GPOD on the Road: Annual Arrangements in Victoria
Happy Friday GPODers!
It’s been a while since I posted about my road trip across North America last year (if you missed it, catch up on that series here: Gardens Around Niagara, Canadian Wildflowers, and Assiniboine Park Gardens, Part 1 and Part 2), so I’m picking it up a little further down the road, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
After trekking across the Canadian prairies in the height of summer, escaping to the Canadian Rockies for a few weeks of hiking and refreshing swims in alpine lakes, I crossed into British Columbia. A ferry ride later, I reached my destination on the west coast: Vancouver Island. One of the largest and most populated islands on the coast of North America, Vancouver Island has a mild temperature that, combined with a rugged coastline, creates an incredible landscape filled with diverse plant life. However, my first destination was not a wilderness, it was the colorful and artistic capital of British Columbia, Victoria.
Entering the city, I expected to spend a day appreciating architecture, sampling fresh seafood, and browsing trendy boutiques. But, as is my wont, I found myself wandering the streets of Victoria, admiring every pop of plants and flowers along the way. Here’s a sampling of the summer plantings I found:
As I entered the city centre from the public car park where I started my walk, I was immediately drawn to the extravagant hanging baskets perched on each lamp post. On a grey and rainy day, the rainbow colour palette was a cheerful addition to the many trees and green areas.
If only I had a ladder handy to see better! From every angle, these baskets were stunning. So full of flowers and spreading all around, the only way to see the pots containing these creations was to stand directly underneath them.
Entering Victoria by ferry, there’s no doubt that this city puts plants first. I landed on the island a few hours north in Nanaimo, but seeing this bright red “Welcome to Victoria” sign made of bright red wax begonias (Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum cvs., Zones 10–11 or as an annual sign) was always impressive and inviting. And it’s not a new, modern addition either. This sign has been a fixture of the Inner Harbor since 1954!
And a closer look at those red wax begonias, absolutely covered in vibrant blooms.
The highlight of my plant tour was of course this incredible whale topiary called ‘The Surfacing’. Surrounded by clumps of daisies (Grey Brachyglottis syn. Senecio greyiZones 8–10 or as an annual), white coneflower, black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirtaZones 3 to 11) and ferns, this creation is eye-catching despite being located right in the middle of the harbor and surrounded by many sights, sounds and people.
This is an annual exhibit that takes place outside the Fairmont Empress Hotel and features a mother and baby orca (which is hidden on the other side) riding a wave. Mass of marine green grass – possibly blue fescue (Blue fescueZones 4–8) — creates the wave that alternanthera ‘Purple Knight’ (Toothed Alternanthera ‘Purple Knight’, zones 9-11) and lavender cotton (Santoline chamaecyparissusAreas 6 to 9) where the whales perch. After some research, I also learned that this living sculpture is about six meters long, a few meters less than the length of a real female orca!
Hanging baskets are back! Although slightly different, the restaurant I dined at had hanging baskets very similar to the incredible globes of color I saw on my way downtown. It was too rainy to sit outside and enjoy these rows of beautiful arrangements, but I spent some time after my meal taking pictures and enjoying the flower-filled space.
This included a beautiful border of annuals overhanging the patio railing and a stunning sunset over a city filled with flowers. Victoria is at the top of my list of cities to visit again for this very reason. I will always appreciate when a city and its residents put some thought and care into adding plants to their concrete jungle.
At home or abroad, which city has blown you away with its plantations and nature? Let me know in the comments or send me photos if you have any [email protected]And have a fabulous weekend!!
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2024-07-18 07:00:33
Annuals,Color,Containers,Grasses,Summer Interest,canada,container gardening,garden photo of the day,Summer Flowers,topiary,urban gardening
https://www.finegardening.com/article/gpod-on-the-road-annual-arrangements-in-victoria