Spring - The Butchart Gardens

The liveliness of spring

March 24 – May 31

The season of new life, spring at The Gardens offers thousands of flowering bulbs, shrubs, and trees bursting forth.

A Symphony of Colour

Spring welcomes over 300,000 bulbs, blooming in brilliant colours. As they grow in, we begin “tickling” the soil – breaking up compact soil allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate, while we prune the Roses and Hydrangeas. Meanwhile, the greenhouses become a beehive of activity with more than 16 staff working tirelessly to produce thousands of plans for our summer gardens.

Spring FAQ

When is the best time to see the spring flowers? (Tulips, daffodils, cherry blossoms, etc.)

Typically, our Spring Garden is at its peak between the start of April and the first week of May. The end of March is often the best time for daffodils and hyacinths, and mid-April is often when the tulips, cherry blossoms and dogwood trees are at their peak.

The display can vary year to year, sometimes starting a few weeks earlier or later. This is determined by the current spring weather and the severity of the last winter.

If you have some flexibility in your travel plans, you are more than welcome to call us closer to the time you wish to visit for an update on the spring blossoming progress.

When is the Tibetan Blue Poppy in bloom?

Typically, the Blue Poppy bloom is mid-May to mid-June. This timing, of course, is weather dependent and will be determined by the kind of winter we had this year. If you have some flexibility in your travel plans, you are more than welcome to call us closer to the time you wish to visit to confirm its status.

Are you having an Easter bunny hunt?

From Good Friday to Easter Monday each year, children 17 and under can participate by marking the location of 10 hidden ceramic bunnies on a handout provided from our Admission Gate. Please return the completed maps to the Information Centre for an Easter treat and enter a draw for an Easter Gift Basket.

Is there anything special happening for Mother’s Day?

We are pleased to offer a special Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in The Dining Room Restaurant, or join us in the Blue Poppy Restaurant for our Mother’s Day lunch buffet. Reservations are required. Enjoy a special performance by the Greater Victoria Concert Band from 1:00pm to 2:00pm in Water Wheel Square, weather permitting.