Always Open Gardens
Mid-week or on weekends when out-of-town guests ask about gardens, you can organize your own tours by asking your neighbours and friends or you can take then to these choice always-open gardens this summer.
Abkhazi Garden A heritage garden property in Victoria, BC. Created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in the mid to late-1940s and maintained and improved by them throughout their life together. Now being restored to former glory. (Admission charge)
Beacon Hill Park - Alpine Rock Garden, Grassland, Garry Oak woods. The Alpine Rock Garden was established in the 70s and spring is a wonderful time to view these early-bloomers. Also in the spring are the fields of crocus, lupines, camas and cool-weather grasses to enjoy and explore. Beacon Hill - Alpine Rock Garden, Grassland, Garry Oak woods. The Alpine Rock Garden was established in the 70s and spring is a wonderful time to view these early-bloomers. Also in the spring are the fields of crocus, lupines, camas and cool-weather grasses to enjoy and explore.
Chosin Pottery - 4283 Metchosin Road, Metchosin (by donation). This 2 1/2 acre garden features Aisian-inspired design with koi ponds, ceramic art, large sculptures and whimsey. The mixed plantings blend into a bog, wild garden and native garden. Developed by artists as a 'work in progress'.
Finnerty Gardens - at the University of Victoria. Rhodos, rhodos, rhodos! Oh aye, and those other plants too.
www.saanich.ca Gorge Waterway Park, Gorge Road West (Tillicum to Admirals). This walkway is an excellent example of the beautiful designs that are possible with really tough plants. The plants are thriving in an environment of salt spray, hot sun, strong winds and visits by dogs.
Esquimalt Gorge Park (off Tillicum) has a major restoration project underway. The original stream has been reclaimed and the area landscaped. It is still under construction and should be finished by the Spring of 2006. It is hoped that fish stocks will eventually return to the stream. Also Playfair Park, off Quadra at Rock St. Gorgeous beds of herbaceous perennials. Nice place for a picnic.
Government House Gardens Information about The Friends of the Government House Gardens Society, descriptions and pictures of the different parts of the garden, Garden Tour Schedule, etc.
Glendale Gardens and Woodland a nonprofit organization that manages 103 acres in Saanich on southern Vancouver Island for the purposes of cultivating public interest in sound gardening practices, of operating gardens that demonstrate the diversity of plants that can be grown in this area, of preserving natural plant and animal habitat, and of providing a unique environment for preparing students for careers in horticulture. (Admission charge)
Windsor Park, Windsor and Newport Ave. Over 500 roses provide a
stunning display in this Oak Bay park.
