Located in Brentwood Bay, in the Saanich Inlet, just north of Victoria, BC, the Butchart Gardens get a bit of an earlier start compared to many other floral displays in Canada. By now, the tulip bloom is about half finished, but Lupines, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are in full bloom, putting on a spectacular performance.
The gardens sprawl over 50 acres of meandering paths which have been under development since 1904 and now have several distinct areas. There is an Italian formal garden next to the beautiful Star Pond, a peaceful Japanese Garden, a charming rose garden, a spectacular sunken garden and the magnificent Ross fountain. Additionally, there are other fine facilities including a Tea House, Restaurants and a Seed and Gifts shop. There are many ornamental birds from different regions of the world such as parrots close to the entrance buildings, ducks at the ponds and peacocks on the front lawn.
Azaleas in full spring bloom
Rhododendrons at Butchart Gardens, Victoria.
Trellises at the Butchart Gardens, Victoria, B.C.
Spring tulip display at the Butchart Gardens,
The climate conditions in southern Vancouver Island result in an early spring. Every year gardeners plant over 100,000 tulip bulbs that surprise visitors with rivers of color. April and May are some of the best months to visit for those that like to brighten the soul with a glorious color display after the long, grey winter months. However, the garden reaches its maximum splendour during July and August showing hundreds of full blooming hanging baskets in dozens of beautiful pergolas.
Garden path flanked by tulip beds
In 2004, two 30-foot totem poles were installed at The Gardens to mark the 100th anniversary of this magnificent place. At this time the Butchart Gardens were designated as a national historic site. About a million visitors come to the gardens each year. These are some of the pictures I took during my spring visit to the gardens.
Sunken Garden at the Butchart Gardens.
Sunken Garden, Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC.
Flower display at the Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC.
