Hello friends! How was your week? If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen a sneak peek of what was happening at my house yesterday — I was so excited to share it.
While sorting through my blog drafts this week I discovered an unpublished post about our trip to Butchart Gardens in Victoria. We visited last fall, and for some reason the post remained in drafts with photos attached. I finally finished it because it’s never too late to enjoy pictures of a truly remarkable garden.
The gardens feel perfectly timed after our recent conversation about creating a magical garden. Butchart Gardens is as magical as it gets.
The gardens were developed more than a century ago by Mr. and Mrs. Butchart on the grounds of their home. What was once an unattractive sunken limestone quarry was transformed into breathtaking garden beds. I love the idea of seeing potential in an ugly pit and turning it into something beautiful — it’s a reminder that with care and patience, neglected spaces can become extraordinary.
I first visited Butchart Gardens as a child and remembered how glorious it felt. Returning last fall, it was every bit as lovely. Spring and early summer are spectacular when the bulbs are in full bloom, but even in early fall the gardens felt like a fairytale.
Although the day was a bit cloudy, the rain stayed away and we were able to stroll the paths comfortably.
I said “wow” more times than I can count as we wandered through the garden.
The winding paths and abundant greenery invite slow exploration, and every turn reveals another exquisite scene.
Each section of the gardens is thoughtfully composed, from lush borders to tranquil water features.
The beauty is constant and breathtaking at every turn.
We hadn’t made dinner reservations, but the restaurant was able to accommodate us. The dining room is located in the Butchart family’s original home, and I was excited to spend the evening admiring it.
I felt a little odd taking photos during the meal, but the atmosphere was lovely and worth remembering.
We dined in a beautiful sunroom that overlooked a private garden, which made the evening even more special.
At the end of the evening they put on fireworks, which were a delightful finale and made the visit feel even more magical. If you get the chance to visit Butchart Gardens, go — it’s an unforgettable experience. If you’ve been, I’d love to hear about your visit in the comments.
