Government House in the rain June 27, 2011

In the rain there can be some interesting finds ... and not just wet flowers. With so few people around, two deer were having a good feed in the rose garden.

The older deer was chomping on the rose blossoms. She wasn't too concerned about my presence.

The younger one was not as bold. Aside from the roses, this shrub was a favourite snack.

I wondered if the recent addition of wire on top of the rock wall around the grounds was doing a better job of keeping the deer in rather than out, although with open gates they are free to come and go.

Uneaten roses.

And an iris.

Butchart Gardens June 16, 2011

Butchart Gardens must have the most beautiful garbage cans anywhere. The name of the tall flower atop this one is Primula Vialli, or Poker Primrose.

At first glance you'd swear there was a bee sitting at the top of the white petal of this iris.

As I've probably said a time or two before, I find Columbines difficult to photograph because either they're too far away or they're whipping around in the wind.

Peonies are out as well.

I was surprised to see a few Blue Poppies still in the Japanese garden.

Fragrant Stocks line some of the paths.

An old time sprinkler?

Government House again June 15, 2011

A name tag beside the peony directly above, which had huge blossoms in seemingly two colours, said 'Coral Charm'.

Butchart Gardens June 10, 2010

Now - to do a bit of catching up.

The roses weren't out yet but lots of columbines, peonies and delphiniums were.

Can't help myself - blue poppies were still blooming too.

These irises are always photogenic.

I don't remember if we'd seen this elephant topiary before. It's by the Rose Carousel.

Government House May 13, 2010

On our walk around Government House a couple of jaunty cars showed up.

An unusual looking peony.

An iris. Bright orange California poppies were blooming this week - also a couple of roses.