The gardening communities have saved important private gardens such as the Abkhazi garden. They have supported beautiful new gardens, an example being the magnificent Finnerty gardens, with its extensive collection of heritage rhododendrons and shade loving perennials through organizations such as the Friends of the University Gardens. Their involvement is also reflected in the establishment and running of the extensive Horticulture Centre of the Pacific with its educational programs and demonstration gardens.
Surrounding naturalistic ponds, under the canopy of native firs and cedars, there are over 1600 trees and shrubs, which have been under planted with a range of exotic and native shade loving plants. The genesis of this woodland garden was the extensive rhododendron collection left to the University of Victoria by rhododendron enthusiasts over 30 years ago. (see garden history) This collection included many specimens (now over 70 years old) that had been started from seed obtained either directly or indirectly from the plant explorers who had discovered them. There are now over 200 rhododendron species and azaleas along with an extensive planting of hybrids, most of them of early origin.
Thanks in no small part to the vision, expertise and continued support from the Friends of Finnerty, other gardeners and nurseries have continued to donate trees, shrubs and perennials including many new plant introductions. Interesting plantings have been created utilizing a range of plants, including grasses, selected for year round interest.
The roots of this 1.4 acre site garden go back to 1946 when, in this challenging setting of dramatic glaciated rock slopes and majestic Garry Oaks, the Prince and Princess Abkhazi created one of the most unique gardens in the Pacific Northwest. (see garden history) It took a national campaign to save this historic garden, which is now owned by The Land Conservancy of B.C
Abkhazi is an historic, woodland garden that continues to evolve under the loving hands of committed volunteers and Victoria_s well-known gardener, Valerie Murray. New plantings are always added to enhance year round interest and new plant introductions are incorporated. All of this is done with a sensitivity to the integrity of the plantings and you know that the Abkhazis are smiling as they see their baby continue to develop and grow under such talented nurturing.
Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (see gardening resources and garden history) features five acres of demonstration gardens., the Takata Japanese and Zen Garden, a Contemporary Mixed Border and the lovely Doris Page Winter Garden .
The volunteer run demonstration gardens include; Fruit and Vegetable garden, Herb garden, Dahlia Trial Garden (first to be officially sanctioned by the American Dahlia Society and only one in Canada!), Native Plant Demonstration Garden, Rhododendron and Hosta garden, Hardy Fuscha formal design garden and a Lily garden. There is also a whimsical Children's Garden (which features rustic fences designed by the private Heritage Garden owner), the Drought Tolerant Garden and the extensive Heather Garden.
The ever evolving Takata Japanese Garden and Zen Garden was designed and established by volunteers to honor the Takata Tea Garden, which existed in Victoria from 1907 to the 1930's (see garden history). This garden, under tall native conifers, features plantings on either side of a stream that runs between two large ponds. You can cross over the stream by arched, zigzag and rock bridges as you progress to the Zen Garden. Bob Clark, whose dream started with his involvement with the Takata Society and whose enthusiasm, skill and determination can be seen throughout the garden, has spearheaded this ongoing project.
These mixed borders (encompassing 700 square meters) are designed, planted and maintained by the Hardy Plant Group of the Victoria Horticulture Society. Dramatic and innovative planting styles, which combine a wide range of plant material-including small trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, bulbs and annuals, energize these electrifying borders. Further structure is added through the introduction of unique garden sculptures.
A winter garden in a woodland setting, this garden was named after one of the pioneers of winter and naturalistic gardening in the Pacific Northwest (see garden design and garden history). Doris Page actively participated in creating this delightful garden even when using a walker! On a treed slope through which paths wander there are over 500 different plants, shrubs and trees planted. Bloom starts in December but plantings are exciting year round.