Butchart Gardens

Wednesday, April 14, 2015

We started the day off back at the White Spot. 

I said I'd return!    Smashed Potatoes are quickly becoming my favourite food group. :)

We were off to visit Butchart Gardens.   Ritchie had offered us his Land Rover, but I'm not comfortable enough to drive here, so we took the bus.  

It was an easy ride, made easier by Google Maps!   Moe made me aware of the bus function when we were in Honolulu. 

The weather had called for clouds with sunny periods, but shortly after we arrived it started to rain, and then gently hail.  

Not enough to dampen our spirits though.  The grounds are beautiful and emaculate and even looked great in the rain.  This is the sunken garden which was once a limestone quarry.   Mrs.  Butchart converted it to a garden after it was quarried out. 

This was where the first quarry was located.  The Butcharts owned a Cement company in Owen Sound and came out here to locate limestone and establish a Portland Cement Company.   

This was a beautiful dancing fountain.  

The pictures say it better than I can!!

The Japanese Gardens were the first gardens she established........

.......which lead to this inlet where the boats and later guests would arrive

The gardens are still privately owned by the family.  

It was well worth the trip out to see. 

Lynn had arranged to meet up later with B.J. and her husband Bill.  Bettie Joe is Ritchie's first wife and Lynn still keeps in contact with her. 

We enjoyed a great dinner and some very interesting conversation covering a wide range of topics.