The Wonderful World Of Butchart Gardens
July 31st, 2010 by Vilma Clemons, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
The history of Butchart gardens is a truly grand one. Mr. Robert Pim Butchart built his home here in the year 1904. Mr. Butchart was in the manufacturing of Portland cement which limestone was a prime ingredient within. The land on which his home was built had quarries of limestone throughout. Once these quarries were exhausted Mrs. Jenny Butchart decided that they could be used by adding layer after layer of rich top soil to the quarries floor into a lovely sunken style garden.
A beautiful Japanese inspired garden was added close to the sea shore to represent their many travels there four years later. An extravagant Italian villa garden was created were the family tennis courts used to stand. In 1929 the vegetable patch for the kitchen was replaced by a fragrant rose garden which is home to a variety of roses.Robert was very proud of his wife’s accomplishment at making such beauty out of the land.
Within the 1920′s the news of Mrs. Butchart’s magnificent gardens had spread and people well over 45,000 were coming from all around just to see their beauty. They renamed their grand estate to the Italian ‘Benvenuto’ which means welcome in thanks to all those who visited them and admired the gardens. Jenny then purchased Japanese Cherry trees to line the walks leading into the magical gardens.
On your visit here not only do you get to take in the breathtaking beauty of the gardens themselves but also the things and areas that surround them. You can see flowering plants growing in the massive heated show greenhouse. Pictures can be taken of theses showstoppers by way of sliding picture windows which keep the photos from having glares within them. At the Blue Poppy restaurant you can get cafeteria style service which means you can grab it and go.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Rose Carousel. This hand-carved animal carousel has over thirty types of animals on it for a delightful array, The music is uplifting and the mirrors only add to their exuberance. Every animal is unique in that they are all carved by hand out of basswood and take well over thirty days to complete just one. Afterward head over to the Dining Room Restaurant and indulge in a tasty meal.
At the Dining Room you can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables of the season and prime dishes made from them as well. Settle down for a tea in the afternoon with friends and a nice chat with one another. Two popular dishes include Prawn Croquettes and the mouth watering Salmon which has been smoked in house and made into flake quiche. They do have dishes that children will like as well.
You can view extravagant fireworks shows and displays throughout the summer months alongside concerts from talented musicians who are local and from abroad. Flowers here are ever changing as different varieties grow in the changing seasons. There is also a Nice Coffee shop for those who want to sit sown with a cup of cappuccino or coffee. You can find herbal teas here as well as sandwiches that are fresh, cookies, chocolates and pastry delights. Visiting Butchart Gardens is something the entire family will enjoy, so go ahead and make a day out of it.
Looking to find the single source of helpful information on Butchart gardens?
