The Canadian Garden council has named the 100 Garden Moments in Canada, in celebration of this year’s Year of the Garden, and a popular spot in Victoria made the list.
The gardens at Government House, created in 1911, have been named one of 100 Garden Moments in Canada.
In 2002, the Estate of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia was designated a National Historic Site due to the beauty of 36 acres of mature trees and flowering bushes, two rose gardens and a 22-acre native Gary oak ecosystem known as the Woodlands.
The grounds also include a volunteer-run tea room and costume museum.
Today, the gardens are maintained and supported by over 400 Friends of Government House Gardens, with additional non-gardening members contributing thousands of hours to support the Government House archives and special events.
“The gardens at Government House are a wonderful treasure that I am delighted to share with visitors locally and from all over the world,” said Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
“I am grateful for the recognition from the Canadian Garden Council of the significance of our gardens, thanks largely to the extraordinary stewardship from The Friends of Government House Gardens Society volunteers, whose dedication enhances the magic of this beautiful landscape.”
Visiting the gardens at Government House is free-of-charge and open daily to the public from dawn to dusk.
For hungry visitors, Rudi’s Tea Roof offers refreshment and picnics, located in the Cary Castle Mews.
The grounds also host special events, including three free outdoor concerts on July 7th, 14th and 21st at the Government House bandshell.
Be sure to stop by and check out the gardens for yourself!
Government House Gardens
- Location: 1401 Rockland Avenue
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
Rudi’s Tea Room
- Location: 1401 Rockland Avenue, Government House
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
