|
|
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
OAK BAY. In 1946 the exiled Georgian Prince Nicholas Abkhazi and his new wife Marjorie (Peggy) Pemberton-Carter began what would become an ever-evolving landscape masterpiece. The grounds consist of a series of "rooms," each with its own distinct personality: a Rhododendron Woodland Garden, the open space of the South Lawn, and the "Yangtze River" named for the view from Peggy's former Shanghai home. Historic buildings dot the property, and afternoon tea in the mansion (inside the Abkhazi's former parlor) is a must. The history of this garden and its original owners is fascinating – don't miss it!
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
BRENTWOOD BAY. When the limestone quarry on the Butchart family estate was exhausted, Mrs. Butchart decided a bit of landscaping would spruce up the area. A few years later in 1904, the magnificent Sunken Garden was opened to the public. Since then the family has added a rose garden, an Italian garden and a Japanese garden. More than 1 million plants are displayed throughout the course of a year, including 700 varieties of flowers. Hungry after a day of prowling the 50-acre gardens? Lunch, dinner and a lavish afternoon tea are served in the Dining Room Restaurant located in the Butchart's original home. More casual fare is available in the Blue Poppy Restaurant. Garden closing hours vary widely from season to season, as do admission rates; call ahead to avoid disappointment.
|
Finnerty Gardens
3800 Finnerty Rd, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 · 250-721-7014
|
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA. The University of Victoria's amazing collection of rhododendrons is a must see for any amateur gardener or plant lover. There are more than 500 species and hybrids here, many started from seed. The 6-acre site is beautifully landscaped with an additional 1600 trees, bushes and plants. Prime viewing is bloom time in April and May.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
ELK LAKE / CORDOVA BAY. A registered non-profit organization, the HCP manages acres of demonstration gardens and greenspace in addition to an accredited university, the Pacific Horticulture College. The site is comprised of about 100 acres, but only about five acres are cultivated. Themed gardens include a Children's Garden, drought tolerant plants, a rose garden, a rhododendron and hosta plot, the well-known Takata Japanese Garden, and vegetable and fruit gardens. Many of the individual gardens are cared for by students and local gardening clubs.
|
Hatley Park
2005 Sooke Rd, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC V8S 3L5 · 250-391-2666
|
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
COLWOOD. Hatley Park is Canada's largest National Historic Site. It originated as a 565-acre Edwardian estate built for local coal baron James Dunsmuir. Today the grounds encompass the original mansion, a 1914 Lord and Burnham greenhouse, carefully preserved old-growth forest, miles of trails, a university, and several acres of manicured gardens. Among the latter are spectacular Japanese, Rose and Italian gardens. Access to about 95% of the grounds is free, but guests must pay an admission fee to visit the gardens, museum, mansion and surrounding grounds. (Admission varies seasonally.) Royal Roads University is the tenant and maintains and oversees the daily workings of the estate.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
BRENTWOOD BAY. Hundreds of colorful butterflies and moths flutter freely through this tropical greenhouse. The Garden provides an identification chart, and then allows visitors to explore on their own. Naturalists are also available to explain butterfly biology, and a display area shows the butterflies emerging from their chrysalises. Here you can view the largest moth in the world; the Southeast Asian Giant Atlas moth may have a wingspan of nearly one foot! A restaurant and gift shop are available on-site.
Are you an avid gardener? Got a green thumb? If so, or even if you just love natural beauty, we share with you the city's beautiful gardens. Check out our list, and then take time out of your busy schedule to stop and smell the roses!
|
Print this Page
Email this Page
Click here to share it »
