Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia.

The Butchart Gardens were started by Mrs. Butchart wanting to beautify the quarry pit where the limestone was mined for the cement factory that her husband owned. A project gone awry, as the entire grounds surrounding their home became one garden after another. If you are a gardener, you can easily spend half a day there. If I had the time, I would have stayed longer . They are open and lighted at night. Fireworks are on Saturdays. Meticulously maintained. I saw absolutely no sign of insects or disease, and not a weed in the place. You gardeners know what kind of labor that takes!

Butchart Gardens in Victoria.

Built in the turn of the century by the wife of a cement magnate, who wanted to beautiful the hole left from the limestone quarry.

Hydrageanas.

We can't grow the blue ones, only the white. It takes over 20 years for Iowans to see a 'white' plant this size.

Sunken Garden.

First view of the limestone quarry pit. Note the old stack in the right upper corner of the picture. All that's left of the cement plant.

Quarry pond.

Looking back from the quarry floor. The landscaping is breath taking. I didn't see one weed in the place.

Ross Fountain.

The Ross Fountain is in this sunken lake behind Susie. It changes water streams and is lighted at night. That is only the upper 1/2 of it.

Sunken Garden From West.

As you circle and leave the garden, the view changes. There is a large limestone hill in the center, with a view at the top.

Sunken Garden.

The conifers and perennials contrast the annuals. The edge of the beautiful lawn really makes the perspective.

Rose Garden.

Mostly hybrid teas. All the prize winners here. Not a bad leaf or spot anywhere. You rose growers know what that takes.

Rose Garden Arch.

Passes from the roses to the start of the Japanese garden.

Rose Garden.

There was a nice mix of tea roses with delphiniums in the back as a background. The delphiniums, as well as other plants were staked in the English method.

Japanese Garden.

The mid portion of the Japanese Garden. A modified classic style. Exquisite.

Grounds to the Main House.

Part of the Italian garden and the original home of the Butchart's in the background. The "Star" fountain is to the left out of the picture.

Italian Garden and Butchart Home.

There is formal dining there. We didn't eat there. Bring your coat and tie and plenty of bucks.