On Friday the little girls had a day off school and I, along with their other grandmother, took them to Butchart Gardens. They have been there so often that they know their way around quite well. Their father grew up on the grounds of the gardens as his father worked there. It's fun to listen to stories from the past.
Beds are planted with lots of things that will bloom soon, but for now it's the structure of the gardens that I admire. And the emerging blooms on the prunus trees. The day was cloudy and the light dull, so the photos are not great.
The Witch Hazel tree is in bloom and has such a lovely scent to go along with those frilly flowers.
During February and March one of the restaurant venues at the Gardens is converted into a Spring Prelude - an indoor garden filled with tropical plants as well as spring bulbs and blooming shrubs. I enjoyed the colourful displays. What amazing orchids!
It's early days yet for this indoor garden, but primulas were blooming along with daffodils and a few rhododendrons.
On Saturday, Valentine's Day, Tim and I decided to go for a hike on the west coast of our island. Mystic Beach is two kilometres from the parking lot, and can be a wee bit challenging in spots. Masses of tree roots line the forest floor. It was so fresh and lovely in the forest with rich scents of humus and mud. Lots of mud.
The two of us were very likely the eldest people on the trail that day. I am so glad that we are both healthy and strong. I know that could change quickly, but for now, we will do the things we can. Being outside in such beautiful places fills me with energy and delight.
A spring garden in winter is such a lovely surprise. The council park gardeners had a greenhouse which they used for supplying the council gardens and official rooms, and the public were allowed in as they pleased. I always visited it in winter for warmth and colour when I worked in the nearby offices.
ReplyDeleteWe went to Butchart Gardens on our honeymoon. Such a beautiful place. Nature in all her forms is a balm, and it looks like you have been soaking in it!
ReplyDeleteLiving each day to the fullest is such a blessing. The children will appreciate nature like the generations before them. That west coast trail is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to not take these days of exploration for granted. Good for you for taking these opportunities. That amazing garden at your doorstep is a treat, too. Happy day to you.
ReplyDeleteYour words alone fill me with delight (and even possibly a little energy)! Two wonderful nature outings in your beautiful corner of our world! Your (kinda-sorta) in-law needs somebody to write a book --Growing up in Butchart Gardens sounds like one I'd buy!
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely seeing things that are signs of spring. It gives me hope! (Our sign of spring? Melting snow and brownish green grass. Not that we're done, but it's a break in the action!
ReplyDeleteWow, growing up in these gardens, what a privilege!
ReplyDeleteSpring blossoms... how wonderful. Thank you for the beautiful photos.
Your Valentine's Day outing with these wonderful trees, the gorgeous photo of the waterfall cascading into the sea, and the beach is simply amazing. Thank you so much for these fantastic walks you took us on.
Fantastic. Sending you a big hug.
Beautiful hike, bravo for getting through those challenging roots. They look rather scary. The gardens are lovely.
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Butchart Gardens is a wonderful place to visit and how fortunate that you live relatively close to it.
ReplyDeleteYour walk took you through such lovely spots 💗.
What a beautiful place - I hope to visit there one day! Those mushrooms look like little umbrella flowers.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and nice angles 💚
ReplyDeleteThe first picture is like an enchanted forest.
How grateful you must be to be healthy and strong enough to get to a place where you have lunch time views like that! One day a garden delight, the next day grand ocean vistas, the best of both worlds!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine the joy of being able to visit Butchart Gardens often enough that they would be familiar and comfortable. My one visit was overwhelming, just because there was too much to take in, and I knew I wasn't likely to make a second visit. Going along with you is much more pleasant and satisfying :-) because you focus on a few beauties, and because it is in a way your place you are telling us about.
ReplyDeleteYour walk to Mystic Beach was also a treat. I know what you mean about being elderly adventurers! With every rigorous excursion I am able to accomplish, I am more and more thankful, and aware of quickly passing time and all that means.
Hi Lorrie, it was good for my soul to catch up with your posts. I always love your floral, fauna, birds and nature photos and your fabulous cake that you made for your grandson. Aren’t we thankful to be able to share the celebrations with them? It sounds like you and Tim had a nice hike on Valentine’s Day. Thank you for all the love and beauty that you share.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and lots of lovely excursions:) B x
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful trees and scenery, I don't find walking in the woodland areas any more so seeing your photographs was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful!
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