The gardens are fully handicap accessible, so if your hubby is not able to walk he can still enjoy the sights. June in the PNW is a very unstable month.......sometimes we can have wonderful weather characteristic of early summer but more often, June is just an extension of a seemingly endless cold and wet spring. Provided the weather cooperates at least marginally, you will see a great late spring show in June - rhodies and azaleas, early perennials like iris and peonies and Butchart's always wonderful display of bedded out annuals. One can usually plan on great weather in September......that month is often the best weather of the entire year around here and the gardens look stunning then too. If you visit the garden's website, you can investigate what the garden offers in all 5 seasons (Christmas is considered a season all on its own!). Here is a link that might be useful: Butchart's - 5 season virtual tour

Just toured Butchart Gardens on friday night...WOW!!! We went at 6pm till about 9:30, there was music playing(a live concert) and it was practically surreal with the dusk lighting!!! No words to describe it, I didn't even take a picture as it wouldn't capture/do justice to the beauty!!! I have not been since I was a child(Born/raised/live 60 miles away)...Truly a sight that can overwhelm and inspire!!!

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.

Sorry again Doug, bumping down, others please look, these series of photos are fantastic, we just need to have some newer posts