GPOD on the Road: Annual Arrangements in Victoria

18.07.2024 - 09:55 / finegardening.com

Happy Friday GPODers!

It’s been a minute since I did a post on my 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 back up a little further down the road, on Vancouver Island, BC.

After hustling across the Canadian Prairie during the peak of summer, escaping to the Canadian Rockies for a few weeks of hiking and cool dips into alpine lakes, I made my way across British Columbia. One ferry ride later and I made it to my west coast destination: Vancouver Island. One of the largest and most populous islands along the coast of North America, Vancouver Island has a mild temperature that, mixed with rugged coastline, creates for an incredible landscape filled with diverse plant life. However, my first destination wasn’t one filled with wild nature, it was the colorful and artsy capital of BC, Victoria.

Entering the city, I was anticipating a day filled appreciating architecture, sampling fresh seafood and browsing the racks of funky boutiques. But, like I am one to do, I found myself wandering the streets of Victoria and admiring all of the plant and flower touches along the way. Here is a sampling of the summer plantings I found:

Walking into downtown from the public parking lot I began my journey from, I was immediately drawn to these over-the-top hanging baskets perched on every light post. On a grey, rainy day the rainbow color scheme was a cheerful addition to the many trees and green patches.

If only I had a ladder handy to get a better look! From all angles these baskets were sensational. So full of flowers and trailing down for all around, the only way to see the pots