 | Victoria Butchart Gardens Reviews | 1 - 10 of 78 |  |
Butchard gardens definitely worth a visit and you shouldn't miss it !
It has different themes and everything is decorated in different styles:
- the Ross Fountain
- the Japanese Garden
- the Italian Garden
- the Concert Lawn
- the Sunken Garden
- the Rose Garden
- ...
It has as well 2 restaurants, so you've the choice.
To see some pics - please have a look at my "off the beaten path" page. Leave a Comment
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The limestone having been removed the way was clear to plant trees and shrubs and flowers which have become over the years one of the most memorable scenes of the Butchart gardens, especially if one first views the scene from the 50 ft high entrance on the north side. Here there is a viewing area, before walking down the switch back pathway.
The garden below is comprised of beds of flowers some annuals, some prerennials, trees, shrubs, ponds, walkways and a staircase to a hih point in the centre. Then away to the south is a large pool of water where since 1964 a commemorative Ross Fountain has displayed a varied program of water shooting up and around for the benefit of the watchers. It is also flood lit at night. Leave a Comment
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Acres and acres of beautifully planted flowers, trees, fountains, brooks, ponds and a bandstand with live performances and chairs on a grassy lawn.
It started as a home of the Butchart family. Mrs.
Butchart decided to plant a garden. Over the years it became one of the largest and most beautiful gardens in N. America. The photo shows just one of a hundred different areas in this magnificent place. Explore the website below for more photos. (Click on the large title The Butchart Gardens, then click on 'Garden' on the left menu and "Garden Scenes" for 32 great color photos.) Leave a Comment
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Everyone always enjoys an afternoon spent at the Butchart Gardens. For first time visitors, allow about two-three hours for moderately paced walkers, add on an hour or so for those who prefer to amble at a more leisurely pace.
To reach the gardens, you can drive, take a tour bus or schedule your day around one of the city busses that run to the gardens (infrequent but cheap and workable). There are restaurants on site if you want to get lunch or dinner, and a fabulous gift shop too.
The gardens are divided into themes including The Sunken Garden (in an old quarry I believe), The Japanese Gardens, The Rose Gardens, The Italian Gardens, etc. In the summer there are fireworks on Saturday nights, and in the winter they have a "Twelve Days of Christmas" display with a new "day" being added each year.
You're going to be out in the sun, so bring your hat, sunscreen and a water bottle! Pack a snack for kids and anyone with a big appetite (or eat at one of their restaurants). Umbrellas can be borrowed for free in case of rain, I'm not sure about wheelchairs... Leave a Comment
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Even if gardens are not your thing, the Butchart Gardens are really worth a visit. I understood that it is Canada's most visited attraction west of Toronto. The gardens are also said to be some of the most spectacular in the world.
The gardens were started in 1904 by Jenny Butchart in a discarded quarry of her husband's company and are sure to attract lots of visitors year-round.
Main attractions are the Sunken Garden (in the quarry), the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Italian Garden.
Butchart Gardens are located some 25 minutes by car from downtown on the road to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, where the ferries to Vancouver leave. Expect to spend some 3 hours here. Leave a Comment
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Yes there are other things to see while in the Gardens, from the living greenery of the pig, to an area set aside ofr Concerts on the lawn and even a fireworks viewing area. The Fireworks are a Saturday night attraction during the summer.
There are 3 locations for those wishing to have a meal or a snack. The Dining Room Restaurant is more formal and and one has Lunch or Dinner in a conservatory like setting surrounded by flowers. It is also the place to enjoy a an Afternoon Tea or a High Tea.
The Blue Poppy Restaurant is a cafeteria style where reasonably priced meals are offered also in a conservatory setting.
The Coffee Shop is ideal for the short visit either before or after visiting the sections of the Gardens. Leave a Comment
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The entrance to this section is through a Torii gate, and down the steps following a small stream. In fact the streams and small ponds seem to be a typical example of the style of Japanese gardens, surrounded by shrubs and trees as well as stepping stones and small bright coloured bridges.
These gardens were also started in 1906 by Mrs Butchart who decided on a non traditional approach and worked with assistance from a Japanese Landscaper called Isaburo Kishida.
The Japanese Gardens lead to a path that gives a view to an inlet of the sea, at Butchart Cove and Saanich Inlet. Leave a Comment
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Butchart Gardens is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year and what was once a disused quarry has been transformed into a wonder world of flowers, trees and shrubs.
It is located 21 km from Victoria and the gardens cover 55 acres of a 130 acre site.
The Italian gardens were once the tennis courts of the original house and now include a statue of Mercury , thepond is fed from a fountain of a girl holding a fish. Leave a Comment
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As I recall the totem pole under construction is about 30 ft long and the tree trunk is some 3 ft in diameter. There is miniature version of the finished product visible in the photo.
I am not sure if the Artist/ Crafsman is a Haida native.
The other places of interest include a small pottery making display, an extensive Seed and Gift shop and a Plant Identification Centre.
I plan at this time to add some of the photos of the individual flowers in a separate section. Leave a Comment
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The Rose garden is set out to allow the visitor to stroll around a circular area and go on to another rectangular area. The roses are close to the pathways and easily accessed for photos or for checking the names of the various blooms. Leave a Comment
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