Victoria has long been known as the “City of Gardens.” We’re warmer than anywhere else in Canada (and much of the United States, too), so Victoria residents, no matter where they’re from eventually cultivate a green thumb. While places like Butchart Gardens in Victoria are most familiar with residents from other parts of the world, there are many hidden treasures, some quite close to downtown Victoria.
The Abkhazi Gardens are hidden in the heart of Fairfield, about 10 minutes by car from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Originally created in 1946 by Prince Nicholas Abkhazi and Princess Peggy Abkhazi, the garden represents the love that existed between these two people who corresponded by letter for many years before finally getting married.
Nicholas Abkhazi was originally from Georgia, at that time part of the Soviet Union, while Peggy Abkhazi was born in Shanghai. After marrying, they moved to Victoria in 1946 and purchased a heritage home on a 1-acre property.
Over the years they cultivated one of the finest private gardens in Victoria. After Peggy Abkhazi died in 1994, the property was purchased by The Land Conservancy (TLC) in order to preserve the garden.
Today, the property is open to the public, and in the summer features many events for visitors, as well as fine dining.
