Abkhazi Garden is a horticultural masterpiece celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse plant life, and rich historical significance in Victoria, British Columbia. Established by Prince Nicholas and Princess Peggy Abkhazi in 1946, the heritage garden is a unique blend of artistic landscape design and personal narrative, symbolizing love, resilience, and creativity against a backdrop of societal challenges, including World War II. Often referred to as “The Garden that Love Built,” the once-barren one-acre property is now a lush oasis that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Here are a few reasons why you should visit the Abkhazi Garden in Victoria, British Columbia.
Abkhazi Garden’s Conservation History
Following the death of Peggy and Nicholas Abkhazi, the garden was acquired by The Land Conservancy of British Columbia in 2000 to conserve the property as a heritage site. The conservation of the unique property highlights the garden’s status as a site of natural beauty and as a memorial to the enduring legacy of Prince Nicholas and Princess Peggy Abkhazi. All in all, the combination of stunning landscapes, cultural richness and historical depth makes the Abkhazi Garden a must-visit destination for people seeking to connect with nature and history in Victoria.
Abkhazi Garden’s Botanical Diversity
A beautiful example of West Coast design, Abkhazi Garden features glaciated rocky slopes, mature native Garry oaks, and rhododendrons that have been thriving on the property for a hundred years. The garden flows through the property, around the rocky slopes, alongside water features with resident turtles, and features graceful Japanese maples, woodland gardens, and swaths of naturalized bulbs.
Abkhazi Garden Tea House
Open year-round, the Tea House at Abkhazi Garden serves drinks and offers a seasonal menu, including a four-course High Tea in the original home of the Abkhazi’s.
Overlooking the gardens with an option for outdoor seating during the warmer months, the Tea House is open seven days a week, 11 am to 5 pm, from April 1st to September 30th and from October 1st to March 31st, it is open four days a week, 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Reservations are recommended.
When to Visit Abkahzi Garden
Visitors to Abkhazi Garden can experience highlights throughout the season, showcasing the property’s botanical diversity. During the spring and summer, the gardens burst with a riot of colours. Rhododendron enthusiasts should plan to visit Abkhazi Garden during Rhododendron month between the third week of April and the third week of May. The fall and winter seasons are also interesting seasons to visit the gardens and wander past spectacular winter blooms and among majestic native trees, such as Garry oaks. Abkhazi Garden’s layout invites exploration along winding paths, through tranquil spaces, and up to stunning vantage points that enhance the immersive experience of nature. Throughout the year, the Abkhazi Garden hosts art installations, plant sales, and cultural events, such as music in the garden, that enrich the visitor experience and celebrate local heritage.
Good to Know – Why You Should Visit Abkhazi Garden in Victoria, British Columbia
- Abkhazi Garden is located about a ten-minute drive from downtown Victoria.
- The amount of time you spend at Abkhazi Gardens is up to you. Linger for a few hours and enjoy a meal at the Tea House, or speed through in twenty minutes if time is tight.
- Entrance is Abkhazi Gardens is by donation. The suggested donation is currently ten dollars.
- Check the Abkhazi Garden website before visiting to confirm opening hours and to plan your route and transportation to the gardens.
- You do not need to make a reservation to tour the gardens, but plan on making a reservation at the popular Tea House.
- If you are looking for more fantastic things to do in Victoria, this post highlights where to eat, drink and shop in the capital city.
