GPOD on the Road: Beacon Hill Park

09.08.2024 - 07:29 / finegardening.com

Happy Friday GPODers!

We’re back on the road with another segment from my trip to Vancouver Island. First, I highlighted the fabulous summer arrangements in the capital city of Victoria (Annual Arrangements in Victoria), then I took you into the rainforests to see from of the island’s biggest celebrities (The Famous Trees of Vancouver Island), and now I’m bringing you back to Victoria to a famous park with fabulous public gardens.

Beacon Hill Park is about 200 acres and features many notable attractions like ocean views, one of the largest totem poles in the world, numerous sports fields, and even a petting zoo during the summer. I came here on a time crunch, so you know there was one thing on my mind: plants.

While annuals are to be expected, and some tropical plants usually make it into that mix, I can confidently say I would have never imagined seeing palm trees in a Canadian public garden garden like this. If I had more time, this bench perfectly placed in the shade would have been a sensational spot to stop and enjoy this stunning long border.

Lots of varied paths criss crossed through the park, leading you on all different types of adventures. One such path brought me to this beautifully maintained intersection, featuring many of the same plants seen in the long border above. Many of the colors on display also reminded me of the incredible hanging baskets I saw scattered throughout the city (be sure to check those out here), and gave me the sense that every planting in the city was connected. Maybe just a coincidence, but absolutely a beautiful one!

In the center, this sun dial gets tons of character with a touch of patina and contrasts so nicely with the explosion of color behind.

A closer look at one of those