Visitors average around 2 hours to explore the 900 plant varieties and fountains dancing in the gardens. The favourites are the Japanese Gardens, Sunken Gardenand the expansive Rose Garden. Take a blanket and enjoy the gardens while relaxing with a drink from the tea garden restaurant. On the summer weekends, if you can stay into the evening, it will be well worth your time as they present the most amazing display of fireworks.
WHEN TO VISIT
O
pen YEAR-ROUND, this garden has an abundance to discover.
SPRING: The gardens begin to dance with bulbs and trees vibrantly budding with color. Breathe in the aroma of fresh dew drops.
SUMMER: This is the season! Busy and vibrant. Visit both in the day to see the amazing depth of color, and visit at night while the same floral displays are illuminated by light.
FALL: As the crisp and cool air flows over the gardens, an array of golds, reds and oranges begin to emerge displaying the last burst of color before winter. Gardeners are not as busy as the gardens are much quieter, and there are unique opportunities to see what happens behind the scenes at the garden.
WINTER: Vancouver Island's temperate climate allows the gardens to remain open during the quiet winter season. On occasion you may see a gentle snowflake kiss the greenery of the season.
CHRISTMAS: The splendor of Christmas comes alive at the gardens with boughs of greeenery and an abundance of festive lights illuminating the gardens. Lights, ice skaing, music, carollers! Pull out the scarf wrap up for a stroll through the 12 Days of Chirstmas display. The coffee shop is open and waiting with gourmet hot chocolate and gingerbread!
Butchart Gardens - Sandra Graham Photography
Ross Fountain - Sandra Graham Photography
WHAT TO SEE
With 55 acres of gardens, 900 bedding plant varieties and 26 greenhouses, there is much to explore. Gardens that are the most popular are the Sunken Garden, Ross Fountain, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Star Pond, and the Italian Garden. For me, it is the Ross Fountain that would be the favorite and have the most significance. Designed by Ian Ross, the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Butchart, it was built in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the gardens in 1964. My mom and dad chose this for their honeymoon destination in 1964. The fond memories they shared of the gardens marks it as a ver special place for me.
WHERE TO EAT
W
alking through the gardens is bound to produce and appetite! Foodies love the restaurants of the garden!
The Dining Room is located in the original Butchart family residence. The menu is continually changing with the seasons and is centered around local ingredients.
The Blue Poppy Restaurant is casual and located in the former greenhouse. The space is conservatory-style and utilized fresh, seasonal ingredients - many from their own backyard.
The Coffee Shop is loacted in Waterwheel square. Filled with snacks and hot and cold beverages, you won't be disappointed.
Butchart Gardens - Sandra Graham Photography
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