hile many restored Victorian homes are open to the public, they are rarely found in their original settings. Once a showplace among the city's elite homes, the partially restored grounds are considered the finest Victorian gardens in British Columbia. By the 1950's, the garden, which had gradually deteriorated, was completely overgrown. Efforts to restore the garden to its Late Victorian splendour began in 1986 after extensive research in the 1970's.
The Woodland Walk: A "natural" area of the garden with a formal path, intended to hide the out buildings and provide a cool place to stroll on a hot summer day.A. Laurel hedge, propagated from the original plant.
B. Sequoia (Redwood) planted by P.O'Reilly in 1877.
C. Shasta Daisies (bloom in July to August).
D. Original hollyhocks uncovered in 1987 (bloom in August).
The Croquet Lawn:One of the finest in Victoria, this lawn was the site of the first Ladies' Amateur Lawn Tennis Tournament.
E. Heritage Arbutus (Madrona) trees, the largest stand near Victoria.
F. Site of original rose garden planted in 1889, restored 1995.
G. Selkirk water leading to Inner Harbour.
H. Site of former boat house.
The Flower Gardens:The flower gardens wind around the house and were designed to draw attention to the Italianate architecture.
I. Original Summer Jasmine.
J. "General Jacquesminot" rose.
K. "Gloire de Dijon" tea rose (climbing verandah).
L. "La France", the first hybrid tea rose.
M. Historic Pink Moss Roses.
N. Canna Lily (August).
O. Original Lilac (one of many on the grounds).
The South Garden:A kitchen garden and orchard where the O'Reilly's grew fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers for cutting.
P. Site of original kitchen garden, restored 1995.
Q. Original brick path exposed in former orchard.
R. Historic apple tree.
S. Excavation of 1890's greenhouse.
The Carriage Drive:The gravel carriage drive and path have been restored to their original dimensions.
T. Double Pink English Hawthorn (May Tree).
U. Original Holly, restored and rejuvinated.
V. Fremontia (native to California) on bar trellis.
W. Sweet Peas, among Kathleen's favourite plants (bloom in August)
X. Original ivy border, over 100 years old.
Y. Ailanthus ("Tree of Heaven").
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