Butchart Gardens will always hold special place in my heart. It had been 13 years since I was there last, and it was with my mother, just a couple of months before she passed away from cancer. Needless to say, I had stayed away too long. Within moments of stepping inside of Butchart Gardens, I was reminded of how truly spectacular it is! As I walked through the front gate, the delightful aroma from the blooming hyacinth hit me. It smelled heavenly, like a perfect Spring day. Butchart Gardens is situated on a bay, so when the breeze blows you can also get a hint of sea air. The two smells combined awakened my senses and made my spirit dance.
Flowers, flowers, and more flowers
Pet Friendly
The gardens are also pet friendly, so I was delighted to be able to take Ozzie in with me. Visitors from around the globe bent down to show him some love and visit with me. There’s just no way you can be in a bad mood at Butchart. The hardest part about going there is deciding which garden to visit first!
A photographer’s dream
The Sunken Garden is my favorite. When I came upon the lookout, before heading down the stairs, it literally took my breath away. It’s hard to describe it. It’s like a flowering paradise that I could only conjure up in my wildest dreams. Rows of perfect flowers are nestled among the fragrant trees, budding, blooming, being. There is a little lake at the far end of the Sunken Garden with a giant fountain that shoots high into the air and changes form every few moments, much like the gardens itself. You can meander around, sit and meditate, people watch, or take the most amazing photos. It’s easy to spend hours there. Time disappears as you feel yourself relax, surrounded by the serene beauty of mother nature at her finest.
The fountain in Sunken Garden
Fun for kids of all ages
As you pass the Sunken Garden and work your way over to the Rose Garden (not yet blooming, but still beautiful), there is a gorgeous carousel! Kids of all ages can ride it for only $2.00 each. It’s intricate and fun and I highly recommend it!
The carousel at Butchart
Casual lunch or fancy dinner
Just past the carousel are a couple of large totem poles reaching high into the sky and looking very authentic. Beyond that is the fireworks area. They showcase an amazing display of fireworks on special events. Summer nights are particularly special at Butchart. It’s a romantic way to spend a warm Summer evening. They light up the grounds and stay open late. You can eat in the casual coffee shop or spoil your date by eating in the fancy dining room beside the Italian Garden.
The Japanese Garden
When visiting Butchart, don’t worry about the weather. Free umbrellas are available for use throughout the venue. While we were there we had one good downpour, but no one let the rain dampen their spirits. Butchart is open year around and each season brings new colors and events. Also, don’t forget to wander through the ornate Japanese Garden. It is one of the finest I’ve seen. The gift shop is strategically placed by the main exit, with plenty of elegant souvenirs, seeds and bulbs available for purchase. Buchart Gardens is a lovely way to spend the day when visiting B.C. In fact, I would put it at the top of my list of things to do.