The extensive gardens of this vice-regal estate - the official residence of the Queen's representative to the province of BC overlooks an ancient Garry Oak meadow with a majestic view of the straight of Georgia and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. The gardens, which have been featured on the American TV show Victory Gardens are constantly evolving.
The unique features of this estate include an extensive rockery developed on a natural rock utcropping overlooking the ocean and a herb garden for all the senses –a formal tapestry planting featuring Mediterranean herbs. Near it is its neighbouring culinary garden used by the chefs of the residence. (The renowned Ravenhill Herb Farm. designed these herb gardens).
On the terraced hillside beside the residence is a wonderful cutting garden. This is one of the estate's fantastic mixed boarders featuring some of the newer plant introductions and demonstrating the use of year round interest through planning for sequence of bloom and combining texture and foliage. Throughout, plantings have been planned to take you through late winter and early spring to the vibrant colours of fall.
You will walk under heritage rhododendrons, towering copper beeches, and giant Douglas Firs and Sequoias (California Redwoods). Stand beside the towering Metasequoia (Dawn Redwood), one of the first specimens to be planted in North America and go back in time as you hear the story of how this living fossil from the dawn of time was reintroduced to North America.
Stroll through the formal Victorian rose garden with its boxwood enclosed plantings with climbers supported on arbours and an Edwardian rondel interpreted through the use of black wrought iron. You will be reminded of a bygone era as you stand under the elegant weeping willow by the pond, which was part of the original 1920's landscaping by the British painter/landscape architect who designed these grounds.
This garden is an ever-growing part of Victoria's gardening heritage to be passed down to future generations.