If you’re going to live in Victoria, a visit to the Butchart Gardens is an absolute must. The business has been family run ever since it started, it was a huge success right from the start and is now known worldwide and receives a large number of visitors every day.  The Gardens are absolutely splendid, with entertainement and gastronomy offers as well as beautiful plants, fountains and places everywhere – real eye candy. Not only people interested in botanics, but everyone should visit this amazing place. You won’t be able to miss the amazing beauty of what’s in front of you.

A Quick History

When the Butchart family made Victoria their permanent home, Jennie Butchart begins to design and plant gardens on her estate. In 1908, as the splendid gardens that resulted of her dedicated work started attracting more and more visitors, a decision was made to name the estate “benvenuto”, which is Italian for welcome, as a warm gesture towards all their visitors. Since then, the Gardens have only ever been closed three times. In 1912, the planning for the now famous gorgeous Sunken Garden begins. In 1921, this garden is completed and becomes a popular tourist attraction for people all around the world because of its beauty and uniqueness. The Butcharts have the Gardens reflect their frequent travels by placing overseas purchases such as statues and fountains in the Gardens. Over time, the Gardens grow in size and in importance. 1931, Jennie Butchart is named citizen of the year for her efforts to attract visitors to the Gardens. Jennie Butchart dies in 1950 and other family members begin to run the business. In 1953, wiring is laid for the night illuminations, and in 1977, firework shows are introduced. In 2004, the Gardens celebrated their 100 year anniversary. In 2005, the Gardens welcome their 50 000 000th visitor from Texas.

To Do and See

Obviously, the Gardens are amazing enough by themselves. The variety of plants, the splendor of the Gardens, the colors, the beautiful nature all around you is enough to make anyone happy. As if this weren’t enough, though, the Gardens offer entertainment such as fireworks or planned events throughout the year. An event coming up is Christmas light up on December 1st, where the Gardens’ festive lights will be switched on. Ice Rink performances and live music are all scheduled for winter time. In summer, there is a firework display every Saturday night. There are also summer picnics available on Residence Lawn at that time, so that makes the perfect combination for a nice Saturday afternoon and evening out in the summer. There’s also a wide range of culinary offers in the Gardens – those range from beautiful sophisticated restaurants like the Dining Room restaurant, where afternoon tea and formal dinner are offered, to small casual places where you can grab a quick snack, like the Blue Poppy restaurant. There’s also seasonal stands like the one selling ice cream, labeled Gelateria Benvenuto, awaiting you in the Italian Garden. 

Admission

The Gardens open every day of the year at 9 a.m., except on Christmas Day where they do so at 1 p.m. Admission rates for adults vary from $15.50 to $28 depending on what time of the year you choose to go there, and a visit is absolutely worth paying this price. You can also choose to purchase a 12-month pass in the likely event that the Gardens leave you awestruck and wanting lots and lots more. Purchasing tickets online is possible, but you can also buy them when you arrive at the Gardens. The Gardens are located 14 miles north of Victoria, the address is 800 Benvenuto Avenue. By car, it should take you about 30 minutes from Victoria.

Conclusion

Make sure you visit the beautiful internationally renowned Gardens as soon (and as often) as you possibly can. It is a great way for you and a couple of friends to spend some time outside, relaxing, chatting or even studying while getting tanned in the sun. There is absolutely no excuse to miss a place as stunning as the Butchart Gardens, so why not start planning your visit there right now? It’s truly worth it.