Perry and I rode a tour bus from downtown Victoria, Canada to the fifty-five acre Butchart Gardens. Years ago Jennie Butchart decided to recycle a used up limestone quarry that supplied her husband’s cement plant. Some of the plants were collected by the couple on their many travels. 

We began our visit by enjoying a fantastic High Tea on the porch of the Butchart homestead. We started with a wonderful cup of cut fresh fruit in real whipped cream. The teapot was insulated and kept the blackberry tea hot. We each had a tea strainer to use when we poured tea into our cups.

The bottom plate held meats wrapped in pastries and small vegetable sandwiches. The middle plate had desserts and confections on it. The top plate was for scones and Devonshire cream. Everything melted in our mouths as we emptied the plates. The service and staff were superb. If you visit the gardens, I highly recommend you start with the High Tea!

This is the back of the Butchart home. It's now a restaurant.

We followed paths throughout five uniquely beautiful gardens and to the Tod Inlet close to Brentwood Bay. This is a small part of the Japanese garden.

Just a few of the many beautiful flowers we enjoyed. Butchart Gardens is a camera’s paradise!