The Gardens
What To See in June
Throughout the seasons there is always something of interest in the garden: from the fragrant, winter blooming shrubs, to the fresh delights of spring, to the abundance of summer colour, to the grand finale of autumn.
This collection highlights those plants most often asked about at our Plant Identification Centre. It is neither a complete list, nor may all the plants listed necessarily be growing at The Butchart Gardens when you visit. Naturally, weather conditions may alter the blooming time by as much as several weeks.
Place your cursor over the underlined plant name to see a photo.
Flowers:
- Alyssum
- Anchusa
- Antirrhinum (Snapdragon)
- Aruncus
- Begonia, Fibrous
- Begonia, Tuberous
- Calceolaria
- Columbine
- Coreopsis
- Delphinium
- Digitalis (Foxglove)
- Eremurus (Foxtail Lily)
- Dianthus
- Filipendula
- Fuchsia
- Geranium
- Heliotrope
- Hypericum
- Iris
- Linaria
- Lobelia
- Lychnis
- Marguerite
- Meconopsis (Tibetan Blue Poppy)
- Nemesia
- Nicotiana
- Oriental Poppy
- Pelargonium (Zonal Geranium)
- Petunia
- Phlox
- Pansy
- Salpiglossis
- Stock
- Sweet Pea
- Sweet William
- Tradescantia (Spiderwort)
- Valerian
- Verbena
- Veronica
Showhouse: Pelargonium (Martha Washington Geraniums), Coleus
The planting of the summer annual displays are completed during the first week of this month. Perennials are staked and disbudded where necessary. We also add accent plants to our perennial borders to enhance the display. Fuchsia standards, tibouchina and other taller plants are placed into the backgrounds to brighten up these areas as well. Roses begin blooming and the deadheading regimen kicks in to remove the spent flowers of all plants throughout the gardens, especially the rhododendrons.
Arts & Entertainment crew: With various props now assembled the wiring and installations begin for the fireworks show. The outdoor stage cover is put in place and the stage itself is prepared for another busy season. Daily checks and maintenance of lighting begins. Preparations for Christmas begin with preparation of thousands of bows and the rebuilding/repair of Christmas props. New Seed & Gift Store displays are installed.
From mid-June to the Labour Day weekend, The Gardens comes alive with Night Illuminations, entertainment and Saturday night fireworks. Details will be found on our Summer page.