VanDusen Botanical Garden – Vancouver, British Columbia
A city energized by cultural diversity, Vancouver is a superb destination in every way. VanDusen Botanical Garden – one of the city’s gems – is a hilly 55-acre setting that I like to approach on the No. 17 city bus from my downtown hotel. A Spring visit to VanDusen will remain in the minds-eye long after the experience. During the period of late May through early June, cascading golden panicles tumble from archways over the Laburnum Walk in a medley of ground-covering bluebells and alliums.
Late Summer – Canadian Heritage Pond
Boasting a collection of contemporary sculpture, an Elizabethan maze, and year-round blooming displays, VanDusen Botanical Garden has been invigorated by a new entry area: The Phylllis Bentall Garden, with paved terrace, pool, and mixed borders, invites you to explore VanDusen’s glorious magnolias.
Photos: Courtesy VanDusen Botanical Garden
Maze VanDusen
Month by month the landscape turns heads as Himalayan blue poppies progress to a sea of wildflowers blanketing meadows followed by fiery fall color. Seasonal stars include alliances of heathers, hollies and hellebores. To contemplate VanDusen’s charms, ramble along to the Cypress Pond, Heron Lake, or the restored Korean Pavilion, intricately carved with floral patterning in burnished tones.
Van Dusen Azaleas
The Spring season provides eye-catching swathes of narcissi, advancing to a pathway replete with rhododendrons and scented azaleas. The hedge maze (pictured above) is comprised of 3,000 plants of Thuja occidentalis ‘Fastigiata’ – cedars of a pyramidal form.
Thanks for the great review its always nice to have an outsider’s view
Hi,
Thank you for the nice picture, the first one is very beautiful.
I love the yellow on the tree and the mauve flowers. It’s a nice combination.
Have a great week-end.
the laburnum walk looks fabulous Alice…
Hi, Alice. Beautiful post featuring VanDusen BG in Vancouver! What a lovely place – GREAT photos!!
BTW, I’ve nominated Alice’s Travel Buzz for the Bloggers Choice Awards 2010 for the best travel blog. Log in to get your widget code. I think you and your blog deserve to win!! Good luck, Alice!
Such beautiful photos, Alice! Is that Cassia fistula in the first photo? I’m asking because I always thought it is a tropical tree and am a bit surprised that it’ll bloom so well in Vancouver.
I love visiting Van Dusen’s. When I took a plants course we ended up there about once a month over 10 months so you really got the sense over time of what the gardens offered. We also saw coyotes in the early morning.
The laburnum walk is one of my favourites. Unfortunately there is periodically talk of closing it due to budgetary constraints. Hope that doesn’t happen.
UBC Botanical gardens are also worth a visit and hope you made it to Southland’s Nursery – just to look.