Fascinating Example of Restoration of an Abandoned Quarry in Victoria, Canada

The fascinating story of a limestone quarry turning into a garden, frequently hosting musical performances, ranging from jazz to classical music, firework shows, several dining options as well as an ice-skating rink during the Winter. 

Robert Pim Butchart and his wife Jennie, arrived in the west coast of Canada to open a limestone quarry and get involved in the production of Portland cement. By 1909, when the limestone quarry was exhausted, Jennie Butchart - inspired by the 65 year old garden designer Isaburo Kishida, creating Japanese gardens in Victoria - turned the quarry, located very close to their home, into the Sunken Garden, which was completed in 1921 and opened to visitors. A few years later the couple replaced the tennis court and the kitchen vegetable garden to create an Italian garden and a rose garden following the design of Butler Sturtevant of Seattle. 

In 1939 the Butchart Gardens passed on to grandson Ian Ross, who further developed and promoted the gardens until his death, 58 years later. Through the years, several improvements and additions have been performed, including the installation of underground wiring to provide night illumination, the construction of the Ross Fountain and two 30-foot (9.1m) totem poles marking the 100th anniversary. In 1982 the Gardens became the inspiration for the gardens at the Canadian pavilion at Epcot Centre in Orlando Florida and nowadays are a natural historic site with chariots able to accommodate disabled persons.