Victoria’s Abkhazi Garden Opens to Public for Thanksgiving Celebration

Victoria’s renowned Abkhazi Garden opened its gates to the public on October 13, 2023, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday in Canada. This cherished urban oasis, located in the Gonzales neighbourhood, has served as a tranquil retreat for both residents and visitors. With its meandering gravel paths, lush greenery, and unique geological features, the garden has captured the hearts of many over nearly eight decades.

The garden’s opening this year featured a special event showcasing the work of 18 local artists. Site manager Cherie Miltimore highlighted that the occasion was not only a celebration of the garden’s beauty but also a fundraiser to support its ongoing maintenance. “The colours have started to change, it’s absolutely beautiful, and we’re having the final day of our art show and plant sale,” Miltimore noted. Proceeds from the event will help sustain the garden through the winter months.

A Love Story Rooted in History

The Abkhazi Garden is not merely a picturesque spot; it is steeped in a poignant love story that dates back to the early 20th century. At its heart are Peggy Pemberton-Carter and Prince Nicolas Abkhazi. Nicolas, originally from Georgia, came from a noble lineage. His father, Konstantin Abkhazi, was a founding member of Georgia’s first Democratic Republic, which was short-lived due to the Bolshevik invasion in 1921. Following the invasion, Nicolas and his mother fled to Paris, where tragedy struck with the loss of his father.

Meanwhile, Peggy’s early life was marred by loss as well. Born in Shanghai to British parents, she was orphaned at a young age and eventually adopted by family friends. By her early twenties, she was studying to become a concert pianist in Paris, where her path would cross with Nicolas’s.

“On one fateful night, she was invited to dinner with Prince Nicolas,” Miltimore recounted. The two connected immediately, spending hours wandering the romantic streets of Paris. Though Peggy returned to Shanghai, their correspondence continued over the years.

As World War II unfolded, both faced harrowing challenges. Nicolas, now a French citizen, fought with the French resistance before being captured and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp. Peggy was also imprisoned after the Japanese takeover of Shanghai. After the war, Peggy resettled in Victoria, using the proceeds from a property sale in Shanghai to purchase the rocky lot where Abkhazi Garden now flourishes.

A Community Legacy

After settling in Victoria, Peggy received a letter from Nicolas through the Red Cross, marking a reunion after years of uncertainty. Their engagement took place on the observation deck of the Empire State Building on September 7, 1946. This marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership, as the couple dedicated themselves to creating their garden, which became a symbol of their love and resilience.

“This garden was their passion, and it’s a remarkable story,” Miltimore explained. Over the years, Peggy and Nicolas cultivated an array of plant species, transforming the one-acre property into a vibrant sanctuary that reflects Peggy’s fondness for rhododendrons, among other plants.

As the couple aged, maintaining the garden became increasingly difficult, leading them to seek a new owner. After several failed attempts to transfer the property to local organizations, they sold it to their head gardener, Christopher Ball. However, when it was later sold to a developer in 1999 with plans for residential development, the community rallied together to preserve the garden.

In 2000, the Land Conservancy of British Columbia intervened, purchasing the garden to ensure it remained a communal space. Today, more than 70 volunteers help maintain the garden, preserving the legacy of Peggy and Nicolas while providing a peaceful retreat for all.

“The Abkhazis were very thankful that they had this oasis of beauty to live in after all they’ve been through,” Miltimore concluded. The Abkhazi Garden stands as a testament to love, resilience, and community spirit, making it a perfect destination for families, especially during the Thanksgiving season.

For more information about visiting Abkhazi Garden, please visit conservancy.bc.ca.