Gardens - Individual Gardens

"Individual Gardens

British Columbia Native Plant Garden

The British Columbia Native Plant Garden can be found on the centre island of the parking lot adjacent to the Cary Castle Mews. This garden features plants of British Columbia from the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden. The planting of this garden was a project by the Horticultural Class of Camosun College in Victoria.
Cottage Garden

In 1994, the Garden Cottage became the headquarters of the Friends of the Government House Gardens Society. A contest was held among the Friends to design the garden. The Cottage Garden is in front of the cottage on Rockland Avenue, adjacent to the Rotary Garden of International Friendship. The garden is small and sheltered, enclosed by hedges and fencing.

Cut Flower Garden

The Cut Flower Garden is dominated by a magnificent London Plane Tree which provides shade for hostas, hellebores, primulas and other shade-loving plants. Sunny areas are planted with herbaceous perennials and foliage plants including hardy geraniums, crambe cordifolia, artemisia “Powis Castle” and South African phygelius species. Rocky areas are home to euphorbia species and potentilla “Abbotswood Silver.”"

Dorothy Lam Orchard

This small orchard on the east side of the property is dedicated to former chatelaine, the late Mrs. Dorothy Lam. Each year the fruit is donated to local charities.
English Country Garden
The English Country Garden is located just inside the main entry gate of Government House. Like the garden of an English country house, it is intended to be a splendid show of flowers for the summer months. In spring there is a colourful display of flowering bulbs including primulas, pulmonarias and hellebores. There are also many traditional cottage garden plants such as campanulas, forget-me-nots and foxgloves. Herbaceous perennials, flowering shrubs and trees provide interest year round.

Fountain Pond

The Fountain Pond, near the front of the property, is surrounded by bamboo, a weeping willow and a laburnum tree. Large groups of Iris pseudacorus, Acorus calamus are planted in the water and the pond is home to a variety of ducks, turtles and many forms of birdlife.

Heather Garden

Located at the base of the Rock and Alpine Garden is the Heather Garden. Heathers can provide flowers and a variety of foliage colours and textures year round. The plants were donated by the Heather Society of Victoria.

Herb Garden

Adjacent to the Sunken Rose Garden lies the Herb Garden. Many of the herbs are grown for use in the Government House kitchen. A Medlar tree and a Quince tree, popular in traditional herb gardens, are also found. Andrew Yeoman and Noel Richardson of Ravenhill Herb Farms designed the garden, donated plants and advise the Friends of the Government House Gardens Society on maintenance. The late Major General and Mrs. George Kitching of Victoria gave a generous donation towards the establishment of this garden.