Experiences

Cathaya argyrophyalla

Location: Raised bed on the Concert Lawn

When you take a walk along our Concert Lawn, keep your eyes out for Cathaya argyrophyalla. The genus Cathaya was only known as a fossil until 1955 when Chinese botanists discovered living plants. They’re now known to occur in a few scattered populations in central China, in mountain regions (with limestone outcrops) in areas that receive heavy summer rainfall. They are considered rare, but not endangered. Our Cathaya is one of two known specimens in Canada.

Botanically this is a very unusual conifer, a relic species, differing but with similarities to the following genus groups: Abies, Picea, Pseudotsuga, Tsuga, Larix, and Cedrus. From an ornamental perspective, the long wide needles of Cathaya are very attractive and resemble a tropical version of Sciadopitys. The word “argyrophylla” translates to silvery leaves, the lush green leaves are indeed a beautiful silver underneath.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

Location: Near the Children’s Pavilion

Like Cathaya, Metasequoia was first found as a fossil—it was described and named before living specimens were known to exist. An expedition from the Arnold Arboretum (in 1948) collected seeds and within a short period seedlings were available for arboreta around the world. In the early 1950s the Ross family acquired two Metasequoia glyptostroboides seedlings from the City of Victoria Parks Department. They planted the seedlings close to what is now the Children’s Pavilion.

The Metasequoia has similar bark and foliage to the California redwood (Sequoia), but is deciduous. The trees grow well in temperate climates and may grow to more than 40 m (130 ft).

Wollemi nobilis

Location: Raised bed on the Concert Lawn

The Wollemi Pine was first discovered 150 km north-west of Sydney, Australia in a rainforest gorge within what is now Wollemi National Park. The tree at The Gardens is from the original cuttings of the “Bob Makinson” tree, named after the coordinator of the Centre for Plant Conservation (at the Botanic Gardens Trust in Sydney). Our tree is one of only two known specimens in Canada to be planted outdoors.

The Wollemi Pine belongs to the 200-million year old Araucariaceae family. This pine is a conifer with attractive, unusual dark green foliage, bubbly bark and a growth habit that typically sprouts multiple trunks.

The Children’s Pavilion houses the Rose Carousel and Carousel meeting room. The Children’s Pavilion

As you walk towards The Children’s Pavilion you’ll notice the domed roof (complete with native plant species) and an expansive glass façade to let in lots of natural light. As you enter you’ll see the beautiful Rose Carousel and the adjoining event room that’s great for a everything from children’s birthdays to corporate events. The pavilion is also home to the seasonal Annabelle’s Café.

The pavilion has a number of environmentally friendly features. The space is optimized to use natural lighting, the irrigation system is used as a heat source, passive ventilation is used and plumbing fixtures are water efficient.

Our hand crafted Rose Carousel runs throughout the year. The Rose Carousel

Rain or shine, The Rose Carousel has been delighting children since opening in December, 2009—kids delight in riding and looking at the intricately carved animals. The Rose Carousel, the only carousel on Vancouver Island, features a menagerie of thirty hand-crafted animals. The designs were handpicked by Robin Clarke, The Gardens’ owner and great granddaughter of Jennie Butchart, in consultation with an artist from North Carolina. The animal carvings, which include bears, horses, ostriches, and zebras, were crafted by some of the few remaining carvers of carousel art (the carvers were led by Rosa Patton of Brass Ring Entertainment). Each animal is carved from basswood and took many months to complete. Two chariots can accommodate people with disabilities.

A portion of the proceeds is donated to local children's charities.

Please visit our Rates page for pricing information.

Experience the gardens from a new perspective with our Family Walk guide. Self-Guided Walk

If you have young children in your group, you’ll want to experience the fun self-guided walk that helps you explore The Gardens in a new way. A free worksheet guides you through The Gardens and provides interesting historical details and points out features. Children can draw pictures along the way to answer questions—it’s a great way for kids to take a closer look at nature.

Bring your family to The Gardens and enjoy the fresh air and brilliant floral colours—our paths are child and stroller friendly. We have baby changing areas and benches in strategic areas. Stop by our Visitor Information Center to pick up your copy of the Family Discovery Walk worksheet.

Tour Brentwood Bay and Tod Inlet

You’ll be surprised to find two worlds so close together: the beauty of our floral gardens and the rugged natural beauty of the waters and shoreline of Gowlland Tod Provincial Park. You’ll also cruise past lovely seaside homes in nearby Brentwood Bay.

During the summer months, enjoy a 45-minute natural adventure, exploring the history and wildlife of Tod Inlet and the local waters of Brentwood Bay. Wildlife you may see include seals, herons, eagles, and otters in their natural habitat on the waters of Brentwood Bay and Tod Inlet. You will also learn of The Gardens beginnings as a limestone quarry and its adjoining cement plant.

Our boats* depart from the dock every half-hour beginning at 11 am most days, and at 11:30 am on Fireworks Saturdays. Visit our Rates page for current prices. Please note that 12-month pass holders receive $2 off the regular price. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to The Gardens is required.

Boat tour times** for the 2013 season:

May 18 through June 14
11:00 am and each 1/2 hour thereafter to 4:00 pm
No sailing at 1:00 pm or 3:30 pm

June 15 through September 15
11:00 am and each 1/2 hour thereafter to 5:00 pm
No sailing at 2:00 pm

During Firework Saturdays
11:30 am and each 1/2 hour thereafter to 7:30 pm
No sailing at 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm

*Affectionately named the Jennie B. and the R.P., as Robert Pim Butchart was known.
** Subject to change.

Tours of greenhouses are available in November. Inner Workings

In autumn, you can take a behind-the-scenes look at some of our greenhouse facilities. Our 26 greenhouses, which span 0.8 ha (2 acres), are busy all year round. It’s where we produce thousands of plants for each of our seasonal plant displays.

Each tour is led by a staff gardener who will introduce you to the different greenhouse styles and the type of work that goes on within them. The tours are offered at no charge, but admission to The Gardens is required. The tour takes approximately 1 hour. Tour topics include:

• Propagation methods used in seed production
• Vegetative plant production 
• Over wintering of plant material
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices
• Indoor growing environment challenges
• Producing our diverse floral displays

You are recommended to reserve a spot on a tour. On each tour day, if there is availability, you can join on a first come first served basis at the Information Centre. Tours are limited to a maximum of 15 persons.

Notes: Walking is required and involves uneven terrain and narrow spaces. Due to the nature of the tour, children under 12, those in wheelchairs, and pets cannot be accommodated. Tours may be canceled without notice when made impossible by conditions beyond our control.

The Seed and Gift Store is conveniently located in Waterwheel Square. Unique Items

The Seed and Gift store started as a mail order seed catalogue in 1920 when Jennie Butchart began packaging seeds to satisfy requests from visitors worldwide. To this day, our most popular seeds are from our own seed collections. Still individually packaged by hand, our seed business provides winter work for our dedicated staff.

You will find unique jewellery, clothing and artwork. Many of the metal-art and glass works are from talented artisans living in our area.

If you simply want to shop, you can specifically visit the Seed & Gift Store for 30 minutes. Just tell the Admission Gate attendant who will sell you an admission ticket which will be refunded when you depart within 30 minutes. During our Christmas season, Firework Saturdays and Special Event days the hours are limited to 9am to 3pm.

Notes: 12 Month Pass holders enjoy Seed & Gift Store discounts.

Experience an incredible, fragrant filled indoor garden with flagstone paths, flower cherries and witch hazels, and beds of daffodils and tulips. Breathe deeply, take in the beauty of this early spring display and, from a foot bridge, enjoy the Koi swimming serenely in a pond.

As you wander through this garden you’ll be amazed at how our gardeners turn the Blue Poppy Restaurant into a dazzling spring display in less than seven days.

Explore Mr. Butchart’s study overlooking the beautiful grounds. The Family Residence

During our warm wintry months, we open the former family residence, Benvenuto, to our guests. You’ll see displays of memorabilia chronicling The Garden’s history—from cement making plant to Jennie Butchart’s garden. Walking through several rooms in the former residence you will see original furnishings, letters, and photographs. The Butchart’s home prior to expanding for the public.

The family travelled the world and were great collectors. Although what is displayed changes from year to year there are usually photographs from other areas along with memorabilia such as cruise ship menus and programs. In the Billiard Room you’ll also see how the family entertained themselves and visiting friends with items such as stereoscopic viewers and musical instruments.

Come see the Butchart’s home and you will gain a sense of the graciousness of the period. As always, staff members are on hand to assist you with answers to any questions you have.

Have fun with your friends and loved ones on our outdoor skating rink. Outdoor Rink

Embrace the Christmas season—bring your friends and family to our outdoor rink and lace up your skates. Glide underneath soft twinkling lights to the sounds of seasonal music. After skating, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in our poinsettia decorated Coffee Shop and snuggle up by the toasty fireplace.

Skating is available daily during admission hours. Just show up and skate at the next available time, or book a time by visiting the Visitor Information Centre upon arrival. Skate times run on the hour and last for 40 minutes. The rink capacity is 75, so be sure to bring your friends and family. Skate rentals are available on a first come basis for a small fee. Helmets and wrist guards are highly recommended and are available at no charge. Admission to The Gardens is required to access the rink.

A portion of the proceeds is donated to local children's charities.

Please visit our Rates page for pricing information.

Note: Skate club performances are on several Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm.