The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island

Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site of Canada and most definitely a destination garden. Blooming for over 100 years, with 55 acres of garden, there is no doubt that these floral show gardens are one of the world's best. Jennie Butchart had a vision when she transformed an abandoned limestone quarry into the beginning of the Sunken Garden. Over the years, other gardens followed, and the continuing care of the gardens was handed over to a grandson and eventually to a great granddaughter. Read the fascinating story of growth, transition and tradition on their website.

There is beauty around every corner and each season must be spectacular! We were blessed to enjoy a beautiful sunny summer day walking among the gardens attempting to capture the overall glory of the gardens. Fireworks, concerts, and special activities are ongoing throughout the year. It is a very special place.

 

Afternoon Tea - Pendray Restaurant at The Gatsby Mansion

We had planned on visiting four tea rooms during our vacation in Victoria. Imagine our surprise when we saw this large sign right outside our lodgings. After reading their hours, we decided we could fit this tea in after our whale watching adventure. There was a little disbelief from the guys in the group, so they decided to find their own spot for fish and chips, and the girls headed to the Pendray Restaurant at the Gatsby Mansion where tea was served on the veranda.

With a cool evening, and a beautiful view of Victoria and the harbor we selected both the Signature Afternoon Tea and the West Coast Tea that featured a variety of seafood. In addition to hot tea, we tried the Alfonso Spiked Tea billed as a 'fragrant and refreshing alliance of black tea and rare mango spiked with peach vodka and Cointreau'. Refreshing!

First course, for both tea options, featured a chamomile tea-infused Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries. The West Coast Tea also included a "Tea Cup" of Fresh-Catch Seafood Chowder.

Menu for the West Coast Tea:
Candied Salmon, Mascarpone Mousse
Cucumber & herbed Cream Cheese, Shallots
Crab Cake with Green Tea-Infused Aioli
Shrimp Salad on Mini Croissant
Seasonal Quiche Tartlet

Fresh Scones, Lavender Honey, Devon Cream

Moroccan Mint Tea Infused Chocolate Mousse
Locally Made Macarons
Blueberry Orange Tartlet
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Menu for the Signature Afternoon Tea:
House made Egg Salad on Mini Croissant
Candied Salmon, Mascarpone Mousse,
Cucumber and herbed Cream Cheese, Shallots
Genoa Salami, Dijon, Smoked Cheddar, Chutney
Seasonal Quiche Tartlet

Fresh Scones, Lavender Honey and Devon Cream

Moroccan Mint Tea Infused chocolate mousse
Locally made Macarons
Blueberry Orange Tartlet
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

                                                            We enjoyed every last bite!

Victoria Lavender Farm

At one point in our trip, we spotted a sign for a Lavender Farm and the van automatically made the turn. We had only a few minutes to spend at this farm breathing in the lavender. The Victoria Lavender Farm is just one of several on Vancouver Island, BC.

The fields, consisting of 30 varieties of lavender totaling 10,000 bushes were past their full glory and had been harvested already, but the fragrance was heavenly.

After the harvest the lavender branches were being cleaned. 

The empty stems can be burned in the fireplace to keep away insects and for fun and fragrance too.

We had a quick minute to cruise through the gift shop. Lovely bunches of lavender were hanging from the ceiling, and a nice variety of products featuring lavender were available for purchase including lavender syrup, lavender honey, soap of course, and lavender bath salts. Such a sweet fragrance!

This particular lavender farm also hosted a considerable number of exotic birds.  Those are elevated bird cages behind the tables of plants.

Peacock

White Heather Tea Room, Victoria, BC

So happy that several friends recommended taking tea at the White Heather Tea Room in Victoria. Our family really enjoyed this popular casual venue. Our morning included a visit to the Royal BC Museum. The tea room adventure was sandwiched between a morning at the First Peoples exhibit and an afternoon at the Mammoths exhibit. We thoroughly enjoyed both of these interesting exhibits.








The waitstaff was ready for our arrival with a table laden with menus, water glasses, fancy tea cups, and place settings. It's always perfect when we can order off the menu, finding something appealing for everyone in the group. We were curious about The Big Muckle Giant Tea for Two. A muckle refers to something large, and indeed it was!

Tea, or beer if you prefer! We try to keep everyone in the group happy!

Fresh Fruit Cup, the first course of the Big Muckle

The Big Muckle, Giant Tea for Two

Assorted Sandwiches

Scones with assorted toppings

Beautiful variety of desserts

Reppert-Brill-Sears Family

Not So Wee Tea, serves one

Just in case the Big Giant Muckle is too much, they do offer a much smaller 'Not So Wee Tea' that is quite satisfying and includes just enough of a sampling of their fare. In case you were wondering, Cedar was able to order a plain ham sandwich. Bread-butter-ham. No frills.

This tea room appeals to all ages, both men and women.

The wait staff was efficient and friendly, and the tea room was a constant buzz of activity. They are serving fresh tasty food beautifully presented with a nice variety of menu options. It's easy to understand why they are so popular, and why they came recommended as a destination!