Days of blue sky and sunshine are rare. I keep an eye on the weather and when the rains cease, I head outdoors for a bit of fresh air. Last week I visited Butchart Gardens. Tourist season is beginning and I was surprised at the number of visitors on the paths. The reflections on the pond change with the seasons.
Early Spiketail (stachyurus praecox) is a deciduous shrub I had not noticed before. It flowers on bare branches with clusters of yellow flowers. I want to take note of what the shrub will look like in other seasons. It's large, 4 metres tall by 3 metres wide.
The fountains waves back and forth while yellow daffodils nodded their heads in time. Besides looking at the beautiful landscaping and colourful flowers, I enjoy watching people as they stroll the paths. I hear a variety of languages and lots of oohs and aahs at the displays.
The Japanese garden features lots of moss, rocks, trickling water and winding paths. It's a quieter garden where light is reflected in pools and streams, and invites a slower contemplation.
During the winter months there is a section of the original Butchart home where historical displays are fun to browse through. Each year the curators focus on different aspects of life as it once was. This year there were original receipts for things such as the grand piano and other items. As well, a billiards table, gramophone, and other entertainment were available to examine. I especially like the sunroom looking over the Italian garden. What a lovely place to sit and enjoy a cup of tea on a sunny day.
This week and next are Spring Break, so I'm enjoying time with my grandchildren. The little girls love making Madeleines, so we made these honey and lemon ones one day and enjoyed them with tea in the afternoon. Today we made a chocolate version, with another tea party. We all agreed that the honey and lemon ones were better. Next week they want to try rosewater madeleines, and vanilla madeleines. So I have some recipe hunting to do.
It's been a very wet week and the garden is too sodden to work in. We're in for a couple of sunnier days and I do hope to plant out the nasturtiums I started from seed that are getting quite leggy. The sweet pea starters also need to go into the ground. I just hope they don't drown!
It's still Friday here, although for many of my readers Saturday is here, or almost. What's growing in your gardens?
Weather wise we are the opposite of you at the moment. Lovely to see the beautiful spring flowers and those madeleines look yummy. Have a good weekend. B x
ReplyDeleteSpring flowers are so beautiful, adding colour to the muted palette of winter.
DeleteWhat a gift that you can enjoy visiting Butchart gardens regularly. And having your grands aver to bake? Priceless.
ReplyDeleteBaking with grandchildren is very special. And I do love living here with the gardens nearby.
DeleteHow beautiful the garden is. I would want to sit in that sun room and enjoy some of your Madeleines with a lovely, refreshing pot of tea:)
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be lovely to spend time in that room with tea and cake?
DeleteSpring is in the air, I see. 🌿
ReplyDeleteLovely Japanese atmosphere there.
How nice.
Something very sweet about the shape of those Madeleines.
I'm sure they taste very good.
In our garden, just little snowdrops, not much else,
but that's already a promise of spring 💕
The promise of Spring in snowdrops is a beautiful thing. I love the changing seasons.
DeleteWhat a beautiful room you show, is that the sunroom? I'm fascinated by the walls and wonder if they are tiled or if it is wallpaper. So lovely to have somewhere like that to visit.
ReplyDeleteYes, that is the sunroom. It's wallpapered, with wooden lattice over top. The wallpaper is a reproduction of the original that Jenny Butchart chose long ago. It is such a beautiful room.
DeleteI haven't made madeleines in ages! Yours look wonderful. Thanks for the reminder -- that might be a fun thing to have for the grandboys next week!
ReplyDeleteThe girls have a lot of fun making them, and eating them!
DeleteWhat's growing? A few crocus showed up and stalks of daffodils. Grass is greening up but weather is still cold here despite it being officially spring.
ReplyDeleteButchart Gardens is certainly the place to hear oohs and aahs! What an amazing 'neighborhood walk' place you have!! I love that you can go there in all seasons (albeit on rare good weather days part of the year). I have never made madeleines! They look so good. Enjoy your week with the grands (and now you can enjoy it even more knowing that YOU don't go back to school next week!).
ReplyDeleteLovely reflections. Butchart Gardens is a wonderful place to visit.
ReplyDeleteI've never made Madeleines but they look very tasty. What fun to make memories with the grandchildren as you make the Madeleines together.💗
What a pefect spring post! I would have the butler bring tea with fresh madelaines like yours to the sun room every afternoon and sit and gaze, ses, knit.... 'ring the bell for more tea, dear'..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers in the Butchart Gardens. I have always longed to see them some day. We are growing roses, and they are blooming very well at our new garden. Lots of other things we have tried have been less successful but one learns as we go. The sunroom is so pretty, and my idea of a perfect sitting room. The light fitting and walls are really lovely. It must be such a joy to cook with your grandchildren. The madeleines look so professional and must taste beautiful. Lovely post, Lorrie.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great spot!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I visited when I was pregnant with #1. She turns 47 this year!
ReplyDeleteThe Madeleines are picture perfect! Our daffodils are at the green stage and soon we'll see the yellow blooms. Happy Spring to you and enjoy your grands over their holidays!
ReplyDeleteButchart Gardens is beautiful in all seasons, yet to see it come to life in the springtime is the best! Enjoy your time with your Grandchildren while they are on school break!
ReplyDeleteLovely to read about your visit to Butchart Gardens.
ReplyDeleteThe daffodils are beautiful, and those Madeleines look amazing!
Wishing you some sunshine for your planting.
Your honey and lemon Madeleines look great! Please keep us posted on the rosewater Madeleines.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit Butchert Gardens, heard about them while I was growing up in PEI. The pictures you share are so beautiful. I can imagine all the different languages you hear while you visit. It would be so nice to see the old home and receipts etc. Those madelines look so yummy, something I've never made! So special to enjoy these times with your grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos.
ReplyDeleteThe garden is beautiful so is the sun room. I like to bake Madeleine ( my daughter ´s name is Maud ( Madeleine). You should try salty ones I made Roquefort ones … it is very good.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, Lorrie.
ReplyDeleteAll the pictures I see of Butchart Gardens look so beautiful. If I ever find myself in Victoria, I will make sure to get there. The madeleines look delicious. I have never made them myself, only know the bought version. I'm planning to bake a lemon loaf cake tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteVisits to Butchart Gardens truly are a favourite experience. And it doesn't matter what time of year, it's a delight to see what is growing and blooming. Thanks for the lovely pics, Lorrie.
ReplyDeleteThat seems quite the best of everything; a beautiful garden to visit, interesting history and baking with your grand daughters. And my moth waters at the thought of your lemon and homey madeleines, they look delicious!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your visits to Butchart Gardens ... your photographs are so lovely and I can imagine I'm there :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
PS The madeleines look delicious
Butchart Gardens are lovely anytime during the year. I have a yearning to visit there again this year or next. Your pictures entice me to come.
ReplyDelete