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 is an established garden that had been meticulously created and cared for many years before Susan and Robert purchased the property. Their wish was to preserve the work of the previous owners. Over the years, they have added new garden beds to expand the beauty of the rhododendron collections to the front as well as the backyard area. The ocean view provides the serene backdrop to the flowing garden beds.
Captivating view
A stunning species, Rhododendron oreotrephes
Stunning and unusual species Paeonea obovate alba
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