Established in 1904 by Jennie and Robert Butchart, the Butchart Gardens have remained under the stewardship of the Butchart family and were designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004. Today, the Butchart Gardens encompass 55 acres of themed gardens, including the Japanese, Italian, and Rose Gardens, each offering unique horticultural experiences. The Sunken Garden stands as a testament to Jennie Butchart’s vision and dedication, transforming an industrial scar into a world-renowned horticultural haven that continues to inspire visitors from around the globe.

🌿 The Sunken Garden: From Quarry to Botanical Masterpiece

One of the most captivating features of Butchart Gardens is the Sunken Garden, a remarkable example of landscape transformation and early 20th-century beautification efforts. In 1909, Jennie Butchart embarked on an ambitious project to convert her family’s depleted limestone quarry into a lush garden. Over nine years, she transformed the barren pit into the Sunken Garden, which now spans five acres and features 151 flower beds adorned with approximately 65,000 plants. This extraordinary endeavour not only revitalized the landscape but also established a precedent for sustainable land reclamation in Canada.

Visitors may traverse intricate pathways that lead past the elegant Ross Fountain and the tranquil Bog Garden. A central limestone mound affords a sweeping vista, offering breathtaking panoramas of the vibrant floral arrangements and meticulously cultivated landscapes.