Special Garden Tours in May
May is a peak flowering period for rhododendrons; several CVRS members opened their private gardens for friends to enjoy.
Inviting guests to enjoy one’s garden is an enjoyable experience. Susan and Robert encouraged their guests to relax and enjoy some special snacks and refreshments.
The STITT Garden in Cowichan Bay
Guests were invited to visit the Stitt’s private garden, which had not been open for tours for many years. The garden was meticulously created by Susan and Robert beginning in 2007, when they removed large fir trees from the fully treed property and built their home. Over the years, they continued to expand their rhododendron and companion plant collections in the front as well as the expansive backyard areas. The ocean view provides the serene backdrop to the flowing garden beds. Later, they also purchased a neighbouring property to preserve the trees, rhododendrons and azaleas planted by previous owners.
Captivating view
A stunning species, Rhododendron oreotrephes
Stunning and unusual species Paeonea obovate alba
Natural rock outcroppings and winding pathways enhance the rhododendron and azaleas gardens
The NELSON Garden in Shawnigan Lake
The Nelson garden is situated near Shawnigan Lake on a hilltop of Baldy Mountain. The rugged sloping terrain meant that Carrie and Rick had to create terraces to plant their fine collection of Japanese maple trees and rhododendrons. The result is a stunning layered delight of texture, shape and colour. One of the finest rhododendrons in the garden is the intensely fragrant R. ‘Loderi King George’
Rhododendron ‘Loderi King George’
Stunning foliage compositions of texture and colour
Azalea ‘Northern Lights’
A Jim Barlup rhododendron
The ECHOES OF NATURE Garden in North Cowichan
The Buhler/Morgen garden is a 2-acre garden with a variety of both deciduous and coniferous trees, large collections of rhododendrons, irises and peonies. Several small ponds and a larger natural pond draw birds and insects to the garden.
Rich tones of pink, mauve, and purple rhododendrons beneath Acer griseum.
Rhododendron augustinii, a species
This clematis has a bold white centre
Rhododendron ‘Mrs Lionel de Rothschild’ with hosta
The MARBLE FALLS Garden in Cobble Hill
Wandering through Janice and Laurie’s garden in Cobble Hill is like inhaling restorative breaths of freshness. Quaint and gentle creativity and healthy, well-chosen collections of trees, shrubs, and special companion plants greet guests around every curve along the pathways. Tiny and subtle touches of attention are evident throughout the garden.
Postcard beauty in slanted light
Serene and inviting