They have these wonderful trees (apparently the Victorian's loved them). They are named for the fact that every branch has spikes on the end of every leaf-therefore it really puzzled the monkeys to climb these trees.



Monkey Puzzle tree with kilted family.





That one was small. Steve and Bobbie have one that is about 100 years old, in front of their house.




Back to the gardens...


Panache with Zen Garden.



Star with Star Pond.






Kids with Pig (apparently it was good luck to rub the nose of this bronze boar-it was very, very shiny over the nose).




Italian Garden.




This was a greenhouse near the gift shop, etc. I stopped and said, "Wow! Just...wow! I mean, wow!" and Jamie said, "What she said!"



Believe me, there are a lot more garden pictures, but I need to move on. If ever you find yourselves on Vancouver Island...



GO TO BUTCHART GARDENS!!!!


That's an order.

Be well,

Star