The indoor Spring Prelude in March is a mini tropical oasis with lilies , orchids , and other blossoms arranged alongside leafy vegetation and goldfish in a pond . Outdoors , crocuses and daffodils are the first breath of spring along with tulips , hyacinths , and other spring flowers . The stunning evanescent display of ornamental cherry and plum blossoms and magnolias is spring ’ s crowning glory .
By summertime , the gardens are a riot of colour . Roses , dahlias , flowering maples , angels ’ trumpet , fuchsia , begonias , and others line the walkways and decorate hanging baskets . Evening concerts on the lawn bring out some of the area ’ s best entertainment and on Saturday evenings , a fabulous fireworks display lights up the sky .
Near the carousel , you can stop for refreshments ; if you prefer sorbet , that ’ s available once you ’ ve passed through the Italian Gardens . If you ’ re hungry , there ’ s a lunch counter , cafeteria , formal restaurant , and picnic area . At the gift shop , peruse beautifully hand-crafted blown glass , paintings , textiles , and pottery by local artisans — or find a package of seeds to take home .
The Ross Fountain at the end of the Sunken Garden dances in varying patterns with streams of water up to 21 metres .
Peaceful and serene any time of year , the Japanese Garden is resplendent in the fall .
Autumn is one of my favourite times to visit . Once you pass through the shiny red gateway ( known as a torii ) at the entrance to the Japanese Garden , you ’ ll discover a quintessential Japanese Garden with running water , ponds , trees , and shrubs . Explore the various niches , shelters , rest areas , bridges , and walking stones while you enjoy the brilliant oranges , blazing reds , and mossy greens . This garden , designed by Ishiburo Kashida in 1910 , is a natural work of art , a place of calm and tranquility that changes with the seasons .
At Butchart Gardens , Christmas is another magical season . Poinsettias and other hardy flowering plants are on parade , setting the stage for an outstanding Twelve Days of Christmas light-up . With choristers singing and a brass band playing carols , you ’ ll feel the Christmas vibe throughout the gardens , no matter the temperature . Children and adults alike love the creative twinkling light fixtures and characters , not to mention the hot chocolate afterward , and the dusting of snow if it arrives !
Butchart Gardens is a delightful and welcoming place to visit all year long .
Writer and photographer Delia McCrae of Sidney , BC , has the good fortune to live near Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island and visits often . She enjoys photographing the landscape and floral displays as they change throughout the year .
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