Butchart Gardens

After leaving Craigdarroch Castle, we headed for Butchart Gardens. After lunch in the courtyard, we headed off to tour 55 aces of gardens. Jennie Butchart came up with the idea of planting gardens here to disguise the used-up limestone quarry from her husband's cement plant. And what a great job of camouflage it is.



One of the first plants that captured our attention was this heliotrope, or Cherry Pie Plant. Sure enough, it smells just like cherries. Gillian and I both bought seeds to bring back home - and through customs.



The Sunken Garden affords a stunning view from above.



This place is so beautifully landscaped, even the trash cans have planters atop them.



Onward to the Rose Garden, where endless varieties of roses abound, and a stunning pergola is covered with the climbing variety.



The Japanese Garden had such a tranquil feel, and was where I caught sight of the rare blue poppy that grows here.



They've even named a restaurant after this beauty.



Fountains and water features abound, especially at the Star Pond and the Italian Gardens.



So many flowers, it was hard to decide which ones to snap pictures of. Everything was in bloom. Emily B. felt it was a little overstimulating with such profuse color everywhere. I thought it was magnificent.



Tired girls just wanted to rest for awhile.



And, did I mention how perfect the weather was? Overcast, but pleasant, threatening, but never rained. Just right for strolling the gardens all afternoon.