Hello friends! How was your week? If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen a little sneak peek of what was happening at my house yesterday — I was so excited to share it.
While sorting through old drafts this week I realized I never published this post about our trip to Butchart Gardens in Victoria. The photos and notes were sitting in my drafts from last fall, and somehow it never made it live. Better late than never — gardens like this deserve to be remembered.
The gardens began more than a century ago on the Butcharts’ property, transforming a disused limestone quarry into something truly beautiful. I love the story of turning an ugly, forgotten pit into a lush, carefully tended landscape. It’s a lovely reminder that with a bit of attention and care, neglected places — and moments in life — can become extraordinary.
I first visited Butchart Gardens as a child and was enchanted; I’ve wanted to return ever since. Finally, last fall we had the chance, and it was every bit as lovely as I remembered. Spring and early summer are spectacular when the bulbs are in full bloom, but even in early fall the gardens felt like a fairytale.
It was a cloudy day, but the rain held off, so we were able to stroll the paths comfortably. I kept saying “wow” as we wandered; every turn revealed another composition of color and texture.
The winding paths and lush plantings invite you to explore slowly. Each garden room has its own character and careful attention to detail.
From expansive lawns and fountains to intimate, shaded corners, the variety is one of the garden’s most captivating qualities.
Every section is meticulously planned — the plant combinations, paths, and focal points draw your eye and encourage you to linger.
The scale and detail of the plantings are breathtaking. Water features and sculptures punctuate the scenes and enhance the sense of enchantment.
We hadn’t made dinner reservations but were able to be seated. The restaurant is located in the Butcharts’ original family home, so dining there felt special — a mix of history and charm. We sat in a lovely sunroom that overlooked a private garden, which made the evening feel very peaceful.
I felt a bit awkward photographing inside during dinner, but the atmosphere was delightful and the view was worth savoring.
At the end of the evening there was a fireworks display — a fun way to conclude a magical visit. If you have the chance to go to Butchart Gardens, I highly recommend it. If you’ve been before, I’d love to hear about your visit in the comments.
