I think the picture on the top of the forum is geraniums but anyhow it sounds like you have some very large baskets. You probably want to spray for insects and mildew a few times before you bring them indoors. Be prepared for a lot of leaf drop if you have a lot of difference in light conditions, temperatures, and humidity between indoors and outdoors. Some people say you can keep stress low on the plant if you acclimate it to the indoors before you bring it in for good (this sounds like a lot of work to me by taking it in and out each day for a couple of weeks). The best thing you can do is provide a well lit area with adequate humidity and cut back on watering through the winter months. Move back outdoors next year and it should respond with lots of new growth.

Palms at Sunnyside Nurseries in Tsawwassen are cheap. I suggest that you find one with a foot of trunk if you are going to the lower mainland. I found their palms cheaper than other locations. The nursery at Elk Lake or Marigold Nursery have the better prices around Victoria. Happy Palms Nursery sells small specimens for $8. It's been a while since I saw the range of colour in your garden. I'd like to take a look at it this summer. Mine is still under construction but it has interesting trees such as a Lantern tree, Desfontainea spinosa (sold by Don the Brugman in Saanich), variegated Fatsia and an evergreen tree from New Zealand that flowers white. The Desfontainea has leaves like a holly tree with orangy trumpet flowers that can appear at anytime. I use it for post-summer colour. I potted a Vanderwolf pine that had been planted by previous owners. It's just too big and too fast for my garden. I'm getting rid of bananas next spring and you're welcome to take some canes. They remain in the garden as I expect bananas on two canes. Palms, bamboo and yuccas will replace them next April. I find that palms & yuccas produce less garden waste and I don't need to rake leaves like owners of oaks & maples. Image link of Banana Joe with a Brahea armata on Salt Spring. Cheers Here is a link that might be useful: Brahea armata on Salt Spring Island, BC

I didn't see miniature world, but it was on the list of things to see. Fort Rodd Hill was fun, but we got there late and didn't get to see the whole thing. That's also where the light house is. I found Victoria very artsy, and perfect for anyone who loves to take pictures of old buildings.... like.... ME! I'll be posting more pictures on Flickr as I process them. The petting zoo is still at Beacon Hill Park, but I didn't go in there. I was meeting friends there. It's where I took the peacock picture, through the fence. LOL If anyone does go there, do get the fish and chips in Fishermans Wharf. Walk over the bridge, and it's the first stand to the left. YUM! I had fish and chips three times last week, and the meal at the wharf was THE best I've ever had.

I found this on the internet of the tea at Empress Hotel. Afternoon Tea Indulge in one of Victoria's grandest traditions - Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress. For almost a century, the majestic lobby of this landmark hotel has played host to England's most beloved ritual - the taking of Afternoon Tea. Award-winning Pastry Chef D'Oyen Christie works his magic, ensuring an authentic and memorable experience - from your very first sip of our secret Tea at The Empress blend tea, right through to his freshly baked raisin scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserves. Served in the relaxing atmosphere of the elegantly restored Tea Lobby, overlooking Victoria's sparkling Inner Harbor in the stately Harborside Room or under the hand-painted ceiling of the Library, Afternoon Tea is an absolute 'must do' for all who visit Victoria. Afternoon Royal Tea As you take your seats in the opulent surroundings of the Empress Tea Lobby, treat yourself to a glass of award winning Sumac Ridge Steller's Jay Brut with the unrivalled selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones, pastries & teas...you'll feel like royalty. Afternoon Royal Tea is subject to our regular tea pricing, plus an additional $12.00 CAD per person charge, plus taxes. Menu: Tea at The Empress blend tea* Fresh seasonal fruit topped with Chantilly cream Tea sandwiches; cucumber with light horseradish, smoked salmon pinwheel, mango and curried chicken, carrot and ginger, multigrain crostini topped with a mixed mushroom pate. Traditional English raisin scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserves Delicate bite-size pastries, lemon curd tarts with glazed berries, Battenburg cake, Earl Grey tea shortbread, chocolate cake and a marble chocolate tulip *Tea at The Empress blend is a selection of seasonal, quality teas, created exclusively for The Fairmont Empress by the Metropolitan Tea Company. With components from Assam (thick malty and full bodied), Kenya (floral-like flavor and a golden coppery infusion), South India (superb fruity and sprightly flavor), Ceylon (airy, almost piquant flavor), and China (burgundy depth with light oaky notes), it is truly one of the finest blends in the world. From Our Chef: 'I believe in creating a balance between the flavor and presentation of my desserts, it adds a personal touch I feel leaves guests with a lasting impression.' ~ D'oyen Christie, Pastry Chef ~ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seatings: Afternoon Tea: Daily seatings starting from 12:00 p.m. Pricing: Afternoon Tea ranges in price from $49.00 - $60.00 CAD, per person, plus taxes. Prices fluctuate based on seasonality, please contact hotel for exact pricing. *Afternoon Royal Tea is subject to our regular tea pricing, plus an additional $12.00 CAD per person charge, plus taxes. Dress Code: Smart casual (no torn jeans, short shorts, beach wear or flip-flops, jogging pants or tank tops). Reservations: Reservations are required and should be made direct with the hotel, one to two weeks in advance to avoid disappointment. Tables are held for ten minutes after reservation time. Please contact Resort Reservations at (250) 389-2727 or book on-line with a room reservation. Please Note: For the comfort of those around you, it is requested that cell phones be turned off during Afternoon Tea.