October 2025 Garden Report

By Thea Hegland

October is a wonderful time to visit. The stunning palette of autumnal colours is occurring now, offering a majestic place to ‘Autumn Bathe’ amongst all the dreamy trees that grow on the beautiful estate.

Tucked between a West Coast forest and a sheltered picturesque inlet, the historic gardens have become a legendary destination for a great fall walk. For 121 years, the assemblage of trees has grown into a story book collection. Many of which were planted by Jennie Butchart herself as she visioned the gardens on the Butchart estate growing. The result is nothing but impressive. Stately trees such as the two Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ that flag the Torii Gate at the entrance to the Japanese Garden evolve into a vibrant copper during the autumn season. Beyond the gate is a wonderland of autumn brilliance; the quiet beauty that unabashedly takes our breath away. It is here that we find serenity amidst the peaceful garden, under a swathe of glorious Japanese maples.

With a touch of whimsy, the festive fall displays around The Gardens delight visitors and staff alike. Old garden artifacts, an heirloom mix of pumpkins and gourds, fall flowering plants complemented by unusual grasses make these displays a seasonal highlight, becoming a beloved tradition during the month of October.

Meanwhile, the gardeners have started the removal of the summer flower beds in preparation for the 300,000 bulbs that are soon to arrive from Prince Edward Island and Holland. Many of the tender shrubs and bedding plants will be returned to the greenhouses to overwinter, however, much is destined to the compost.

The forecast ahead look promising to enjoy a classic fall day, and here is the place to be amongst the beauty of the season.. The time to come is now.

Plants, trees, and shrubs that are currently blooming

• Abutilon (Flowering maple)
• Acer (Japanese maple)
• Achillea (Yarrow)
• Aconitum (Monkshood)
• Anemone x hybrida (Japanese anemone)
• Angelonia
• Anigozanthos (Kangaroo paw)
• Aralia elata (Japanese angelica tree)
• Arum italicum (Lords and ladies)
• Aster (Michaelmas daisy)
• Begonia
• Callicarpa
• Celosia (Cockscomb)
• Chrysanthemum
• Clerodendrum bungei (Glory bower)
• Clerodendrum trichotomum(Glory bower)
• Colchium (Autumn crocus)
• Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate cosmos)
• Cyclamen coum
• Dahlia
• Fuchsia
• Gazania
• Helenium (Sneezeweed)
• Helianthus (Perennial sunflower)
• Heliopsis (Ox eye)
• Heptacodium miconioides (Seven –son flower)

• Hydrangea
• Iochroma
• Lobelia speciosa
• Osteospermum (Cape daisy)
• Pennisetum setaceum (Purple fountain grass)
• Penstemon (Bearded tongue)
• Punica (Pomegranate)
• Rudbeckia (Gloriosa daisy)
• Sedum (Stonecrop)
• Solanum
• Solidago (Goldenrod)
• Tibouchina (Glory bush)
• Tricyrtis (Toad lily)
• Verbena