By Thea Hegland

It’s all about the history.

One hundred years ago, Jennie Butchart planted two Thuja occidentalis ‘Fastigiata’ (Arborvitae) on either side of the main path of The Sunken Garden and established the symbolic presence of the ‘Tree of Life’ at The Butchart Gardens. These iconic trees have been the fabled backdrop of the most photographed vista here at The Gardens.

Thuja occidentalis ‘Fastigiata’ (Arborvitae) on either side of the main path of The Sunken Garden

Legend has it, after the limestone was exhausted from the old quarry and Portland Cement ceased operations, Mrs. Butchart was bound and determined to transform the desolate space into a place of beauty, filled with trees and flowers. It wasn’t easy; there was no such thing as heavy equipment, therefore, loads and loads of topsoil had to be brought in by horse and cart. Mr. Butchart admired Jennie’s determination and supported her farsighted vision by readily supplying man power and resources to accomplish her goals. Happily, content, inspired by each tree she planted, The Sunken Garden was nearing completion in 1920.

The Sunken Garden circa 1921

Also celebrating a century this year, the first issue of The Benvenuto Seed Catalogue came to be. Seed was collected from the seed field and hand packaged for sale from a selection of garden favourites. This tradition continues with the collection of our own Meconopsis (Blue poppy) seeds. Other seeds are brought in from leading seed producers and hand packaged in The Gift Store.

The Spring Prelude exhibits many historical artifacts as the design focuses on mixing progressive new concepts complemented with a touch of rich history. Noteworthy is the in house designed water wall feature which showcases old Portland Cement pots that were made at Mr. Butchart’s cement factory. The old ore-carts have been utilized as a garden design feature with carefully chosen plant material. Some of the other garden art features made in house have also derived from Portland Cement. These include the contemporary cement pillars, the ball planter and the hypertufa pots in the pond.

Water wall feature which showcases old Portland cement pots

Out in The Gardens it seems we are still making history. The first Cherry blossoms appeared during a break in the sky as the rain let up revealing a pleasant surprise! Not entirely unusual but for some reason it seems that quite often, the earlier bloomers prevail in spite of what weather systems come our way. We are now getting used to the sight of early Narcissus (Daffodil), in fact, were they actually late this year?!

Garden highlights at this time include the fragrant Sarcococca (Christmas box) that seems to follow you through the meandering paths, provoking mystique with its alluring fragrance. Hardy blossoms such as Galanthus (Snowdrop) Crocus, Eranthis (Winter aconite) and Cyclamen are all waiting to be found. Nestled amongst the Sequoia grove, you can find double Helleborus, Viburnum bodnantense, and Abeliophyllum distichum (White forsythia) amongst the treasures.

Galanthus (Snowdrop) Crocus

Come visit us, learn about the fascinating history at The Historical Display and escape into the wondrous Spring Prelude where the flowers are waiting to be enjoyed!

Outside: Plants that are currently blooming

• Abeliophyllum distichum (White forsythia)
• Acer japonica (Japanese maple)
• Aucuba japonica (Spotted laurel)
• Bellis (English daisy)
• Bergenia (Elephant’s ears)
• Camellia
• Cornus mas
• Correa (Australian fuchsia)
• Cotoneaster
• Cyclamen
• Daphne odora
• Eranthis
• Erica (Heather)
• Erysimum (Wallflower)
• Galanthus (Snowdrop)
• Garrya elliptica (Silk- tassel bush)
• Hamamelis (Witch hazel)
• Helleborus (Christmas rose)
• Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)
• Jasminium nudiflorum (Winter jasmine)
• Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ (Oregon grape)
• Nandina domestica (Heavenly bamboo)
• Narcissus (Daffodil)
• Ophiopogon planiscapus (Black mondo grass)
• Pansy
• Pieris (Lily -of – the valley shrub)
• Polyanthus (Primula)
• Prunus (Flowering cherry)
• Pyracantha
• Rhododendron
• Sarcococca (Christmas box)
• Skimmia japonica
• Viburnum x bodnantense
• Viburnum tinus
• Viola

Inside: Plants that are currently blooming

• Amaryllis
• Anthurium (Flamingo flower)
• Azalea
• Bromeliad
• Camellia
• Crocus
• Cyclamen
• Edgeworthia chrysantha (Paper bush)
• Erica (Heather)
• Hamamelis (Witch hazel)
• Helleborus (Christmas rose)
• Iris reticulata
• Kalanchoe
• Loropetalum chinese ‘Razzleberri’
• Magnolia x soulangeana (Saucer magnolia)
• Narcissus (Daffodil)
• Ophiopogon planiscapus (Black mondo grass)
• Orchid
• Pieris (Lily -of – the valley shrub)
• Pinus strobus ‘Louie’
• Polyanthus (Primula)
• Prunus (Flowering plum)
• Prunus incisa ‘Little Twist’
• Ribes (Flowering currant)
• Sarcococca (Christmas box)
• Sciadopitys verticillate (Japanese umbrella pine)
• Skimmia japonica
• Stromanthe
• Tulipa (Tulip)
• Viburnum x bodnantense
• Viburnum tinus
• Viola