An Afternoon Stroll Around
Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens is a National Historic site of Canada.
The Butchart family established their home on Vancouver Island in 1904.
It is located near Victoria, British Columbia.
I have fond memories of strolling the grounds with my Parents and Grandparents.
Even as a child, I knew it was a special place!
I viewed it as "Disneyland for Gardeners".
Thirty five years later, I view it as a "Botanical Masterpiece."
I viewed it as "Disneyland for Gardeners".
Thirty five years later, I view it as a "Botanical Masterpiece."
My husband and I have visited the gardens twice, together.
We were so inspired by the architecture and grounds that we have incorporated some of the design elements in or own home and landscape.
We were so inspired by the architecture and grounds that we have incorporated some of the design elements in or own home and landscape.
These flowered arches are one of my favorite features.
and yes, Devon Shire Cream was served!
For me, it was a visual treat to be surrounded by such stately woodwork and details.
"Sunken Garden".
Can you believe this was once a limestone quarry?
I just loved this quaint little garden cottage.
It is nested perfectly on top of the hill for viewing the"Sunken Garden"below.
The home was known as a comfortable and luxurious showplace.
It housed an indoor salt water swimming pool,
bowling alley, paneled billiard room and a self playing pipe organ.
The Butchart's named their home
"Benvenuto" meaning, (welcome) in Italian.
By the 1920's more than 50 thousand people visited the gardens per year!
In 1929 they replaced their kitchen vegetable patch with a large Rose Garden.
This is the Victorian style "wishing well" in the Rose Garden.
It is nested perfectly on top of the hill for viewing the"Sunken Garden"below.
It housed an indoor salt water swimming pool,
bowling alley, paneled billiard room and a self playing pipe organ.
"Benvenuto" meaning, (welcome) in Italian.