Victoria, BC
Abkhazi Garden was still privately owned when I visited it on a garden tour decades ago.
The story goes that an exiled Prince of Abkhazi (in what became Soviet Georgia) met his future wife, Peggy, in Paris in the 1920's. They went their separate ways though, and during WWII each became a prisoner of war in different parts of the world. Later, during a visit to Victoria, the future princess bought this piece of property on Fairfield Road. Then she reunited with the prince and they married in 1946 and lived here 'happily ever after' for the rest of their lives.
The property came very close to being developed but is now run by The Land Conservancy of BC. This garden was particularly known for its old and huge rhododendrons, but unfortunately some were vandalized during the time of transition.
Adults: $10.00
Students & Seniors: $7.50
The grounds
We were too late to see the rhododendrons at their best. I seem to remember much larger plants on my last visit many years ago.
The gardener we spoke to didn't know if this Spanish Fir grew naturally or was forced into this reclining position.
But its unusual, fat trunk reminded us a warty elephant, or a giant tuber.
The upper lawn on the rocky property is long and narrow.
I don't find the house particularly appealing but it must have been quite modern in its day. Now it is home to a tea room and gift shop. Seating for the tea room is in the former living room and outside on the patio. The scones we had - plain and coconut - were very good.
By the time we reached the far end of the lawn, the sun came out.
Three turtles (not shown) live in the ponds below the house.
Flowers
I don't know what this flower is but its markings are very striking.
Update: the garden's own photo album labels it simply as
Cistus. A website lists that as a shrubby rockrose; my best guess would be one called 'Merrist Wood Cream'.
Alium in front of Queen Anne's Lace, I'm guessing.
I hope to get a better picture of this Mediterranean plant with its beautiful colouring. According to the garden's print-out, it is '
Cerinthe major var. purpurescens' - although I've seen the last word spelled 'purpur
ascens' on the internet. Other names are: Blue wax flower, Blue honeywort, and Blue shrimp plant.
Welsh poppy. We were told this plant grows like a weed.
Along a small wooded path, I spotted a couple of Himalayan blue poppies - always a welcome sight.
Above: These berries or pods that look like purple bell peppers are really only the size of a penny or dime. I had never seen this plant before and had to ask what it was. The name is Billardiera longifolia - or purple appleberry (or mountain blueberry or cherry berry). Native to Tasmania / south eastern Australia.
Alas, that might have been our last visit to Abkhazi Garden. We joined The Land Conservancy this year with the clear understanding that dogs were not allowed in this small garden. It was disappointing then to discover that the rules had been changed before we joined and although they say dogs are to be under control, they clearly aren't. Eating lunch while a large dog barks on the restaurant patio isn't our idea of a relaxing time.
