Butchart Gardens in Vancouver Island, Canada

I long for spring!  Sitting here looking out at over 3 feet of snow can certainly give you the winter blues.  My remedy.   Looking at old summer vacation photos.

In 2004 my husband and I vacationed in the state of Washington and Victoria, Canada.  And one of the highlights was our visit to Butchart Gardens located on Vancouver Island in Canada. 

  

The garden is one of the world's premier floral show gardens. Jennie Butchart began to shape this magnificent landscape in 1904. She established, in the style of the grand estates of the period, several distinct gardens to evoke a range of aesthetic experiences. Developed on a limestone quarry the land was transformed into a dramatic Sunken Garden. Through successive generations of the Butchart family, the gardens has retained much of its original design, and continues the Victorian tradition of seasonally changing the outstanding floral displays.

The public area covers over 55 acres with 26 greenhouses. Fifty master gardeners maintain the gardens.
 

 

The Rose Garden

If you plan on visiting Victoria we recommend staying at The Fairmont.  This grand hotel is just a short walk from the Ferry and within many shops and restaurants.  And a scenic bus ride to Butchart Gardens. 

Upon leaving Victoria, Gary juggled his way back to the ferry for our trip back to the states.

Next week: Sequim Lavender Festival.