Special Gardens

Abkhazi Garden
Located at 1964 Fairfield Road, this garden is becoming known throughout the world as “the garden that love built”. At just over an acre, it was created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in 1946 and they were devoted to it throughout their lifetimes. Peggy Pemberton-Carter had met and fallen in love with exiled Georgian Prince Nicholas Abkhazi in Paris in the 1920’s. World War II separated them but they were later reunited and married in Victoria. Together they created one of Victoria’s treasured gardens which first opened to the public in 1949.

The garden is characterized by glaciated rock and ponds have been created in the deeper pockets. It also features Garry Oaks, ornamental evergreens, hybrid and species rhododendrons and azaleas, rock and alpine plants, naturalized bulbs and Japanese maples and weeping conifers.

There is an onsite gift shop and tearoom. The garden is open from March 1 until September 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week including holidays. Admission is $10.50 for adults and $7.50 for students and seniors. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Guests arriving on foot, bicycle or bus receive $1.00 off admission.

Information: 598-8096 www.conservancy.bc.ca

Lokier Gardens
A triangular half-acre garden park located at Estevan and Musgrave Street. A fenced grassy space surrounded by a perimeter garden of shrubs and flowers, including significant rhododendrons. Thomas Lokier donated the funding for the iron gates and the fence that surrounds the park and he worked on much of the garden’s construction until the age of 85. He continued to make contributions to this park throughout his life. Dogs are welcome if kept leashed.

Native Plant Garden
The land for the Native Plant Garden, at the corner of Margate Avenue and Beach Drive, was donated by Mrs. Ada Beaven in 1939 for the purpose of developing a native plant garden. At 1.4 acres, this garden park features a small pond, rustic pathways, benches and a picnic table. A rustic fence was added to the park in 1960, including the arched gateway, and the garden is almost completely surrounded by trees, providing a quiet respite on a summer day. Volunteers work in the garden between 9 and 11am on Friday mornings and they are happy to answer questions.

The Rose Garden at Windsor Park
In 1937 500 roses were donated by Mrs. Ada Beaven to establish a rose garden in Windsor Park. Since that time the roses have been lovingly tended by gardeners from the municipality of Oak Bay. A stone bench was added in 1938. The garden is surrounded by a shaped hedge that screens the garden completely from the street, but it’s worth passing through the wrought iron gate to the quiet space inside. Each variety is labeled.