The Butchart Gardens is a group of floral display gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada, located near Victoria on Vancouver Island. The gardens have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. As a result, they receive over a million visitors each year.
You’ll find remnants of the original cement plant and millions of bedding plants in over 900 varieties as you wander The Gardens.
From a Quarry to The Butchart Gardens
Jennie Butchart had a former limestone quarry for her backyard. She envisioned landscaping a sunken garden in its place. In 1912 she began the process of transforming the property for her family and visitors for generations to come.
The Butchart Gardens consists of 5 gardens: Sunken, Italian, Japanese, Rose, and the Mediterranean.
It is currently owned by Robin Clarke, great-granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Butchart.
Sunken Garden at The Butchart Gardens
The Sunken Garden is a green-cloaked quarry cradling beds of flowers, trees, and shrubs.
Protruding from its center, a rock mound offers a lookout point of the Sunken Garden, while its walking path winds past the graceful Ross Fountain and peaceful Bog Garden.
This is the garden most people remember. Make no mistake. It is mind-boggling when standing at the top of this former quarry and looking down into the massive gardens and pond. However, there are 4 other beautiful gardens to enjoy.
4 Other Gardens at The Butchart Gardens
Rose Garden – A walkway of rose-laden arches greets you with vibrant colors and luscious scents.
Japanese Garden – Serene waters and stepping stones guide the senses.
Italian Garden – Originally the Butchart family’s tennis court, today the Italian Garden sports a bronze-cast statue and a flower-studded pond.
Mediterranean Garden – Lush, exotic plants showcase the temperate climate.
Afternoon Tea in The Dining Room
Have you ever had formal British Afternoon Tea? Also, sometimes called High Tea, it’s not just a hot drink but rather a medley of delicious treats served in the afternoon. The Dining Room Restaurant served us Afternoon Tea upon arrival. It is located in the original Butchart family residence.
Our tour included the Afternoon Tea. The current advertised price is $42.50 per person so it is a good thing that I did not know that at the time. Still, it was delicious and made beautiful memories and photos.
Included were savory sandwiches and delicacies, and House-made sweets.
Of course, there is also a selection of 9 unique teas: 100th Anniversary, Bachelor Button, Teaberry Blend, Rose Congou, Mixed Greens, Lemongrass & Ginger, Garden Peppermint, Earl Grey, and English Breakfast.
And Finally
Giving yourself over four hours to experience The Butchart Gardens will allow you to see the sights, enjoy dining and perhaps stop in at the Seed and Gift Store.
Pricing
Current prices are: Adult (18+) $27.00, Youth (13-17) $13.50, Child (5-12) $2.00, including tax.
Pets
Butchart Gardens permits pets inside The Gardens after 8:00 PM during the Christmas evening lights display. At all other times of the year, they welcome pets provided they are on a short leash and remain directly at your side. They do not permit retractable leashes. Owners must clean up after them. I mention this because so few places allow pets.
This looks like a beautiful garden to walk around! The flowers are all so vibrant and look lovely in the photos you’ve taken.
This is just gorgeous! I love all the different colors and shaped-shrubs and plants! What a great place!
These gardens are absolutely beautiful! I love how they have the different themes each with their own wow factor. So fun to end a visit with tea and dessert. I’d love to visit here one day!
Beautiful! As someone who lives in the UK, I appreciate a good garden with a cup of tea in hand. Thanks for sharing.
It’s been so long since I’ve visited! Victoria was actually my first real trip-trip to Canada and I loved it. Not only are these gardens beautiful, but the entire city as well!
Yes. The entire city is beautiful. We were lucky enough to stay at the Fairmont in Victoria. It looks like a castle.
Hi there Sandy. Love your pictures. We had so many plans last year and Canada was one of them 🙁 This beautiful garden was one of the top things to see on my list. I am still so mad and disappointed that we didn’t get to go, but happy to see how pretty it is. Hope to get there once all of this nightmare is over. Thanks for sharing.
I am sure you will get there. It is worth the wait!
Wonderful post about these gardens with beautiful pictures! I really want to have tea in the garden! Thanks for the inspiration and its now on my list as we love to travel.
I try to have Afternoon Tea whenever it is available when traveling because it is not something I do at home.
LOve Love Love the photos! I pride myself as having a green thumb but these gardens are ridiculous! Thanks for sharing.
I am so glad you loved the photos. I am sure your garden is beautiful!