Butchart Gardens January 21, 2012

Once again it's time for Butchart's indoor 'Spring Prelude' garden. It never comes too soon for me, so to open the door and feel the warmth and smell the fragrance in the air is heavenly.

Indoor Garden

A new fountain which has water running into the centre.

They really went to town with the logs in the pond this year.

Spheres were here in this Japanese garden area last year.

Outside

Outside was not so nice! Brrr.

Historical Display

Back inside to the Historical Display. I didn't take pictures of the pool room because I've done that before.

I have taken pictures of the croquet set before, but they're one of my favourite things and they're not out every year. It's nice to see the music boxes on display this time as well.

A snowfall in Victoria January 19, 2012

Beacon Hill Park

I always forget what this monument is for and don't usually get up to it because it's in the middle of a putting green, but it's regarding Robbie Burns. I'll bet there are many Robbie Burns memorials in the world.

Light snow January 17, 2012

Looking down Simcoe Street. (Or it could have been on January 22nd instead of the 17th - not sure.)

Butterfly Gardens January 12, 2012

Since my last visit in 2009 I must have forgotten how warm and humid this place is. It's not a bad idea to keep your camera warm and leave your coat in the car before entering (though there is a place to hang coats inside).

Butterflies do tend to flap around, making them difficult to photograph.

This Ringneck Dove found a handy place to nest.

Fulvous Whistling Duck

I really don't know orchids, but my best guess for this orange and yellow flower would be Psychopsis papilio, or Butterfly Orchid.

Government House January 10, 2012

Snowdrops were up but the snow was yet to come.

I must stop taking pictures of witch hazel, but it does add some welcome colour to a winter garden.

Most of the colour was from berries.

I had a little picnic in the gazebo.