A second visit
to Butchart Gardens highlighted ‘the Obedient Plant’ … having come across Miss
Willmott’s Ghost at the Abkhazi Gardens in Victoria … the Obedient Plant became
an obvious candidate for a post.
Obedient – the flowers stay in situ
once bent back … as here ...
 |
| For those Latin minded gardeners - it is Physostegia |
Unobedient … if that’s a word?! As the poor plant should be without man-handling!
So here are
some views, some notes, some comments for a Thanksgiving post … Canadians
celebrate on Monday … the history I will do in a follow up …
An early 1900s view of the limestone
quarry (cement works) prior to its conversion into the Gardens we see today …
The Sunken Garden as I saw it … sadly it was a gloomy day ...
I’d gone
back because I wanted to take the boat trip they offer from the tiny Tod Inlet –
which is the secluded water leading up into the Gardens.
Tod inlet – small and sheltered …
though the boats only run during early Spring to early Autumn (Fall I guess to
you!) …
The trip
gives a little history of the origins of the Gardens and goes around Brentwood
Bay … I’d come over on the ferry – as a way of connecting the Cowichan Valley
across to the Saanich Peninsula where Victoria’s airport is.
This captured pic gives an idea … I
live just to the north of Mill Bay …
 |
| One of three ... |
Specimen trays and …
 |
| Pears, Walnuts, Beechnuts and a Dogwood berry |
Autumnal displays …
Here another
find is the green Echinacea flower … interestingly the Greek ekhinos means hedgehog: live and learn!
There were
hundreds of people there … and trying to find a few quiet moments is almost
impossible – but good that the Gardens are thriving, I guess!
Seedbeds that earlier in the summer
were grass … they are utilising their space effectively …
The various
photos are briefly described …
My tomato and goat cheese tart was
positively delicious – I went back for another before I left … couldn’t
resist! Apologies for the bite out!!
From a very
wet Black Friday … the sun is due to reappear tomorrow … I hope you all have
lovely weekends and for Canadians enjoy your Thanksgiving day …
This is an iphone photo… I think it
is the Eunonymus Europaeus …
 |
| This iphone photo doesn't do it justice - the colours are lovely ... while the Blue Poppy itself is gorgeous |
You can buy
one of these delightful shopping bags … advertising their special Tibetan Blue
Poppy … another story – another day!
Hilary
Melton-Butcher
Positive
Letters Inspirational Stories
53 comments:
Thank you for taking us on your wanders. I would love to see these gardens (whatever the weather).
Years back we had an Obedient Plant. It has skived off to parts unknown (obviously a rebel).
And yes, that tart does look good.
I just loved Butchart Gardens - I nominate you to revisit for both of us!
p.s. I just looked up Obedient Plant to see if it might grow in my area (it will but it's also a rampantly spreading rhizome, so I'm rethinking that idea - but I digress...) and found out it's also known as False Dragonhead! (One flower with two such cool names seems a bit unfair to others...)
Hilary I think you are too smart for me. I loved the gardens. Have never heard of an obedient plant.
I went to Butchart Gardens with friends who live locally, and had an amazing half day. Gorgeous plants, great views and delicious food.
My only recommendation is that women wear flat shoes; the walking is endless.
Thanks for the link
Hels
https://melbourneblogger.blogspot.com/2011/01/canadas-most-spectacular-gardens.html
Hi Hilary, thanks for the post we love gardens like this. What is especially beautiful are cacti gardens in bloom in late spring. Very cool.
Hari Om
I love a good garden; our local Benmore Botanic Gdns hosts a significant stock of Himalayan vegetation, including the blue poppy and I am totally in love with them!!! YAM xx
Well, the plants are lovely, but that goats cheese tart tops the lot. Nom!
The tomato and goat cheese tart looks (and I'm sure tastes)delicious!
Obedient Plant? My grade 9 learners could learn a thing or two from this plant...? 🤔
Lovely pics, Hilary!
You sound as if you are really enjoying Canada and great that you are sharing it with us all. Our Eunonymus is only just starting to change colour but it is beautiful when it is red. Enjoy your weekend Diane
Happy Thanksgiving! So, you did take the boat ride? I bet you saw a lot more than from the ferry.
These are so gorgeous. I have a character in my WIP that sees the world differently than others. His friend comments on the joy of living life through this character's unique eyes. I see that in you, too. Do people line up to travel with you, just so they don't miss anything that you never would?
We used to visit Butchart Gardens almost monthly for many years. Haven't been back in a while, but it's fascinating to see how the gardens change through the seasons.
@ EC – I’ve rather more wanders to write up about and must get on with it. I’d never come across the plant before … but fun to know you had one that went awol! I rather like that idea …the wandering obedient dragon!!; the tart was to die for …
@ Jz – yes I’ll probably go again next year … it’s a lovely place to visit … just lots of people!
I’d seen the note re the other name … but hadn’t read any more, as I’d wanted to get the post and pics up. Oh so not such a great plant … but as you say two cool names – fun …
@ Sandie – I just enjoy finding things out … for you and the blog and obviously me … I’m in learning mode: I’m curious
@ Hels – yes … I went about 20 years ago – and remembered lots of walking – but for some reason it’s not as I remember it! I totally agree re flat shoes – I only dress up if I need to dress up otherwise it’s a comfortable life now! I’ll check out your link anon …
@ Stephen –they are gorgeous and I love seeing new areas … I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cacti garden as such … lots of cacti – they always amaze when they bloom though …
@ Yam – Benmore looks to be a really interesting place to visit as you live nearby … especially with the Redwood avenue. Those blue poppies are extraordinary in their colour aren’t they …
@ Anabel – yes the tart was rather good! The gardens are always meticulously maintained …
@ Michelle – my lunch was too scrummy … I could have sat with some wine and a few of those and just slobbed out … yummy it was!! What fun – I wonder whether the children would appreciate learning about obedience via a plant … probably?
@ Diane – yes this local area of Canada is lovely … lots happening and I’ve lots more to share. That Eunonymus is just amazing … I’m glad I got such a great picture of it …
@ Alex – thank you … we’re over at the farm for Thanksgiving. I took the boat ride … it was frustrating it was gloomy – but it was interesting to see the history from the water – on the other side of the Saanich inlet is the other limestone quarry the Butcharts bought – that’s still operating … There’s so many inlets it’s quite difficult to get the topography into one’s head …
@ Jacqui – thanks … the gardens were almost full of Fall colour – I suspect there’ll be more colour in a week or so. Oddly enough I don’t encourage others to come with me … as they divert me from my intentions! I have had a few trips with friends … always slightly different from my own rattle and rolls around exhibitions etc. But thanks for the compliment … I just enjoy putting a slightly different spin into my posts … which I’m delighted if you enjoy …
@ Ian – living up the road as you do from the Gardens … I’d go down more often. It is very well maintained … and a delight to visit.
Thanks for visiting and sharing Butchart with me … Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadian readers – and today is sunnier! cheers Hilary
Poor plant. It might've been one of those the Japanese tourists were bending to make their picture better. I will never forget that about our visit to Butchart Gardens - the busload of Japanese tourists RUNNING from one place to another, bending flowers and pushing people aside to get a photo. It was both sad and funny.
glad you could have a second visit. I would love to visit Victoria and Butchart again. So marvelous. Happy Fall to you. We need some crisp to our air to make it feel like October. Our pumpkins could melt right now in this humidity.
What great photos of what looks like an awesome garden
Very pretty! You are certainly making good use of your time in Canada!
@ Diane - yes there were loads of Asian tourists running around ... but I found the plant in the information centre - where I saw the name of the plant and then found out why. So damage only at my request ... and I was always trying to get away from people!
@ Joanne - yes I was pleased I was able to get back and take the little boat trip; the Gardens and Victoria itself are delightful. It's Fall here - bucketing with rain again today ... but our pumpkins are enjoying themselves!! I'm sure the weather will turn soon ...
@ Jo-Anne - thanks re the photos ... a few of the many I took!
@ Sue - I'm getting out and about a little ... and am seeing the local area ... it's fun to see different places ...
Cheers to you all - thanks for commenting and being here - Hilary
You always have the most fantastic tours! :-)
Thanks.
Greetings from London.
What a great journey. Love wandering through the gardens! And yum, I'll take a bite too!
If only more sites could be so beautified!
Happy October!
Lovely. Lovely. Lovely. (As are you, Hilary:)
I have a few Obedient Plants that I enjoy.
Cheers,
Love the painting at the bottom.
And the bite out of the pastry is perfect! It illustrates the yumminess so well--you couldn't even wait for the photo before taking a bite :)
No need to apologize for the bite, that tells us you couldn't resist. Thank you for taking us in the garden with you.
Have a great week!
@ ACIL - I enjoy getting out and about and seeing new places - so thanks ...
@ Renee - yes it was a good wander ... the Gardens are quite extraordinary ... and as you say beautified from a limestone quarry. The tart was delicious ...
@ Sandra - I'd never come across an Obedient Plant - but was entranced by it; I'm delighted a couple of readers actually know about the plant ... it's fun to see ...
@ Rebecca - I love the bag - which is what the 'painting' covers ... I couldn't resist buying one of them. I was very hungry ... and forgot to think about the photo - then decided ah well - I'd tasted the yumminess so an even better reason to comment on it.
@ Truedessa - I know I was really hungry and wanted to get out and about in the Garden ... the bite came first before the thought perhaps I'd better take a photo ... I enjoyed both ...
Thanks so much for the visits - Happy Thanksgiving any Canadians and generally have a great week - cheers Hilary
That Echinacea flower shot is beautiful. And that tomato and goat tart looks divine! Was it gluten-free? Wishing you a Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! :) x
Hi Hilary! Glad you enjoyed visiting the Butchart Gardens! We took my mom and the kids years ago and were very impressed with the beautiful gardens. We also loved taking the ferry to Victoria which has such a European ambience. That tart looks even more tempting with the bite taken out of it!
Julie
A wonderful place, beautiful pictures, and a tasty snack! Delightful Hilary.
Pretty garden, even under clouds. And to me it's autumn :) Happy Thanksgiving Hilary!
Hi, Hilary,
So happy I am able to leave a comment. I'm having major problems with blogger signing me out all the time. But for now I am thrilled to say how GORGEOUS all these photos are and the gardens look so stunning. I am a huge fan of gardens, parks, lakeside, oceanside, and riverside everything.
Thanks so much for sharing with us! Hope the skies are blue and you have a wonderful week.
@ Debby - I was delighted to see the green echinacea flower in the specimen tray. The tart was superb and I suspect it was not gluten free - sorry!
@ Julie - how lovely to have that memory of being at the Butchart Gardens with your Mom and boys some! years ago. I haven't taken the ferry from Victoria across to the mainland ... I went from Nanaimo - more direct for us north of the Malahat drive.
Victoria as a city is very British ... and that tart was extremely good - hence the return visit before I left ...
@ Keith - it's certainly one of the highlights in Victoria ... while the snack tempted, on site, my taste buds.
@ Nila - yes it's a stunning garden even under the clouds ... it was reasonably bright and I was lucky it didn't rain. To me it's autumn too ...
@ Michael - oh gosh blogging problems are a real hassle - so it's good to see you here; this whole area is wonderful - amazing to find a quarry converted into a garden ... planted so beautifully. Sadly we've had rather more wet than a Thanksgiving weekend deserves ...
Thanks everyone - it's really soggy here ... thick white-out mist, very wet and fairly miserable - not required for Thanksgiving ... still it will rejuvinate the land ... cheers Hilary
Had to bite before the pic, must mean it was that good indeed. Never knew there was such a thing as an obedient plant.
Unfortunately, my critters are the ones that get the plants into the obedient position. Sigh.
That tart looks delish.
Cheers,
I've never heard of an Obedient plant, but then I learn so much from your posts. The gardens must be lovely and that tart looks so good.
It may have been a gloomy day, but the picture looks great. Beautiful spot.
Hope you enjoyed your Canadian thanksgiving day Hilary! My son is returning today from Canada (Ottawa and Montreal, animators meetings) and has loved it. He sent photos of sidewalks and autumnal leaves which were lovely as are yours. That goat tart looks scrumptious ... glad you went back for seconds. An obedient plant that you can bend however you wish? Wonders never fail to amaze!
That sounds like a wonderful, peaceful day. I love the tart shot with the bite out of it - I've done the same thing on my blog.
@ Pat - I was just very hungry ... and blogging was at the forefront of my brain = food was! Then I remembered - a photo was required. Nor had I come across the Obedient Plant - though I see some better blogging gardeners have ...
@ Sandra - I gather your critters enjoy mucking around with the plants - so much that even the obedient plants wouldn't stand a chance ... kit-cats are so much fun though. The tart was good.
@ Inger - it was (to me) a fun find ... while the gardens are wonderful - great garden design.
@ Liz - thank you ... I'd tried to go the day before on a glorious day ... but the gods were against me. It is one of THE places to see in Victoria ...
@ Susan - Thanksgiving was lovely thank you ... delicious farm-raised turkey. The colours are still turning here - but it's lovely to be a part of. On my next visit I must get over to the east coast - and to Montreal - it does sounds wonderful and full of culture, which is different to here.
Yes the goat cheese tart was very delicious ... I must try and make some. Certainly the petals can be moved ... whether the stems can - I doubt.
@ Lynn - it was a delightful day ... I caught the ferry - always possible to miss it, if too many other cars are in front of one, and then the time in the garden was lovely. Sometimes I forget re the photos ... and this time was one of them!
Thanks so much to you all ... for your visits and your comments - cheers Hilary
What a lovely place to spend the day, Hilary! So glad you got to go there and share your day with us!
Even on a gloomy day, Butchart Gardens are beautiful!
Such pretty pictures. I'd love to visit the Sunken Garden.
Love Butchard Gardens, went there as a kid:)
Three trips to the island. Three visits to the garden. A special place indeed!
We visit gardens wherever we go in the world and Butchart has long remained one of the top two or three for many years. You live in a very special part of the world!
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s recondite Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
@ Denise - it is a gorgeous garden ... and I was delighted I could make it back.
@ Sherry - yes you're right there ... even on a gloomy day the gardens shine through ...
@ Chrys - the Sunken Garden is the quarry itself - so follows its lines ...
@ Mark - did you get up here as a child ... it is a delight to see and there are some wide open spaces for running around in ...
@ Troutbirder - oh yes I can believe that ... it's such a beautiful spot - a special place, as you say ...
@ Bazza - I am enjoying seeing what I can while here ... and being able to get across to Butchart has been a pleasure. I do live in a wonderful part of the world ...
Thanks so much for coming by - always lovely to see you all and read your comments and thoughts - cheers on a gorgeous Indian Summer morning! Hilary
The Sunken Garden looks gorgeous.
I've visited there twice. I love it. Cut down nearly all the physostegia today. Left a few blooms for whatever birds and bugs are still around.
The gardens look beautiful. So glad you went back for the boat trip. Sounds informative. :)
That tart looks so good. I have to say it made me quite hungry! Wish I had one.
Hope you had a wonderful week.
~Jess
Hi human, Hilary,
How's it goin', eh? I was practising talking in Canadian.
My human dad just adores Butchart Gardens. You have brought back some fond memories of when he visited that magical place. BC Ferries most certainly take you through some spectacular scenery.
I've been told you enjoyed a nice and juicy turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
Have a peaceful weekend, my very nice human friend.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses,
Penny xx 🐶😀
I've never heard of an obedient plant before, but what I really need are obedient weeds. It'd be terrific if they obeyed when I told them to stay out of my darned garden...
Those gardens are gorgeous. It looks like you enjoyed quite an outing, in spite of the weather.
Happy Thanksgiving!!! And cheers!
I love to visit gardens anywhere, and this one looks lovely, even if it was overcast. I hope the boat ride was pleasant too! I love the names of the plants you talked about, the Obedient plant and Mis Willmott's Ghost. Never heard of either one of them...
Hope our neighbors enjoyed their Thanksgiving day...!
It's been a while since I visited the Butchart Gardens, but your post brought back those memories. It is a tiring walk, but a pleasant one. I've only seen it in good sunny weather, but like Monet's Gardens in Giverny, each season has it's special flowers.
That tart does look tasty, and the bite out shows you couldn't wait to taste it. That's understandable. I've never heard of the obedient plant before, so I've learned something new, as I usually do on your blog.
@ Sandra - the Sunken Garden is just extraordinary to see ... creatively thought out ...
@ Denise - oh great ... so you know the wonderful place. Good for you - I didn't know what physostegia was until I saw the plant in the specimen tray - I learnt!
@ Jess - yes the little boat trip is a delight ... a wander on the bay waters - and there was a lot of information given out - too much for my brain to take in! The tart was delicious ... and each time I see it - I think - oh yes I could do with another ...
@ Penny (aka Gary) - we're well over here and I know you'd love to come back and visit - I hope you get here one day soon. Butchart is an amazing place to visit ... and I bet you have happy memories when you used to live out here, Certainly magical. The little ferry over makes it so easy to visit ...
Our home grown turkey was delicious ... it's a good life - the farm life. The weekend is so far peaceful - glorious weather ... and lovely to see you here paws and all!
@ Susan - you're so right 'obedient weeds' would be great sellers! Still poor weeds ... just plants in the wrong place ... as you say they need to move.
I'm sure I didn't see one weed in the Gardens - but just loved walking round and seeing the plants and sculptures settled into the landscape. I'd meant to go the day before which was really sunny and clear ... but it was still a really good day out.
@ Lisa - there's so much solace to be found in gardens - large or small ... they are special places despite the weather. Those two plants were fascinating to find out about. The ferry over avoids driving across a granite monstrosity! I think probably everyone up here enjoyed Thanksgiving ... but could have done with better weather ...
@ DG - there's a lot to see, but the walks are just wonderful ... lots of tiny paths too - I love it. Certainly Autumn was upon Butchart and they were planting nursery beds up for Spring. I've never been to Giverny - and must make a plan to go ... as that must be just beautiful too.
The tart - always entices me - it's a good thing it's too far away for a quick dash to buy one ...
Thanks so much to you all - it's a wonderful garden to visit - and then to know that the Gardens are still looked after so well ... a gorgeous place ... cheers from a beautiful sunny dawn day ... Hilary
What a bunch of beauty you've captured! From the obedient flowers to the "gloomy day" garden (that I still think looked terrific) to the tart—mmmmmm—you always make me want to explore.
Post a Comment