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    Home » Miscellaneous

    A Garden Oasis in Victoria, B.C.

    Published: Sep 9, 2012 · Modified: Sep 14, 2019 by Dara · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 29 Comments

    A Garden Oasis in Victoria, B.C.

    A couple of weeks ago, I promised to share some photos of my parents' newly landscaped backyard oasis. For a week and a half this summer, we got to pretend that this backyard was ours. We spent hours meandering along driftwood-lined paths, watching the fish in the pond strewn with blooming lilies and eating our breakfast in the gazebo in the early morning light.

    The transformation of the backyard was extreme. Thanks to the vision of my parents and the landscaping team, the yard went from a vast expanse of grass, peppered with several enormous Garry Oak trees, to show-stopping beauty. Before, if you wanted to stroll around the yard, you had to pull on your galoshes to wade through the swampy depression of grass.

    Here are a few "before" photos:

    PreGarden1

    PreGarden2

    PreGarden3

    Don't get me wrong. It was still a really pretty backyard. However, it didn't suit my parents' needs. They love to entertain - from small family gatherings to large dinners with their wine group. They were relegated to the dining room and were never able to take advantage of a beautiful summer's evening for al fresco dining.

    My mum has a greener thumb than anybody I know. Ask her the name of something in the garden and she's almost always able to tell you the name, sometimes rolling the Latin name off her tongue. She has a wonderful eye for placing flowers and creating enclaves of serenity and beauty within her garden.

    The new landscaping allows her and my dad to play with different plant varieties and to create different feeling throughout the garden.

    The "after" photos:

    GardA Garden Oasis in Victoria, B.C.enCollage1
    A perfect spot for dining.

    A Garden Oasis in Victoria, B.C.
    A little contemplation beside the fish pond, which is flanked by driftwood "totems".

    A Garden Oasis in Victoria, B.C.
    A proud Grandad with my boys and one of our meals on the patio.

    A Garden Oasis in Victoria, B.C.
    Nonna helping out M with his barbecued ribs, and one of my favorite plants in the garden.

    A Garden Oasis in Victoria, B.C.
    Even the puppy approves.  M & T watching their new fish (they got to pick some out at the fish store).

    A Garden Oasis in Victoria, B.C.
    Happy grandparents and kids!

    I'd love to hear about your favorite spots in your garden. Is it your vegetable garden? Do you have a special bench where you like to sip on your coffee first thing in the morning?

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Elizabeth

        May 27, 2017 at 10:56 am

        What a beautiful garden & great place to relax & soak up nature. Enjoy your time there with your family.

        Reply
      2. Jennifer

        September 10, 2012 at 8:31 am

        The backyard is beautiful!

        Reply
      3. Gerry @ Foodness Gracious

        September 10, 2012 at 12:28 am

        Amazing garden! My fav spot is where my grill is 😉

        Reply
      4. Laura (Tutti Dolci)

        September 09, 2012 at 11:56 pm

        Beautiful garden!

        Reply
      5. Kathy - Panini Happy

        September 09, 2012 at 9:31 pm

        What an idyllic haven! In Victoria, no less, which is one of the sweetest cities I've visited (we were there on our babymoon 5 years ago!). I hope your parents enjoy many happy occasions in the new yard!

        Reply
      6. Cathy @ Noble Pig

        September 09, 2012 at 5:32 pm

        Wow, they did an amazing job, it's just beautiful. I love those driftwood totems, how unique. Thx for sharing!

        Reply
      7. Danijela

        September 09, 2012 at 4:08 pm

        This is just too beautiful. They've done an amazing job. BEAUTIFUL!

        Reply
      8. KalynsKitchen

        September 09, 2012 at 3:31 pm

        Wow, what an amazing yard they have created!

        Reply
        • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

          September 09, 2012 at 3:44 pm

          Kalyn, I thought of you when I was sitting out there. My parents hope to put in a bigger veggie garden, but I guarantee it won't match your amazing set-up!

          Reply
      9. Kathy

        September 09, 2012 at 3:11 pm

        Beautiful puppy!! What kind is he?

        Reply
        • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

          September 09, 2012 at 3:43 pm

          Hi Kathy, she's a Portuguese Water Dog. They're a very sweet breed and they don't shed!

          Reply
      10. Julia {The Roasted Root}

        September 09, 2012 at 10:51 am

        Your parent's garden is absolutely gorgeous! I would want to spend all day out there enjoying the peace, reading a book, drinking coffee! It looks like they put a lot of hard work into it and their efforts definitely paid off! Beautiful, thanks for sharing!

        Reply
        • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

          September 09, 2012 at 3:42 pm

          Thanks, Julia. It was quite a process and certainly worth their effort!

          Reply
      11. Kare @ Kitchen Treaty

        September 09, 2012 at 10:24 am

        Wow, what a stunning transformation! Kudos to your folks, and you are so lucky that you get to enjoy it, too!

        We recently finished a round patio area with a fire pit surrounded by adirondack chairs. So comfy. Perfect for lounging at sunset with a glass of wine (if the baby permits, that is!)

        Reply
        • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

          September 09, 2012 at 3:42 pm

          Kare, that sounds positively idyllic. We've often thought of putting in a fire pit...maybe someday.

          Reply
      12. Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar

        September 09, 2012 at 9:49 am

        Their backyards looks like a dream! Absolutely gorgeous!

        Reply
        • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

          September 09, 2012 at 3:41 pm

          Thanks, Katrina. It's wonderful to spend time out there when we visit.

          Reply
      13. Nadia

        September 09, 2012 at 9:44 am

        What a stunning yard! I sadly rent (here in Victoria, BC as well! ) and don't have quite the garden I dream of - its mostly a collection if grow bags and pots! But we do have a lovely patio couch set that is perfect for laying down just out if the sum but relishing the nearby warmth and ocean breeze Victoria is blessed with. Congrats to your parents for their new oasis!

        Reply
        • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

          September 09, 2012 at 3:41 pm

          Nadia, there really is nothing like the wonderful smell and feel of the breeze off the ocean. Hopefully someday you can move toward that garden of your dreams.

          Reply
      14. Laura (Got Chocolate)

        September 09, 2012 at 9:35 am

        Oh WOW! I want, I want, I WANT!!!

        VERY impressive! 😀

        Reply
        • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

          September 09, 2012 at 3:40 pm

          Me too, Laura!

          Reply
      15. Barbara | Creative Culinary

        September 09, 2012 at 9:09 am

        Absolutely gorgeous. I love to garden and have transformed mine over the years...not in one summer! There is nothing more peaceful than the mornings when I love to sit outside with a cup of coffee. The birds are chirping at feeders; my much smaller pond is softly gurgling and my dog pretends she can still chase squirrels as she meanders through the foliage and flowers.

        Reply
        • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

          September 09, 2012 at 3:40 pm

          Sipping coffee or tea in a peaceful setting, watching the birds go about their morning activities, really is a wonderful way to start the day.

          Reply
      16. Shirley @ gfe

        September 09, 2012 at 9:07 am

        Oh, what fun to be in that amazing garden/backyard! Your mom's vision was awesome. So glad that it came to pass for her and you all! Thanks for sharing all the amazing photos, Dara. 🙂

        Shirley

        Reply
        • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

          September 09, 2012 at 3:39 pm

          Thanks, Shirley. Both my mum and dad did a wonderful job of envisioning every little bit of this project. It's such a peaceful place.

          Reply
          • rahul

            September 12, 2012 at 3:47 pm

            Hi.. How are you ? Can I ask you where's the garden actually ?

            Reply
            • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

              September 12, 2012 at 4:11 pm

              For obvious reasons, I won't be giving out the exact location. Thanks.

              Reply
      17. ~mel

        September 09, 2012 at 8:40 am

        Wow ~ that is a very impressive garden and if I were your parent's I'd be having dinner parties and wine tastings and showing it off. Yes, I'm jealous ~ I could only wish for such a beautiful garden. So happy you and your family are able to enjoy it:)

        Reply
        • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

          September 09, 2012 at 3:38 pm

          Thanks, Mel. They're definitely trying to take advantage as much as they can while the weather is nice. It's a wonderful place for entertaining.

          Reply

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