Many people had told us we must visit the Butchart Gardens while on Vancouver Island, so today was the day. We had received clear advice from the Visitors' Centre, as most people use a Tour Company or rent a car. We were armed with our $5 all-day bus pass and the No. 75 timetable and only needed to walk 200 meters to the nearest bus stop. The trip took 40 minutes each way and we were able to sit, thanks to generous young people on the way there.
It took 15 minutes to buy tickets and put them through the inefficient electronic gate system. A million people visit here each year so you would think they would be ready for a steady flow.
The Gardens are over 100 years old and cover 55 acres, centring on a limestone quarry which served a cement factory. The first area we encountered had many beds of multi-coloured flowers which were almost overpowering in the afternoon sun.
As we headed towards the Sunken Garden and Fountain we passed into a forest of very old looking trees. The lookout area gave us another colourful display of flowers and an hypnotic random pattern of water from the Ross fountain.
Several times we were forced to admit the presence of our friend lantana was appropriate.
We headed back to the northern section, passing Totem Poles and the concert shell stage. The dahlias were attracting a lot of people as well as at least five varieties of bees.
The tiny fountain of sturgeons was quite beautiful as we passed into the extensive Japanese Garden. At the northern end was a surprise in the form of a large bay called Butchart Cove.
As usual the Japanese plan was peaceful and relaxing. It included a "boar scarer" banging a bamboo pipe on a stone every few seconds.
We continued through the Italian Garden, the Rose Garden and the Mediterranean Garden to complete a two and a half hour amble. Well worth the effort.
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