These stunning gardens are arguably Canada’s most famous. Attracting over 1 million visitors a year this former quarry site has plenty to offer for all garden lovers. Just keep in mind that you won’t be alone!
The Butchart Gardens began life as an abandoned quarry site over 100 years ago. Jennie Butchart’s husband used the site to quarry limestone for his cement business and when it was abandoned she began to transform the site into what we now know as the Sunken Garden (see the first image above).
Over the years the gardens continued to evolve with more and more features being added. Including the Japanese Garden (above) and the Italian Gardens (below). And just so you don’t forget that you’re in Canada there are also two totem poles (one featured below).
However one of the garden’s star attraction is the Rose Garden. Covered rose arches lead you into the garden…
…past the exuberant hanging baskets…
…and into the Rose Garden. With it’s riot of colour from the various roses and delphiniums it’s not one for the faint hearted!
There’s no question that the gardeners here produce the most amazing flowers. I just wish that they exercised a bit of restraint with the colour palette in the Rose Garden. It is quite overwhelming!
Other examples of horticultural excellence are the fuchsia and begonia hanging baskets. Just beautiful.
And after all that colour here’s something to rest your eyes. The Ross Fountain in “natural” surrounds makes for a very elegant pitstop as you work your way around the grounds.
All in all these are lovely gardens and well worth a visit if you’re ever in that part of the world (Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada). Just keep in mind that the secret is well and truly out with these gardens and you’ll definitely have to share them with a lot of other plant lovers!
For more information go to www.butchartgardens.com.
And finally here are a couple of my favourite flowers: sweet peas and the blue poppy. Enjoy!
If any of you have been to the gardens I’d love to hear your thoughts on them.
PS Don’t forget to check out The Plant Addict Shop while you’re here.
You’ll find great gift ideas for garden lovers and fellow plant addicts!