Chapter 2 Gardens Full of Colour

The Butchart Gardens

Portrait of Jennie Butchart drawn inside an orange-toned sculpted medallion.

Plants come in a variety of colours, and I love growing them to create harmony. I’m lucky to be able to craft a living, colourful canvas. What about you? Do you have a favourite colour?

In the foreground of this colouring illustration, a path leads to a stream. A small wooden fence runs alongside it. Stepping stones wind through the water, allowing you to cross. Trees with abundant leaves line the stream, and shrubs and bushes of various sizes are scattered throughout the garden.Watercolour of the Japanese Garden, where the vegetation and stream blend in harmony. A light grey stone path leads to the stream. About ten flat stones wind through the water, allowing passage across. Shrubs and bushes in soft green, orange, and yellow tones line the stream. One tree with bright orange foliage stands out.
The colour palette used:
  • Terracotta
  • Orange
  • Neon Green
  • Meadow Green
  • Emerald Green
  • Medium Grey
  • Light Grey
  • Ochre
  • Sunny Beige
  • Chocolate Brown
  • Squash Beige
  • Sky Blue
  • Verdigris
  • Raspberry
  • Fire Engine Red

The Vibrant Colours of the Garden

The Japanese Garden is a favourite—for me and for the public!
Tranquillity and beauty reign here. A stream flows through the garden, and the sound of water creates a soothing atmosphere.


Touches of colour are present throughout the year. More than 70 Japanese maples are gathered here. I love their red foliage!

 

View of the Japanese Garden
In this colour photograph, an orange-leaved tree stands prominently in the foreground. It borders the stream and the path of large stepping stones that crosses it. In the background, a red-leaved tree dominates the scene. It is surrounded by shrubs and smaller trees, all in soft green tones.

Visitors are warmly welcomed by the traditional Japanese Torii gate and the vibrant hues of the flowers. Azaleas and rhododendrons dominate the space. Their yellow, orange, and red blossoms are stunning.
 

Azaleas
Close-up photograph of red azaleas

Respect for nature and a sense of peace are essential in my Japanese Garden. Walking through it is comforting. It’s a place to take your time and appreciate the serene beauty of nature.

Japanese Maple
Close-up photograph of a Japanese maple with red foliage

Hello!

The standard version is more interactive and immersive but may present some accessibility barriers. The alternative version is the opposite: less interactive, less immersive, and less likely to pose accessibility challenges.

Alternative version