Victoria – otherwise known as the "City of Gardens" – is home to a number of spectacular gardens that range from formal to heritage, exotic to west coast, and multi-themed to mostly rhododendron.
Many gardens in Victoria are renowned for their floral displays and inspiring grounds: Both Hatley Park National Historic Site and Abkhazi Garden were named among the "Five Must-See Gardens in Canada" in 2009 by Canadian Gardening magazine. The Butchart Gardens and Glendale Gardens and Woodlands were also named in a list of “15 Beautiful Gardens across Canada” in 2009 by Canadian Gardening magazine.
While some gardens are minutes from downtown Victoria, others are located in nearby communities and are accessible by car or transit.
One of Victoria's most recognizable trademarks is its hanging baskets. Each spring more than 1,600 flower baskets hang from lamp posts in a medley of colour.
Evidence of Victoria’s mild climate is the city’s annual “Flower Count.” For one week in early spring (where temperatures range from 10-15° Celsius), Greater Victoria municipalities count their flower blooms in a friendly competition to be named the “Bloomingest Community.”
Formal Gardens
The Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay draws more than a million visitors annually to its 22ha/55ac of formal gardens. Explore the rose garden that contains more than 2,500 roses or sit by the lily-pad strewn pool of the Italian garden. Flowers bloom year-round: see daffodils, tulips and hyacinths in spring; perennials and annuals in summer; and red, russet and golden maples in autumn. Winter brings dazzling Christmas lights and displays. The Butchart Gardens are located 30 minutes from downtown Victoria. Scheduled bus tours also run from Vancouver to Victoria and make a stop at the gardens.
Heritage Gardens
Built in the late 1800s, Point Ellice House (a National Historic Site) features a restored Victorian garden where original plants such as lilacs, summer jasmine, moss roses and English hawthorn still flourish. Enjoy afternoon tea in the heritage house and see an impressive collection of Victoriana. Open from May to September; located five minutes from downtown.
The magnificent Hatley Park National Historic Site was once a 40-room mansion that belonged to former Lieutenant Governor and Premier James Dunsmuir. Situated near the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by stands of old-growth forests, the 228-ha/565-ac property exudes a breathtaking beauty. Spend an afternoon relaxing in the Japanese, Italian and rose gardens or look for birds in the thriving sanctuary of the saltwater lagoon. Located 25 minutes from downtown.
West Coast Gardens
The unique Abkhazi Garden is known for both its west coast design and its history. Prince Nicolas Abkhazi and Peggy Pemberton-Carter were lovers separated by World War II when they finally reunited in Victoria and created this garden. The defining feature of this small 0.4-ha/1-ac property is its west coast characteristics: native Garry oaks, rhododendrons, rock and alpine plants, evergreens and weeping conifers are set on rocky slopes and surrounded by quiet woodlands. Open March to September; located 10 minutes from downtown.
Multi-themed and Demonstration Gardens
See a multitude of flowers and plants in themed gardens at Government House (the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of BC). Gardens range from cottage to English country, herb, rose and rhododendron. Highlights include the large, rare Garry oak woodland. The garden is open between March and September and is accessible by pre-arranged tours only.
The Glendale Gardens & Woodlands, located 20 minutes from downtown, were hailed as “one of Victoria’s most beautiful and least known public gardens” in 2009 by GardenWise magazine. Themed demonstration gardens such as Mediterranean, winter, and heather showcase more than 10,000 varieties of plants. Stroll through the 37-ha/93-ac conservation park to see old-growth Douglas firs and wetlands home to a diverse population of birds.
Unique Gardens
Finnerty Gardens, located at the University of Victoria, has a spectacular display of rhododendrons, many of which were planted with seeds obtained from famous explorers. Walk along a network of winding paths past ponds and other plants and flowers such as hybrids, perennials, ferns and vines. The rhododendrons are best viewed in April and May.
Interested in a tropical garden? The Victoria Butterfly Gardens in Brentwood Bay are home to around 2,000 butterflies that fly freely within a lush, tropical greenhouse. Wander among orchids, exotic plants, and colourful creatures such as flamingos. Located 25 minutes from downtown Victoria.
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