Victoria, BC - In a ceremony to recognize long term employees of The Butchart Gardens, held on Thursday, two employees received their 50-year pins, one received her 45-year pin, and 23 employees received pins recognizing from 10 to 25 years of employment.

Albert Keel, head gardener and Barrie Lee, director of the Seed & Gift Store were both awarded their 50-year pins and Maria Pancel, greenhouse manager, received her 45-year pin. Each received a special gift from the owner.

In her remarks, Robin Clarke owner of The Gardens and great grand daughter of Jennie Butchart said "It is both a pleasure and an honour to have known and worked with Albert, Barrie and Maria over their many years at The Gardens. I know The Butchart Gardens would not have achieved the beauty and world class reputation it has held over its 104 years without the dedication and hard work of so many wonderful and talented long time staff."

The Gardens now has 50 employees who have worked for the company for 25 or more years.

The Butchart Gardens employs close to 550 in the peak season and some 250 in the off-peak season in arts and entertainment, food services, gardening, seed and gift store, maintenance, visitor services and various administrative positions.

The Butchart Gardens was created in 1904 by Jennie Butchart out of her husband's worked-out limestone quarry site, and is still owned and managed by the family. Welcoming close to one million visitors from around the world each year, it has been designated a National Historic Site. The 22 hectare (55 acre) year round gardens are located 20 km (13 miles) north of the city of Victoria, BC, in Brentwood Bay, Central Saanich.