A Garden That Left Me Inspired: VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver

My favorite garden room at the VanDusen Botanical Garden

As a container gardener and landscape designer, I’m always looking for fresh inspiration, but every now and then I visit a garden that completely exceeds expectations. My recent trip to VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, British Columbia was one of those experiences. A surprise to many, Vancouver falls within USDA Zone 8b—the same gardening zone we enjoy here in Wilmington, North Carolina. While our precipitation patterns, humidity, and seasonal conditions certainly differ, seeing what thrives in another 8b region immediately sparked ideas for plants, combinations, and design concepts that could translate beautifully into our client projects back home.

From the moment I entered the gardens, I was stunned. Every turn revealed another meticulously designed landscape. There were countless moments when I found myself stopping to study the layering of textures, the framing of views, and the thoughtful way color danced across the garden. Nothing felt accidental. The balanced structure felt effortless, even though an enormous amount of expertise and care went into it. Mature trees, carefully composed perennial borders, tranquil water features, and intimate garden rooms all worked together. The visit reminded me that great design often comes from observing how plants play with each other and how people move through a space.

As I walked through the sections of the botanical garden, my mind was racing with ideas for home. I filled my phone with photographs and notes, capturing plant combinations, hardscape details, and spatial arrangements that could inspire future Petalhouse designs. For my clients, that means new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative solutions. For me personally, it was a reminder of why I love this profession: plants have an incredible ability to teach, inspire, and continually expand our vision of what a landscape can become.

One of the greatest benefits of visiting exceptional gardens is the opportunity to see what is possible when horticulture, design, and craftsmanship come together at the highest level. VanDusen delivered that inspiration in abundance. If you ever find yourself in Vancouver, a day at the VanDusen Botanical Garden is well worth the visit.