October Garden Report 2026

By Thea Hegland, Plant I.D. Supervisor

Leaves fall softly, dancing in the autumn air. It is the most magical sight as the alluring garden invites you to explore the many paths that led you through the estate. The impressive collection of deciduous trees and shrubs at The Butchart Gardens is most evident in early fall. Carefully acquired over the past one hundred and twenty years, every selection reflects thoughtful curation. As beautiful as flowers are, the majesty of the autumn foliage is like being immersed in a live art exhibit that constantly evolves. Notable specimens include the curious Gingko biloba (Maidenhair tree), with fan shaped leaves that gradually turn to a brilliant burst of golden yellow, and the spectacular Acer rubrum (Red maple), with many shades of red.

A large tree with a broad canopy displaying vibrant red and green leaves, likely belonging to the genus Acer. The tree is situated in a park-like setting with a grassy area and a pathway. In the background, there are other trees and a clear blue sky. Two people are seated on a bench nearby — Acer rubrum

The flowering star attraction of October is without any doubt the storied collection of dahlias. A native of the highest plains in Mexico and parts of South America, the initial named species included Dahlia pinnata, Dahlia rosea and Dahlia coccinea. First introduced to the botanic garden in Madrid over 200 years ago, passionate botanists soon discovered they were easy to grow and a natural hybrid. A full range of size, form and colour have had Dahlia enthusiasts enthralled since. The Gardens have a whole border dedicated to showcasing these flowering thrillers where you can walk alongside and view up close. My favourite Dahlia this year is an informal decorative form called ‘Bloomquist Jean’-a true autumn stunner with blooms ranging 6 – 8 inches in gorgeous fiery orange colour with hints of bronze.

A vibrant flower garden featuring a variety of blooming dahlias (genus Dahlia) in shades of pink, yellow, and white, arranged along a curved pathway. The garden is bordered by lush green foliage and trees, with a backdrop of rolling hills under a clear blue sky — Dahlia Border

A large, fully opened dahlia flower with a vibrant gradient of orange and yellow petals, featuring a dense, layered center. The petals are elongated and slightly curled at the tips, creating a fluffy appearance. Green foliage is visible in the background — Dahlia Border

October is traditionally a very busy month for our gardeners. Many of the summer plantings are removed, whilst balancing the lingering beauty of the season’s final blooms. The flower beds are prepped in anticipation of the spring bulbs arriving from Prince Edward Island and Holland. Tender flowering shrubs and perennials such as Brugmansia, Fuchsia and Colocasia are dug up and brought back to our greenhouse complex before any sign of frost arrives. Other essential garden chores traditionally done at this time include the division of clump forming herbaceous perennials, rhizomatous Irises and pruning of some shrubs and trees. For gardeners at home, it is good to note that many shrubs and trees should not be pruned now as it can be detrimental to expose new buds and growth to the threat of frost during the winter months. The trick is to truly know what each plant is and how to properly care for it. As tempting as it is to grab your pruners in the fall for a quick garden cleanup, it is imperative to stop, think and research what each plant needs in the way of pruning, division, and winter protection.

A vibrant garden scene featuring a large, red-leaved Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) tree at the center. Surrounding it are colorful flower beds with various blooming plants, including clusters of red and yellow chrysanthemums. Lush green foliage and trees in the background create a natural setting under a cloudy sky

The most often asked question at this time is “When will the fall colours be at their peak?”. That is a tricky one, with many environmental and scientific factors at play, however, I will attempt to predict. The long-range forecast is poised to offer ideal conditions for a spectacular early autumn; mild sunny days in mid-teens with cooler night temperatures are expected until mid-October. Absolutely perfect conditions for enhancing colour tones in leaves. Some years, if there is an unusually warm fall that has followed a dry summer, many trees will have been exposed to more drought-like conditions resulting in a more lackluster coat of autumn colours. Depending on how October actually plays out weather wise, the intensity of colours can deepen and be enjoyed until the weather takes a turn to wet, damp and colder conditions. I recommend coming to enjoy The Gardens, knowing every day, every year is different. The best moment is when you are here and embrace the beauty that surrounds you. You can always come back!