Departments > Parks, Recreation and Culture > Parks Division > Hanging Baskets > Frequently Asked Questions

Victoria's Hanging Baskets

Q. When are the hanging flower baskets placed on the lampposts?
A. The baskets are placed on the lampposts in early June, and remain hanging until the end of September.

Q. How many baskets are constructed?
A. The City of Victoria places close to 1,600 hanging baskets in the downtown area each summer. Not included in this total are the many baskets which are displayed by Victoria businesses.

Q. Where are the baskets made?
A. The hanging baskets are made by Parks staff at the City of Victoria's Beacon Hill Nursery. They have been made there since 1937.

Q. How many plants are in each basket?
A. Nine different varieties of plants are used to make the traditional Victoria sun basket. A total of 25 plants are in each hanging basket.

Q. How are the baskets watered?
A. The baskets are watered by two drivers in watering trucks each night between 11 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.

Q. How often are the baskets watered?
A. Baskets that are exposed to direct sunlight, reflected heat or wind, are watered 6 – 7 times per week. Those baskets in sheltered or shaded locations are watered 4 – 5 times per week.

Q. Are the baskets fertilized?
A. Fertilizer is added to the soil mix when the baskets are constructed. After this, the baskets are fertilized with each watering using a soluble fertilizer.

Q. How much do the baskets weigh?
A. When fully grown the baskets can weigh over 20 kilograms (approximately 45 pounds).

Q. How can I find out more information about Victoria's hanging baskets?
A. For more information, contact:

Parks Division
Parks, Recreation and Culture
City of Victoria
#1 Centennial Square
Victoria, B.C. V8W 1P6

250.361.0600
Email the Parks Division

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