Oak Bay Scented Garden

Oak Bay's Scented Garden is an accessible, sensory-rich space filled with fragrant plants

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Location

About

The Scented Garden is within the larger Windsor Park, which is a popular multi-sport and recreational area in Oak Bay.
The garden was opened in July of 2009. The funding was provided by the estate of Robert and Beatrice Johnston.
It's an accessible garden designed for people to touch and enjoy the scents of the flowers.
Some of the plants and trees in and around the garden include
- Deciduous azaleas and rhododendrons
- Fragrant daphne
- Garry oak
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Mahonia “ charity”
- Melianthus or the peanut butter plant
- Purple leaf beach
- Red maple
- Salvia
- Winter rose
- Seasonal displays of annuals and perennials
Each year, Oak Bay Parks, Recreation, and Culture showcases a diverse collection of outdoor sculptures—ranging from stylized realism to bold abstraction—through its Arts Alive program, bringing art to public spaces across the community.
The Gardener’s Gown by Bev Petow was purchased in 2017 and installed in the garden. It’s a tribute to Peggy Abkhazi, a woman who cherished both gardening and elegant clothing among many other passions. The art was donated in memory of Margaret Jean Leith and Mary Taylor Leith.
As part of the 2025-26 Arts Alive Program, the Baba Yaga Little Free library is located next to the Scented Garden. Created by artist Erick James, this sculpture challenges censorship and encourages reading as a path to knowledge and empowerment.
Thanks to the District of Oak Bay for providing information on this garden.