April 5, 2019
This step-on, guided tour includes a quick visit to Abkhazi Gardens and then on to the magnificent Gardens at Hatley Estate–the site of Royal Roads University, a stop at the Gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, and finishes with a historical guided tour and back-of-house greenhouse tour at The Butchart Gardens.
Sunday, November 3rd, 2019 – 10:00am
The bus will pick up participants at The Hotel Grand Pacific and will wind by Government House before making a quick stop at The Abkhazi Garden– an exquisite heritage home and garden located in Victoria. Prince and Princess Abkhazi began creating their garden in 1946. This was the year they married and settled in Victoria, after living separate lives touched by both privilege and tragedy. They immediately began to develop their one-acre property, and continued to maintain and improve the garden throughout their lives together. After their deaths the Garden changed hands, and in February 2000, The Land Conservancy purchased the property to save it from becoming a townhouse development.
On to Hatley Park where you will experience the tranquility of the estate and enjoy a Guided Walking Estate Tour that will take you on a 1-hour journey to share the significant history of the site and the various evolutions through time from the First Nations, Dunsmuir family, Royal Roads Military College and now Royal Roads University. Unlike other museums you may have visited, Hatley Castle is a ‘living building’ and is occupied by Royal Roads University administration offices, classes and events.
The Hatley Park estate is comprised of 565 acres and features hundreds of heritage trees significant for their size, rarity and diversity, including 250-year-old Douglas firs that are among the largest in the area. The showpieces of the park are generally considered to be the formal gardens of which the Italian, the Rose and the Japanese gardens are the best known.
Enjoy a boxed lunch on the way to the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, home to the Pacific Horticulture College. Located just twelve kilometres north of Downtown Victoria, you will discover a public garden lovingly cared for by volunteers, staff and students. From the hands-on Children’s Garden to the largest outdoor Bonsai Garden in Canada, enjoy a lovely afternoon stroll before heading to The Butchart Gardens.
The Butchart Gardens, National Historic Site of Canada, is recognized as one of the premier show gardens in the world. Open every day of the year, The Gardens welcomes over 1 million visitors annually. Still privately owned, the legacy of the Butchart family continues to this day, now by their great granddaughter. With over 22 hectres (55 acres) of floral splendour, The Gardens are made up of a series of gardens including the Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, Rose Garden and the most famous, Sunken Garden. Enjoy a Historical Guided
Tour highlighting the early days when the cement factory was the prominent feature of the estate, to the beginning of the gardens through Jennie’s vision and dedication. You will also have the chance to experience a behind the scenes tour of some of the 26 greenhouses that support what is planted in the garden beds each season.
Upon completion of your tour, grab a warm beverage before your departure back to the hotel for arrival at approximately 4pm.
$40 per person includes transportation, boxed lunch, admission to all gardens and complimentary hot beverage at The Butchart Gardens.
Minimum: 10 guests, maximum 45.
Price: $40 per person plus GST (Retail value $130)
Please sign-up at time of conference registration.
