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The Butchart Gardens - the Sunken Garden
The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC, Canada - photos and information about the spectacular Sunken Garden.
Both: Courtesy of The Butchart Gardens Ltd., Victoria, BC, Canada
The Sunken Garden
In 1904 Robert Butchart began producing cement from limestone near "Benvenuto" their home at the Tod Inlet, Brentwood Bay near Victoria BC. Although the business closed twelve years later you can still see one remaining tall chimney from the old kiln. The abandonned quarry inspired his wife Jennie to create a unique garden so topsoil was brought in by horse and cart and raised beds were built. A photo exits even showing her in a bosun's chair planting ivy into the rockface.
This is the setting for the spectacular Sunken Garden. We say "spectacular" advisedly. Your approach to the Sunken Garden is carefully controlled so that it is suddenly revealed to "oohs" and "aahs". It is generally considered the highlight of the Butchart Gardens.
Centre: courtesy of The Butchart Gardens Ltd., Victoria, BC, Canada
The Ross Fountain
Walking down to the floor of the old quarry takes you through different vistas, past an outcrop you can climb for a 360 degree view, round a lake until you reach the Ross Fountain. This is named after Robert and Jennie Butchart's grandson Ian Ross who ran the Gardens after the Second World War. Built in 1964, its 200 nozzles pump water 70 feet into the air in varying patterns and are illuminated at night.
Right: courtesy of The Butchart Gardens Ltd., Victoria, BC, Canada
Other highlights at the Butchart Gardens are the Japanese Garden (our favourite) and the Rose Garden. Their summer illuminations are not to be missed and you can enjoy fireworks and concerts on Saturday nights in July and August.
Victoria's Country Retreat ... serenity near the Butchart Gardens
(Victoria bed and breakfast - Butchart Gardens Sunken Garden page)
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