Entry 5: Magnificient Gardens?

We finally had a couple of sunny days! I have been waiting for this since April 1^st. Since my

arrival on Vancouver Island about a month ago we have had rain everyday! I was so happy to

have a vitamin D infusion with temperatures up to 20 degrees.

Since arriving I have worked on numerous projects. Firstly, the cabin, where I helped with the

staining in preparation of welcoming the first lodgers. It was a beautiful project that I was

honored to take part in. Secondly, I have worked on landscaping the grounds because

construction always brings a large amount of cleaning up afterwards. I have also helped Lynn

with her physical rehabilitation and I am proud of the progress she is making. I have seen the

process of working weekly with physiotherapists, it takes perseverance to progress as she has.

On Saturday we went to Butchart Gardens. Over 100 years ago, a family transformed a rock

quarry into a beautiful and luscious garden. There are flowers of every kind! However, tulips,

ornamental cherry trees, magnolia trees, peony’s, daffodil’s and rhododendron are the garden’s

spring favorites.

We began our visit with the Sunken Garden, followed by the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden

and the Italian Garden. I felt like I was walking in a replica of the gardens of Versailles. I was

amazed by the quantity of flowers flourishing in this idyllic scenery. On our path we walked

across gigantesque trees, enjoyed the view of fountains and little waterfalls, walked under green

arches, and smelled the delicious blooms. It was a treat for the eyes.

Before going home, I plan on going to Salt Spring Island and visiting the little markets which I

have not been able to see due to the many weeks of rain.