Butchart Gardens

Cycled to Butchart Gardens - arrived about 11am stayed until 4pm. All up a 60km round trip.

We arrived at the gardens before the main bus tour time so at least had a chance to see the gardens when there were slightly fewer people walking in them - by lunch time the place was humming with people. I doubt I'd like visiting in Spring & Summer when it is packed!!  No selfie sticks allowed & people with tripods are restricted - whew!

We weren't sure if we'd get good light in which to view the gardens as it was fairly overcast when we left Deep Cove on our bikes but by the time we had our refreshing cuppa at the garden's cafe, the sun had come out & pretty much stayed shining the entire time we were there. Lovely :-)

 

 

You can see by the photos that the Autumn gardens were a riot of colour. The gardening team obviously has an artisic eye as the layering of colours, height and texture made for a vision that is easy on the eye and entrancing. The cafe and two restaurants offer a wide selection of menus - we enjoyed our morning tea scone and ate a delicious vege wrap for lunch. Sadly no musicians playing on the concert lawn as there was when Dad I visited back in July 1989!

This fountain twirled around as well as up - it was quite mesmerising to watch.

Betsy, Harriet & Chook-chook loved their day at the gardens.

Harvest season was in full swing seeing it was Thanksgiving Monday. Of course, people were queuing to have their photos taken with the pumpkins andthe tractor guy.

Lots of quirky things like this squirrel moss statue - we saw a cougar, an owl & bear. Children had their own little booklet to fill in with what they observed as they wandered around with their parents.

Most of the roses were past their best but some, like this one, were still glorious. They have a great collection of roses from breeders around the world - spyed a few NZ ones.

Had hoped to have a gelato but this place was closed as it is no longer Summer!! WHAT? - it was a holiday weekend and sunny! Lots of people sitting in the Italian garden soaking up the sunshine.

And, here we are doing the touristy thing! Had to wait our turn to get this shot.