Even without the flowers, the new rose arbour at Government House conveys a sense of majesty and calm. Imagine when the blooms finally arrive.
The elegant wrought iron structure replaces the wooden rose arbour which had existed for many years at the entrance to the Victoria Rose Garden, a feature attraction for the grounds.
Although somewhat smaller in scope than some of the recent upgrades to the estate, this project has been a successful experiment in public-private-partnership. Along with funding from the Foundation, contributions have come from several private and other sources and have been managed by Citizen’s Services.
The formal design of the Victorian Rose Garden is based on the plan for the Rose Garden at Warwick Castle in England, created by renowned 19th-century gardener Robert Marnock. Boxwood-edged beds were planted with pink and white roses. In recent years mauve and yellow varieties have been added as well as a spectacular bed of blue-grey ‘Poseidon’ roses.
Four benches at the main entrance of the Victorian Rose Garden commemorate former Lieutenant Governor David Lam and Mrs. Dorothy Lam, the Province of British Columbia and the British Columbia Buildings Corporation, all of whom jointly financed the garden.
The Victorian Rose Garden was opened in 1994 by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Victoria. Subsequent generous donations added the central cupola and, in 2014, decorative fencing and gates to protect the roses from deer who live on the Government House grounds.