Comprising five distinct gardens, 26 greenhouses, its very own wharf, a concert lawn and over 900 differing types of bedding plants, Butchart Gardens isn’t any old attraction – it’s a piece of art, lovingly brought to life from the bare bones of a former lime quarry. A tranquil haven that has welcomed visitors into its warm embrace for over 100 years now, this National Historic Site of Canada will have you won over in no time.
Making their humble beginnings back in 1904 these gardens were the apple of their creator’s – Jennie Butchart – eye. Envisioning grand lawns and meticulously designed flower beds, Jennie officially began bringing her designs to a secret-garden-esque reality in 1912, starting with the Sunken Garden that you can see in all its elegant glory today. Now, as a kind of family heirloom, these gardens not only make for a pretty haven, but also tell the story of their passionate and hardworking founding mother. Who poured her heart and soul into making Butchart Gardens the sought-after destination that it is today.
And it’s not just in Canada that these gardens are recognised for being so special. They have even made it to National Geographic’s list of the world’s Top 10 Magnificent Gardens. It turns out that flower power really is a thing.