Nestled in British Columbia is the lush landscape of Abkhazi Garden. This small garden makes a big impact with its unique design and colorful array of plants. The garden is home to ponds where you can see birds and turtles relaxing, and it’s maintained following organic practices. When you visit Abkhazi Garden, you’ll see swaths of heather, dramatic hedges, mature conifers and oaks, and a variety of native plant species. Continue reading to discover more about this garden and its colorful history.
The History of Abkhazi Garden
It’s no surprise that such a unique garden would have been created by a truly special pair of gardeners. Prince Nicholas Abkhazi was part of a royal Georgian family and met his future wife, Peggy Pemberton Carter, in Paris prior to World War II. During the war, they were both imprisoned in war camps. After being released, Peggy made her way to Victoria and purchased a beautiful, one-acre lot of land. The pair reconnected through letters, and eventually married. Together, they chose plants to enhance the natural beauty of their land, which features unique rocky slopes and large native oak trees. They cared for and loved their garden as if it was their child, and dedicated over 40 years to refining its beauty. The garden is designed to provide a sequence of different views and experiences, from the Rhododendron Woodland Garden to the Yangtze River lawn. Today, Abkhazi Garden is owned and maintained by The Land Conservancy.
Visiting Abkhazi Garden
From October through March, Abkhazi Garden is open from 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. During the rest of the year, you can visit the garden from 11 am to 5 pm on any day of the week. In addition to a stunning horticultural collection, Abkhazi Garden features a teahouse where you can enjoy afternoon tea and light refreshments. The cost of admission is a suggested donation of $10 per person, and dogs are allowed to visit the garden if kept on leash.