Saturday, March 09, 2013

Late Winter at Butchart Gardens: Part Two




Visiting Butchart Gardens (see yesterday's post for more) in late winter means fewer people and more opportunity to wander about. I went alone and took every little pathway, finding nooks and crannies that I had not previously noticed. Normally, the paths lead people in one direction, keeping the flow of traffic going in one direction. In a moment of whimsy, I decided to trace the route backwards, beginning with the Japanese Garden, where the miniature irises glowed blue. 
 

Water features are a major part of the Japanese Garden. The sound of water trickling through bamboo, gurgling over small rocks, and flowing along pathways, is inescapable. On a hot summer's day, this is the coolest spot in the garden.
 

Stepping stones lead through a pool. Notice the red railings on the bridge in the distance. I'm imagining taking two little girls here in a few years - wouldn't they have fun on these stones? Wouldn't Nana be watching carefully? 
 

Rhododendrons just beginning to flower. I plan on returning in a couple of weeks when even more colour will be visible.


 Moss abounds here, along with ferns. 







In the Rose Garden, there are no roses now, but tiny English daisies smile sweetly.



 I noticed the structure of these rose bushes - masses of blooms in summer, now bare.


I took this photo from a pathway above the quarry. This is the area where Jenny Butchart began her garden - filling in the empty quarry with soil, plants and trees. 
 

Bright pansies top a trash container, beautifying even the mundane. 
 

 Blooms in a rock wall. We've had a lot of rain recently, but my time in the garden was dry, and as I left, there was even a bit of sunshine.



It takes an army of people working hard to keep this garden pristine and beautiful. Here's proof. Our daughter-in-law worked at the gardens during high school and university. She worked in the entrance and directing traffic.
 

One of our son-in-laws grew up on the grounds of the garden. His family lived in a house overlooking this cove. He tells a story of going down to the water one day, getting in a boat and setting off on his own - aged 4 or 5. His mother rushed down to see him in the middle of the cove, unable to navigate on his own.

 
One last bunch of crocuses! Have a wonderful day!

11 comments:

  1. Beautiful garden, amazing photography. I enjoyed seeing the path to the bridge because Judith has just today featured Butchart Garden in the Black and White Challenge and the bridge featured prominently.

    You can't leave your son-in-law in the middle of the lake! How'd they get their little sailor back?

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  2. You captured some wonderful photos of the beauty there Lorrie. Mrs. Butchart was a visionary to see the quarry turned into a beautiful garden for all to enjoy. I love the gold and black variegated pansy. I wonder what the variety is as I've not seen it before. Thank you for sharing your visit to the gardens. I would love to see it when more blooms are out but then there would be more people in the pictures too.

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  3. One of my favourite places to visit. Great pictures.

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  4. That would have been frightening for a mom! Oh my. I love the beautiful perspective shots you took at the gardens!

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  5. Butchart's beauty is worthy of a visit any time of year. Truly a magical place. Thanks for sharing your visit.

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  6. What a beauty! You could take amazing photos ! Nice Sunday ! Hugs Olympia

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  7. What an absolutely wonderful place and your photos are fabulous, Lorrie. I especially love the stepping stones leading to the bridge. I think I need to add your part of Canada to my list of future travel destinations.
    -Karen

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  8. Now that would be a fine place to grow up...and to work, for that matter! It's a lovely spot...and we have good memories of our visits there.

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  9. I've only been once to those gardens - it's nice to see glimpses of them in the winter. I was kind of overwhelmed when we were there in summer - winter might be easier to enjoy. :-) I especially love the last picture of crocuses....thank you!

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  10. It is so wonderful to see signs of spring!

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  11. I enjoyed your two posts on your visits to Buchart Gardens. As I was reading I wondered if you had a season's pass. It's such an amazing price. Another wonderful time to visit the gardens is in the fall. I'll look forward to seeing photos after all your visits this year. Happy Spring!

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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