Meander through fragrant Butchart Gardens at your leisure, taking in the splendor of themed gardens featuring colorful flora from various countries and areas of the world. As you stroll the winding trails, it may be difficult to imagine that this incredibly lush, botanical wonderland was once a barren rock quarry. The transformation began in 1912, when Jennie Butchart started depositing top soil by horse and cart into a section of the abandoned quarry now known as the Sunken Garden. Be sure to see it and other highlights such as the aromatic Rose Garden, the exotic Mediterranean Garden and the Italian Garden near the Butchart family’s former estate. To minimize Butchart Gardens’ environmental impact, wood waste and branches are repurposed as mulch and weeds are treated organically. The gardens are so inspiring, you may wish to re-create a version once you return home by purchasing various seeds from the themed areas.
