… and the most beautiful gardens can be found in Victoria, capital of British Columbia, Vancouver Island, and other parts of Vancouver Island. It is such a pleasure to walk through residential areas and admire the well-kept and enchanting front and backyards.
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Rhododendron blooming in January
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Mahonia - Oregon Grape
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Picking raspberries from a shrub during a hike in late December on Vancouver Island, I realized once more the huge climate difference to the rest of Canada. Hummingbirds and bees in the midst of the winter were my next big surprise.
Climate Chart: https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,victoria,Canada
Climate Chart: https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,victoria,Canada
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A Canadian magazine wrote: “The capital of British Columbia is one of Canada’s “hotspot” for a reason, renowned not only for its mild climate and stunning gardens. But also for its fine dining, numerous tourist activities, and breathtaking vistas. When it comes to climate, summers are warm but not oppressive (averaging about 25 degrees Celsius) while winters are mild and usually snow-free. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria can also boast five times more sunny days than nearby Seattle, WA, and it has only half of Vancouver’s rainfall.
A Canadian magazine wrote: “The capital of British Columbia is one of Canada’s “hotspot” for a reason, renowned not only for its mild climate and stunning gardens. But also for its fine dining, numerous tourist activities, and breathtaking vistas. When it comes to climate, summers are warm but not oppressive (averaging about 25 degrees Celsius) while winters are mild and usually snow-free. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria can also boast five times more sunny days than nearby Seattle, WA, and it has only half of Vancouver’s rainfall.
Rhododendrons in late December
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Blooming Shrubs in Winter
Due to the mild temperatures - the Hardiness zone is 8-9 - a huge variety of ornamental plants, evergreen deciduous trees and perennials are really thriving on the island. And lawns are certainly green year-round. Even though they are not so dominant as in the rest of North America. Gardens on Vancouver Island are planted with a huge variety of blooming shrubs - which give gardens even in Winter lots of color.
Palm trees in many gardens on Vancouver Island
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Pyracantha
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January in Nurseries and Garden Centers
Auricles and Pansies in all colors invite first purchases for the garden or window sill. It’s time to plant fruit trees as the soil is certainly not frozen and there are great varieties available. Gardeners get ready for serious work now in the midst of winter: planting, pruning and mulching the flower beds.
Osteospermum Flower
When visiting Victoria, don’t miss this nursery and garden center:
GardenWorks Victoria North (Great Cafe/Restaurant)
Great Workshops for Gardeners
4290 Blenkinsop Rd, Saanich, B.C.
Skimmia Japonica
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Giant Trees on Vancouver Island
Another difference to the rest of Canada are the huge trees you find everywhere. They are often taller than four or five-story houses. Don’t miss to visit the giant Douglas Fir trees further north, half an hour from Nanaimo. Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, not far from Port Alberni, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island.
Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.
Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.
MacMillan Provincial Park is a provincial park, located 25 km west of Qualicum Beach and 16 km east of Port Alberni, the park straddles Highway 4 in central Vancouver Island on the way from Nanaimo to Ucluelet and Tofino.
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Ancient Trees Are Still Found Here
A massive Sitka spruce was recently discovered near Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island, in the territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation people.
Sitka Spruce in the Rain Forest
If you don't mind an occasional rain, it's a rain forest after all. But Vancouver Island is an interesting alternative to your Winter in Florida. So much to discover and to do here: beautiful beaches, sailing, floatplane flying, golfing, hiking, antiquing, kayaking,
snow-shoeing in the mountains... Oh, and certainly visiting the wonderful nurseries, botanical gardens, and well-stocked garden centers. However, it is not a really cheap area. Do you know what B.C. means? Bring Cash!
snow-shoeing in the mountains... Oh, and certainly visiting the wonderful nurseries, botanical gardens, and well-stocked garden centers. However, it is not a really cheap area. Do you know what B.C. means? Bring Cash!
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