June 2026 Garden Report

By Thea Hegland, Plant I.D. Supervisor

Sweet, alluring June draws us deeper into the garden like no other season. It is the time to celebrate all the hard work and just enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Sweet scents subtly fill the garden air, and new flowers emerge daily along the many perennial borders. Beautiful old Kolkwitzia and Philadelphus shrubs elegantly complement the historic collection of Iris and Paeonia. The first Sweet peas and early Roses send out a few gorgeous blooms with promises of a beautiful summer.

A cluster of pink peonies (Paeonia) with large, ruffled petals and green foliage. The flowers display varying shades of pink, with some buds still closed. The background consists of dark green leaves — *Paeonia*

A vibrant display of sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) in various shades of pink, purple, and white, growing alongside clusters of pink roses (Rosa spp.) in a lush garden setting — *Paeonia*

For more than a century, The Gardens have been well-loved and cherished by so many. It is where people come to find inspiration, peace, beauty, and celebrate with family and friends. It is remarkable to actually stop and think of how it all started. Over one hundred years ago, Jennie Butchart was gifted a single Rose and some Sweet peas. The young, talented artist knew very little about gardening at that time, but had a natural artistic gift and incredible vision. What an incredible legacy.

A person stands beside a large, decorative stone well, surrounded by climbing roses and lush greenery. The well is partially obscured by a wrought iron arch adorned with flowers. The scene is set in a garden with stone pathways and trees in the background — Jennie Butchart at the wishing well in the Rose Garden circa 1930s

June is typically considered an ‘in between season’ by many, based primarily on the ‘wow factor’ of the garden beds filled with the masses of colours the spring bulbs or the summer annuals provide. For those who are more passionate about perennials, leafy trees and flowering shrubs, the atmospheric beauty instills a classic romantic feel within the garden. Here you will discover a sanctuary for the many pollinators; hummingbirds, bumble bees and butterflies roaming freely amongst the flora and fauna.

Purple Iris (Iris spp.) flowers with intricate yellow and purple veining, surrounded by green foliage. A bee is hovering near one of the flowers

It is usually about mid–June when the removal of the spring bulbs and underplantings has all been magically replaced by all the summer plantings. This is an enormous undertaking requiring careful coordination and expertise amongst our gardening team. The careful planning is key to the success of the transition. The Gardens horticultural expert, Jodi Hill, works behind the scenes keeping the team organized with the design plans.

The Japanese Garden is a wonderland of streams, bridges, and leafy Japanese maples and an impressive collection of Rhododendron shrubs. The classic ‘Irene Koster’ Azalea fills the garden air with an unforgettable sweet perfume. Planted in mass along the exit path of the Japanese Garden, these soft pastel beauties evoke pleasant memories of the days of June.