Government House Gardens BC,
British Columbia Government House,
1401 Rockland Avenue,
Victoria BC Canada
For Guided Garden Tours see the website: See http://www.ltgov.bc.ca/gardens/tours.htm
History
The current Government House is the fourth building to be built on the site. The first was built, and burned down, in 1852. In 1860, Cary Castle (see picture on the left) was built on the site by George Hunter Cary, the Attorney General of British Columbia and Vancouver Island at the time.
In 1865, it was purchased by the Governor of Vancouver Island.
In 1866 Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia were merged to form the single Crown Colony of British Columbia, and in 18
71 this new Crown Colony joined Canadian Confederation. At this point, Cary Castle was renamed Government House and became the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor.
This house was also destroyed by fire in 1899, and in 1903 another Government House (see picture on the right) was built on the site. In 1957, this house too burned down; with the exception of the porte cochère, the house and contents were totally destroyed.
The
Gardens Today
The gardens and grounds of Government House, which cover some 36 acres, have been much improved over the last decade. Especially the Garden Volunteer Program to enhance the existing gardens, to create new gardens, and to improve the maintenance of the Government House estate contributed to the improvements that can be enjoyed today; the program opened the gardens up for public use and enjoyment.
The pictures below were taken in June. Enjoy!
