07/21/2026
Day Three |
Butchart Gardens
Some places change the way you see the world.
For me, it’s botanical gardens.
As a landscape designer, so much of my inspiration comes from spaces like this—the bold plant combinations, the layers of texture, the density that somehow feels both wild and intentional. Every path holds a lesson. Every corner reminds me that great gardens aren’t just planted… they’re composed.
Butchart Gardens has lived on my bucket list for over ten years. Standing here, in one of the world’s most celebrated gardens, was everything I hoped it would be. And somehow, even the photos fall short. The colors, the scale, the feeling of being completely surrounded by beauty can’t quite be captured.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the gardens themselves—it was the story of Jennie Butchart. To imagine transforming a barren limestone quarry into a place that inspires generations of gardeners and designers is remarkable. What a legacy to leave behind.
I hope that in my own way, the gardens I design encourage people to slow down, gather outside, and find a little more beauty in everyday life.
Some dreams take ten years to reach.
This one was worth every day of the wait.
Would you add this to your garden list to visit?
