Winter Garden Insights 2026

By Brian Nixon, Horticultural Manager

There is something about the winter season here at The Gardens that is veritably magical. Winter may not always be the season that comes to mind when people think about us, but I can promise you the winter gardens are full of life. Not only can you get a profound sense of the vast landscape, but it’s also uplifting to enjoy horticulture during this season, especially if you have never visited us before during winter. Yes, in our mild climate, gardening is something that we can participate in year-round, ultimately leading to why Victoria is famously known as “The Garden City”. This can’t be said for all geographical areas in Canada. Still, we are fortunate and blessed to be situated in a milder region, allowing us to showcase horticulture to the world year-round.

During the cold/wet winter season, there are just so many aspects of the gardens to appreciate, but for me, the one that stands out the most is just how peaceful it truly is. It might be a puddle reflecting a beautiful image, or perhaps frost which has formed on a branch glistening like a polished diamond. These are characteristics that only winter can bring, and when added to a garden setting, they can be eye-catching and create an everlasting memory. Horticultural highlights are abundant during this season, and I can’t say enough about the bright coloured berries on the berry-producing plants. One of my early winter personal favourites is Callicarpa (Beautyberry). These are spectacular specimens with their electrifying purple berries. The glowing red berries on Cotoneaster are also pretty, often growing over rock walls and banks; these plants can bring plenty of character to an otherwise dull landscape.

The sights and sounds of this season are examples of Mother Nature’s most incredible work; flowing water features, singing birds, and the sounds of wind and rain can welcome visitors as they enjoy the landscape. When the summer blooms have faded, perennials have been cut down, and the roses have been put to sleep for the winter, you really get the feel of just how much work has gone into creating this wonderful masterpiece. It has taken decade upon decade of hardworking staff, and the Butchart family’s incredible vision and commitment to transform the original rock quarry into the beautiful gardens that we know today. It’s unimaginable to think about the strenuous work that would have gone into creating this incredible garden in the early 1900’s, especially before modernized equipment made these tasks easier. The winter season, along with its long vista views, provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the design and vision that went into creating The Butchart Gardens. Mounded annual beds, mature trees and magnificent topography compel visitors to marvel at features they might otherwise overlook.  

In my opinion, winter gardens are not given the credit or respect they deserve. There is so much potential in a well-thought-out plan for plant selection in any garden. What do I mean by this? The majority of landscaping takes place during spring and summer; therefore, most people are shopping for plants when winter specimens are not at their peak. Many of the plants which stand out during spring and summer may not have winter-specific characteristics. To properly balance your landscape, ensure a good selection of plants for all seasons. Careful thought should be given to plant choices; this can be a great way to spruce up your garden during the winter season. By adding those eye-catching gems, you’ll ensure that your neighbours will be commenting on your well-designed winter garden. With proper planning, your garden can be just as beautiful in winter as in any other season. Keep in mind that it’s not only an incredible sight you are creating, but many different birds and insects can also benefit from a winter garden by providing food and shelter all year long!

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Wouldn’t it be incredible to bring the garden indoors?” We do, and this takes place between January 15 and March 22 in The Blue Poppy Restaurant. Immediately after the Christmas season, The Blue Poppy Restaurant is emptied of all of its tables and chairs to prepare for the incredible indoor floral venue that we call ‘Spring Prelude’. It is here where talented gardening staff create an indoor oasis of floral specimens that puts a smile on everyone’s faces, especially during some of the darker winter days. The choices of plants that we use in the Spring Prelude are primarily spring-flowering plants, tropicals, and ornamental fruit trees that will dazzle your senses, convincing you that it’s the middle of May. As the plants mature and bloom, and before they have a chance to fade away, gardening staff are feverishly replenishing the garden with fresh plant material. Even for our regular visitors, including myself, the design of the Spring Prelude is fascinating and goes above and beyond what many believe can be achieved in an indoor garden.

After the busy holiday season, I invite you to unwind and recharge by surrounding yourself with a majestic winter setting here at The Gardens. Come and see for yourself just how magical the winter season is, and as we all know, spending time outdoors is essential for overall good health. We have an extended network of paths here waiting to be discovered.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

Plants, trees, and shrubs that are blooming or of interest:

• Acer palmatum dissectum (Japanese maple)
• Aucuba japonica (Spotted laurel)
• Bellis (English daisy)
• Bergenia (Elephant’s ears)
• Camellia
• Correa (Australian fuchsia)
• Cotoneaster
• Cyclamen
• Erica (Heather)
• Galanthus (Snowdrop)
• Garrya elliptica (Silk- tassel bush)
• Hamamelis (Witch hazel)
• Helleborus (Christmas rose)
• Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)
• Jasminium nudiflorum (Winter jasmine)
• Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ (Oregon grape)
• Nandina domestica (Heavenly bamboo)
• Narcissus (Daffodil)
• Ophiopogon planiscapus (Black mondo grass)
• Pansy
• Pieris (Lily -of – the valley shrub)
• Polyanthus (Primula)
• Pyracantha
• Sarcococca (Christmas box)
• Skimmia japonica
• Viburnum x bodnantense
• Viburnum tinus
• Viola

Spring Prelude plants, trees, and shrubs that are blooming or of interest:

• Amaryllis
• Anthurium (Flamingo flower)
• Azalea
• Bromeliad
• Camellia
• Cercis
• Convallaria (Lily-of-the-valley)
• Crocus
• Cyclamen
• Daphne odora (Winter daphne)
• Edgeworthia chrysantha (Paper bush)
• Erica (Heather)
• Hamamelis (Witch hazel)
• Helleborus (Christmas rose)
• Iris reticulata
• Kalanchoe
• Loropetalum chinese ‘Razzleberri’
• Magnolia x soulangeana (Saucer magnolia)
• Narcissus (Daffodil)
• Ophiopogon planiscapus (Black mondo grass)
• Orchid
• Pachystachys lutea (Lollipop plant)
• Pieris (Lily -of – the valley shrub)
• Pinus
• Polyanthus (Primula)
• Prunus (Flowering plum)
• Sarcococca (Christmas box)
• Sciadopitys verticillate (Japanese umbrella pine)
• Skimmia japonica
• Stromanthe
• Tulipa (Tulip)
• Viburnum x bodnantense
• Viburnum tinus
• Viola