Milner Gardens is just a few miles down the road from our house. When we moved here, Pondside encouraged me to read Veronica's Garden, which tells the story of Veronica Milner who loved this garden and developed it. It's a fascinating story with connections to royalty and a world that I know of only from books. After Veronica's death the gardens were given to Vancouver Island University.
On Saturday night Tim and I bundled up and went for a stroll in the gardens. Christmas lights decorate the pathways to the gardener's cottage filled with teddy bears, to Santa's den, and to the main house, seen above. Built in the 1920s and renovated extensively in the 1960s, the house is charming. Not a mansion, but delightful. And it's where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip once spent a restful few days. Princess Diana and Prince Charles have also visited, to stroll on the lawns and relax in the drawing room during a busy Canadian tour. It was fun to wander through the house and along the paths. Stars shone as we walked back to the car and we were glad to have a cup of hot tea when we arrived home.
I'm looking forward to going back in the warmth of a summer's afternoon to look at the plants and trees in the daylight.
Mary at the Little Red House is hosting Mosaic Monday once again.
Lovely mosaic and photos. Love the Silver Tea Service. Looks like a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou just can't beat silver and twinkling lights for a holiday display!!! Wonderful photos...
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful garden to visit. Lovely mosaic...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place for a stroll! So pretty!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a completely charming cottage, but I am surprised to learn that the Queen has stayed there. I would have thought she might require a more fussy place. It's fun to know that she doesn't. Love the colors...
ReplyDeleteThats so nice to have an intriguing spot so close to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place for an evening stroll, I am so glad the evening went well. Take care:)
ReplyDeleteWait for me! I'll come up when the Rhodos are in bloom.
ReplyDeleteSounds delightful, I would love to take a stroll around the Milner Gardens one of these days.
ReplyDeleteMaggie
Very nice. We're planning a visit to Buchart Gardens this Christmas, want to come?
ReplyDeleteWell now I can picture where you live. We visited Milner Gardens when we toured the island last summer. Love the old home and gardens!
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