Last Saturday, we finally went to the Butchart Gardens. This place was also on my to-do list on Vancouver Island, and trust me, even if the price of the entrance seems high ( for an adult, it is $33), it is worth it, and you can see the tons of work; which is done there!
Where is the Butchart Gardens located?
It is on Vancouver Island in the South Part, near Victoria.
Here is the address:
800 Benvenuto Avenue Brentwood Bay BC
They have huge parking when you arrive, but I think that if you don’t like having too many people around you to come early. (We arrived at around 9 Am, and it was perfect for the pictures, and just to take time to walk and take photos without people!)
How was this Garden created?
It is always so amazing every time to learn more about how people and especially one woman, did transform this place to fulfill her dreams.
With a former limestone quarry for her backyard, Jennie Butchart envisioned landscaping a sunken garden in its place, transforming the property for her family—and visitors—for generations to come.
In 1904, coming from Ontario, husband, and wife, Robert and Jennie Butchart moved to Vancouver Island to build a cement plant on a rich limestone deposit at Tod Inlet.
In 1912, as cement production exhausted the limestone deposits, Jennie envisioned a grand garden in its place and began transferring topsoil by horse and cart. Little by little, the quarry blossomed into today’s Sunken Garden.
Between 1906 and 1929, the Butcharts expanded The Gardens, designing the Japanese Garden on the seaside, the Italian Garden on their former tennis court, and the fragrant, overflowing Rose Garden.
In 1939, gifted The Gardens on his 21st birthday, grandson Ian Ross transformed them into the world-renowned attraction we know today, adding outdoor concerts and night lighting in the summers and the Magic of Christmas winters.
Beginning in 1977, great-grandson Christopher began producing a choreographed firework show every year. In 2009, his sister, and current owner of The Gardens, Robin, added the Children’s Pavilion and Menagerie Carousel.
Two Totem Poles were carved in Classic Coast Salish style by Master Carvers Charles Elliot of the Tsartlip Nation and Doug La Fortune of Tsawout Band. It was dedicated on September 9th, 2004, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Butchart Gardens and recognition of the rich cultural heritage provided by Indigenous People.
Today, The Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site of Canada. You’ll find remnants of the original cement plant and millions of bedding plants in over 900 varieties awaiting you as you wander The Gardens.
Why should you take the time to visit it?
I think this is the perfect gateway, and to enjoy so many flowers/ plants/trees and see the love behind it is incredible. Take the time to smell the flowers (and trust me, even behind your masks, it was amazing to smell them ). Come early and enjoy the quiet, the colors, and the flowers.
