Big fat cherry blossoms cover the boulevards like a pink frost; native camas engulf the wild places; rhododendrons and azaleas create walls of beauty – these are more of the colours of a west-coast spring in Victoria BC.
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Saw this most amazing vine of wisteria on the fence and gate of one of my favourite houses in the neighbourhood of Fernwood. This variety has the largest and most luscious pendulous racemes I have ever seen. The wisteria was intertwined with lovely pale lavender-coloured lilac and delicate pink clematis. Love.
I’ve been enjoying early-morning walks with a friend. One of our favourite destinations is Government House, the home of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. The gardens and grounds are amazing. This particular morning, we made our way into the neighbourhood of Rockland past Craigdarroch Castle, a local attraction.
A peek of Craigdarroch Castle as we make our way to Government House on Rockland Avenue.
Early spring daffodils and grape hyacinths grow in amongst the rocks.
Long morning shadows.
A glimpse of the back of Government House from the rocky terraces which slope down into woodlands.
Victoria BC is a small city with lovely neighbourhoods. We are blessed with tree-lined boulevards and many small parks for nature and recreation. Moss Rock Hill is a rocky, and mossy, outcrop with a fantastic view of most of the city. A great place to watch a sunset or fireworks display in the Inner Harbour.
I was just out in our back courtyard taking some pictures of my latest complete jewellery project. The light on that side of the building is perfect, and the brick walls make a nice backdrop. The entire railing on the second floor is covered in Clematis armandii, which is in full bloom. I was completely engulfed in the most heavenly aroma.
We have had some magnificent west-coast weather happening lately; from spring-like days of chirping birds and blooming flowers, to threatening skies and torrential rain storms. Here are some photos of an 8 am sky from a few days ago. It was mesmerizing! The views are of James Bay near Fisherman’s Wharf, and out of the harbour across the straight towards the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
We have been having some beautiful days this month, almost verging on spring. Last week, while I was running errands as the sun was setting, I took some photos of the sky around the downtown Victoria area. Today it’s sunny again, just lovely!
A friend and I had another quick Vancouver day trip this week; this time by road. After running a couple errands we walked through gastown to the east side to visit Anne Starr fabrics, had a wonderful lunch at Nuba on East Hastings, and then retreated back to the ferry terminal and our journey home. Along the way we discovered two must-do places for the next visit: Ask for Luigi, an Italian restaurant, and Soft Peaks organic milk soft serve, both on Alexander Street. We were also treated to a magnificent sunset from the deck of the BC Ferries ship Coastal Celebration. Here are a couple shots form the still-industrial east side of Vancouver, plus that sunset.…
A tea shop I visit once in a while in Oak Bay, Just Matcha, has just opened a new shop in my neighbourhood. They have a lovely little spot in a newly renovated space near the entrance to history Fan Tan Alley. Our matcha lattes were delicious. Their menu is extensive and varied, something for every taste. They also offer some baked treats and locally-made chocolates – plus, beautiful tea ware, supplies and different grades of matcha to make at home. A really nice place to relax with some healthy matcha tea!
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