August 5, 2023
If you haven’t high tailed it out of Dallas for a lazy vacation at the beach or cool, comfortable nights in the mountains then, like me, you’ve accepted the undeniable fact that our sweltering summer heat and humidity is overstaying it seasonal appearance. With daytime temperatures hovering in the 100+ degree range, it’s a miserable time to be outdoors. What’s a garden lover to do!
I’m dreaming about a place that my husband and I have visited several times over the years and wishing, somehow, we could be transported there now. Until that happens, let’s spend a few minutes enjoying the remarkable scenery of a global beauty. Our photographic journey will reward us visually as we visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Located near Victoria on Vancouver Island in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada, the gardens were designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004.
Robert Pim Butchart (1856-1943) began manufacturing Portland cement in 1888 near his birthplace of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. He and his wife Jennie Butchart (1866 – 1950) came to the west coast of Canada because of rich limestone deposits necessary for cement production. In 1904, they established their home near his quarry on Tod Inlet at the base of the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island.
Fast forward to 1909 when the limestone quarry was exhausted, Jenny set about turning it into the Sunken Garden, which was completed in 1921. Over the next few years, other areas were converted into themed gardens. In 1939, the Butchart’s gave the Gardens to their grandson Ian Ross (1918-1997) on his 21st birthday. Ross was involved in the operation and promotion of the gardens until his death 58 years later. And today, ownership of the The Gardens remains within the Butchart family.
Visiting this 119-year-old internationally renowned 55-acre floral display is a breath-taking experience. The gardens provide dramatic floral displays in a variety of garden settings and styles. Starting with The Sunken Garden (the original quarry) to The Rose Garden with over 2,500 roses filling the air with their fragrance, you’ll feel as if you’re walking through a fairytale.
*The Butchart Gardens are open daily. Closed Christmas Day.
Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 
Thank you Linda, for your interesting facts about Butchart Gardens. They are indeed breathtaking and the weather is perfect for viewing the beauty. We saw it at night with well placed lights displaying the beauty of all the flowers. It is a place all should try to visit.