Volume XIV: The Butchart Gardens
From the dinghy dock in Tod Inlet, we walked the short trail to The
Butchart Gardens main entrance. After gulping hard at the fees
(thankfully somewhat lower this time of year) we spent hours walking
along the paths at the leisurely pace admiring the warm Fall colors,
myriad textures and stunning dahlias, in full bloom despite the cooler
temps. Even in the chill and damp, it was all serenely and
astonishingly beautiful. The grayness of the day didn't dull the colors
for the camera in the least. Workers were busy setting out thousands of
plants for the winter season. Holiday lighting displays begin December
1st.
This is the main garden where the quarry pit used to be... You can
climb the stairs to the top of the vine-covered rock spire in the
center. Please stay on the paved path!
Clark taking video at the entrance to the Japanese garden.
An opening in the hedge has been cut to allow viewing into Butchart
Cove, which has a back gate through the Japanese Garden. When you
arrive and call them on the intercom, an employee comes to collect your
money and let you in. Boats crowd in here during the summer months.
It's empty this time of year. Tour buses still arrive at the main gate
with loads of tourists– we were lucky that crowds were light.
Just one of the varieties of spectacular dahlias at Butchart Gardens,
this spiky bloom is dripping with rain.
Fountains dance in the large pond, The Pit itself. They are lit at
night. There are also fireworks on Saturday nights during the summer
(just can imagine the crush of boats!). We bought passes good for a
year, so we'll be back.
Our legs walked out for awhile, late the next morning Juniata untied
the lines holding Rikki-tikki alongside, cranked up their chain and
anchor, and we both motored over the glassy waters of Finlayson Arm to
Goldstream. We were hoping to see spawning salmon!
Smooth seas,
Clark & Nina
This is the main garden where the quarry pit used to be... You can
climb the stairs to the top of the vine-covered rock spire in the
center. Please stay on the paved path!
Clark taking video at the entrance to the Japanese garden.
An opening in the hedge has been cut to allow viewing into Butchart
Cove, which has a back gate through the Japanese Garden. When you
arrive and call them on the intercom, an employee comes to collect your
money and let you in. Boats crowd in here during the summer months.
It's empty this time of year. Tour buses still arrive at the main gate
with loads of tourists– we were lucky that crowds were light.
Just one of the varieties of spectacular dahlias at Butchart Gardens,
this spiky bloom is dripping with rain.
Fountains dance in the large pond, The Pit itself. They are lit at
night. There are also fireworks on Saturday nights during the summer
(just can imagine the crush of boats!). We bought passes good for a
year, so we'll be back.
Our legs walked out for awhile, late the next morning Juniata untied
the lines holding Rikki-tikki alongside, cranked up their chain and
anchor, and we both motored over the glassy waters of Finlayson Arm to
Goldstream. We were hoping to see spawning salmon!
Smooth seas,
Clark & Nina
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