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News from The Butchart Gardens
Spring  edition
March 21 - June 14, 2013
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Garden Notebook: Spring
Cherry Blossoms

 

For a number of years we have had to deal with some extreme weather scenarios during the winter months, but this year has been exceptional in that we experienced very average and almost boring weather conditions.  

 

Major media recognize The Butchart Gardens

CNN Travel - What a Wonderful World - 12 fabulous gardens
. (And what a wonderful world when our garden leads off on the list.) Thanks to Tourism Victoria for assisting.


Condé Nast Traveler names us one of 14 stunning gardens around the world.

The Gallery is open
Gallery sign

Along with some of our favorite local artists, we have added some new local talent for the spring and summer season
s.

  

Drop in to The Gallery to see the works of

Jenny Matthews, a keen gardener, who bases her work predominately, but not exclusively, on floral themes. Work ranges from cards to framed pictures to free-standing figures and to miniature plants.  Also at The Gallery you'll see Don Cameron's birds created from rocks and metal, Cathy Davison's garden ornaments made from barrel hoops and Jan Benda's glass birds.  Coming soon: Melissa Pavlovic's owl lamps 

Quilled crocus

The perfect pick-me-up
Seed & Gift Store sign

Why not begin dreaming and planning for spring and summer? Give yourself a pick-me-up by choosing your seeds for that perfect planting plan. We have a wide selection in store and online.

Enjoy the fragrances of spring and summer flowers with three popular floral teas from the restaurant menu sold in the gift store and online. Our Bachelor Button, Rose Congou and Teaberry are specially blended to provide a unique floral flavour.
Create a fantastic kid's birthday party
birthday cake

Imagine your birthday party with your own party room and unlimited rides on our Rose Carousel. Everyone at your party gets to ride and with 30 animals you might just get to ride them all.

 

You can create a fantastic kid's birthday party with almost no work. Make your party a success with our Rose Carousel, the private party room, kid approved menu and a personalized birthday cake.

 

 

Don't wait too long to book dates for your special birthday party!
Saturday Firework schedule
Fireworks
 

Enjoy superb fireworks in The Gardens' magnificent setting. Every summer Saturday night lavish shows dazzle visitors with unique blend of spectacle and music. Our lance work (set pieces) will astound you.

 

The first show is Saturday, June 29th at 10:15pm. As summer moves towards fall the start time becomes earlier.

 

Why not enjoy a gourmet picnic on the lawn next the Dining Room Restaurant. This popular picnic night is only available on Firework Saturdays and Special Event Days.

more...

 

The Blue Poppy Restaurant offers a special menu on Firework Saturdays which features a carvery station.   

 

VIP Admission & Seating

 

Guarantee your admission to The Gardens for our very popular Fireworks Show, and sit in some of the best seats in the house, so to speak!

more... 

Canadian Astronaut tweets about Victoria and The Gardens from Space Station
Astronaut Chris Hadfield
 

Chris Hadfield, the Canadian Astronaut, currently living in space aboard ISS as Commander of Expedition 35 tweeted a photo of Victoria in mid-January. 

 

The Canadian Space Agency has created a photo contest. Have a look at our entry where Astronaut Chris Hadfield drops in for (or is it to?) this photo in the Italian Garden. If you'd like to vote for the photo please do. You'll see it on the top right when you click on the link.

Creativity & Relationships will blossom
 
Your meetings and special events are certain to sparkle with our beautiful setting and experienced, dedicated team.

 

Our event spaces have natural lighting and views of the surrounding gardens. Our culinary team offers flexible menus inspired by local, seasonal ingredients.

 

Meetings:

  • Natural lighting in each event space
  • Garden pathways for healthy stretch breaks
  • Private setting for sensitive conversations
  • Locally inspired menus to suit formal meetings through to casual brainstorming sessions

Corporate Social Events:

  • Space to accommodate up to 400 for a stand up reception, or 220 for a seated meal
  • A superlative setting with an existing backdrop of year round gardens
  • Flexibility for indoor and outdoor events

Social Gatherings:

  • Garden and Gourmet Picnics available seasonally
  • Beautiful backgrounds to enjoy time with friends and family
  • Ample parking for cars and buses
  • Ability to accommodate Bridal Showers, Wedding Rehearsal Dinners, Birthday Parties, Car Clubs, Family & School Reunions and Fraternal Clubs.
When you are looking for an ideal environment for team building or coming up with the next big idea let us help you. Contact Sarah at groupevents@butchartgardens.com
This Season's Recipe
Recipe word

Lamb Sausage

This recipe was used in The Dining Room Restaurant during the Magic of Christmas season. Due to its popularity, Executive Chef Travis Hansen thought readers might like to make it for themselves. 
Become a Friend of The Empress
Fairmont Empress

Be sure to enroll in The Friends of The Empress program.

This valued loyal locals program presents exclusive offers and benefits to be enjoyed throughout the year.

If you are a resident of British Columbia, simply register to take advantage of the many promotions available to you once you receive your Friends of the Empress card by mail.

more... 

In This Issue
Garden Notebook
Media recognition
Gallery opens
Perfect pick-me-up
Create a birthday party
Firework Schedule
Astronaut in Italian Garden
Great meeting space
Recipe
Friends of The Empress
Quick links to Menus
12 Month Pass benefits
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SPECIAL OFFER

Spring Special

April 2 - 30, 2012

Adults - $47.69
Youth (13-17) - $35.74
(Tax not included.)

Includes admission and experiencing the charm of the Dining Room Restaurant with a 2-course lunch (11:30am - 3pm)  

(Have a 12-month pass? Then it's just $23.89, plus tax.)

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Quick Links to
MENUS
(for Mother's Day please see main story)

Blue Poppy Restaurant

Lunch  

April 11 - Sept 30
11am - 4pm 

  

 

Dining Room Restaurant

(some menus are not available May 12 - each menu has details) 

 

Spring Lunch

March 29 - April 30

11:30am - 3pm  

Gourmet picnic baskets 

June 29 - August 31

Saturdays and Special Event days

 

TEAS

April 2 - Sept 30

12noon - 3pm

 

Afternoon Tea 

 

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Benefits of a 12 Month Pass
includes
Reduced rates for
  • Friends
  • Restaurants
  • Seed & Gift Store
  • Boat tours
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Proud to be a member


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