Flower enthusiasts, take heed!
For those acquainted with the splendor of Butchart Gardens and its perennial allure, the recent accolade it has garnered will come as no surprise.
In a study conducted by UK-based hotel chain Premier Inn, eye-tracking technology was employed to evaluate the visual appeal of 48 different flower fields across the globe when in full bloom.
Put simply, researchers measured the duration individuals spent fixating on photographs of these floral displays, calculating the average ‘fixation time’ to compile the ensuing rankings.
In their comprehensive report titled ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Flower Fields’, Butchart Gardens stands prominently alongside renowned gardens worldwide, reaffirming its status as an emblematic landmark drawing visitors from far and wide.
Securing the fourth position, Butchart Gardens closely follows the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival in the US and Monet’s Garden at Giverny in France (both tied for second), with the Torres del Paine National Park Daisy Flower Field in Chile claiming the top spot.
The genesis of Butchart Gardens traces back to the visionary endeavors of one woman with a passion for horticulture and landscaping. What began as an aspiration to transform a depleted limestone quarry in her backyard into a verdant oasis has evolved into the enduring legacy we recognize today.
In 1904, Robert and Jennie Butchart relocated to Vancouver Island to establish a cement plant atop a fertile limestone deposit in Tod Inlet. Following the depletion of resources due to cement production, Jennie undertook the ambitious project of creating a sprawling sunken garden, a centerpiece that endures as one of the garden’s principal attractions.
Today, Butchart Gardens stands as a National Historic Site, boasting a diverse array of over 900 plant species awaiting the gaze of visitors.
Among its myriad attractions are the Japanese Garden, the Tea House, the Rose Garden, the Seed and Gift Store, and more.
Other gardens featured in the rankings include Mainau Island, Germany, claiming fifth place; Wild Lupins Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, securing sixth place; and Kaas Plateau, India, ranking seventh.