As part of our friend Annie’s birthday celebrations, she and I went to the beautiful Abkhazi Garden Teahouse last friday. The weather was exactly as I had hoped – the rain held off until we were cozy at our table beside the window, then poured down and cleared away again for our walk downtown. Somehow rain outside the window makes nice hot tea even more delicious. An account of the history of the Peggy and Nicholas Abkhazi, their life together and the home and garden they built can be found here. Such appreciation for The Land Conservancy who recognized the importance of this place and made it into something the whole world could share.

Built by and with love, Abkhazi Garden in the Fairfield neighbourhood of Victoria BC.

Built by and with love, Abkhazi Garden in the Fairfield neighbourhood of Victoria BC.

A river of green lawn and the path which leads to the summer house, the first building constructed on the property in 1946. In the spring and summer months, this view would be exploding with every colour of flower.

A river of green lawn and the path which leads to the summer house, the first building constructed on the property in 1946. In the spring and summer months, this view would be exploding with every colour of flower.

This lovely mossy rock dominates the upper garden around the house with the rest of the garden seemingly cascading from it creating a pool of green all around.

This lovely mossy rock dominates the upper garden around the house with the rest of the garden seemingly cascading from it creating a pool of green all around.

Tiny autumn cyclamen were in abundance.

Tiny autumn cyclamen were in abundance.

This plant, Billardiera, was so spectacular.

This plant, Billardiera, was so spectacular.

From beside the house, looking out over Fairfield.

From beside the house, looking out over Fairfield.

Delicate little fuchsias in the most pretty pink.

Delicate little fuchsias in the most pretty pink.

Afternoon Tea for two: tea sandwiches, cucumber plus egg salad, tiny quiches, smoked salmon profiteroles, ham and cheese croissants, savoury cheese scones, currant scones with clotted cream and jam, eccles cakes, lavender shortbread cookies, lemon tarts and Philosopher's Blend tea-infused crème brulées. We chose Royal Abkahzi Black Tea, blended especially for the Teahouse by Silk Road Tea.

Afternoon Tea for two: tea sandwiches – cucumber plus egg salad – tiny quiches, smoked salmon profiteroles, ham and cheese croissants, savoury cheese scones, currant scones with clotted cream and jam, eccles cakes, lavender shortbread cookies, lemon tarts and Philosopher’s Blend tea-infused crème brulées. We chose Royal Abkahzi Black Tea, blended especially for the Teahouse by Silk Road Tea.

The rain comes down, all cool and refreshing, as we sip our tea and take our time over the wonderful delectables.

The rain comes down, all cool and refreshing, as we sip our tea and take our time over the wonderful delectables.

The lovely Annie as we both take photos of our towering  treats.

The lovely Annie as we both take photos of our towering treats.