Pearkes’ Peak is three rocky outcroppings separated by grass and gravel paths. It has grown to include the duck pond to the north and a waterfall and stone lantern at the southwest edge of the garden presented to Government House by the International Rotary Club of Morioka, Japan, a sister city of Victoria.
The garden was named in honour of former Lieutenant Governor George Pearkes (1960 -1968) who enjoyed donning his Wellington boots to clear and plant the area.directly in front of the House, where the flag, and totem, poles are located..
Garry Oaks, a wide variety of ornamental shrubs, native plants, and bulbs thrive here. Two monuments sit on the south side: A statue of Sir James Douglas, the second governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island and the first governor of the Colony of British Columbia, and Hosaqami, a Kwagiulth totem pole carved by Chief Tony Hunt to replace the original totem pole carved by his adoptive grandfather, Mungo Martin.It was commissioned to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.
The totem pole was carved on site throughout the summer of 2012. When his schedule permitted, the Honourable Steven Point, Lieutenant Governor (2007 – 2012), worked with Chief Hunt on the project. Members of the public were welcome to watch the carving. It was dedicated and raised on September 8, 2012.
A waterfall and stone lantern presented to Government House by the International Rotary Club of Morioka, Japan, a sister city of Victoria, are at the southwestern edge of the garden.
