The prevailing westerly flow of marine air produces a much milder climate on Vancouver Island than mainland Canada. Year round gardening is possible and it shows.

The residential building next to our hotel is partially surrounded by a water garden.

We came to Victoria to see a particular garden. Butchart Gardens a 55 acre masterpiece created on the site of a mined out limestone quarry by the wife of the quarry owner and cement manufacturer. A number of friends told us of these garden in superlative terms. Words are not adequate, neither are these pictures.

The sunken garden was created in the deepest part of the quary.

The sunken garden’s pond.
I

The Star Pond.


The Japanese garden.

The Main House.