Victoria is world renowned as the City of Gardens. With the mildest climate in Canada, Victoria and its gardens are in bloom year-round. From the perfectly-groomed grounds of The Butchart Gardens and the city’s signature flower baskets that grace downtown lampposts to nearly every city park and neighbourhood, it is evident that Victorians are passionate about gardening.

Every February, while most Canadians are still shovelling snow and relying on heaters to keep warm, Victorians are counting flowers! The Annual Flower Count encourages residents and visitors to report the number of blossoms in their flowerbeds or on their neighbourhood trees. The grand total is celebrated as a farewell to winter and as a welcome to an early spring.

While every year is a little different, Victoria’s gardens tend to follow the same annual pattern over the long growing season. In early spring, millions of daffodils bloom through March and April, followed by tulips in May. Rhododendrons also begin to bloom in April and May also sees lilacs and flowering cherry and dogwood trees burst into flower. Roses of all types are at their peak in June. In midsummer, gardens are bright with perennials and annuals. Late summer and early fall see colourful hydrangeas, begonias, gladiolas, dahlias and chrysanthemums paint the landscape.

Please see the Tourism Victoria member Attractions and businesses offering Garden Tours. For a complete listing of all Tourism Victoria businesses, please visit our Business Directory.