Vancouver Hydrangea

When in Vancouver, B.C., be sure to visit the Van Deusen Gardens.  These hydrangeas were just some of the many they have.  This propery in the heart of Vancouver, has rolling terrain, large ponds and a wonferful array of plants and flowers.  And this time of year most are in bloom.

"Vancouver Hydrangea"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Van Dussen Gardens

If you're ever in Vancouver, B.C., take the time to visit the Van Dussen Gardens.  You'll be surprised at the variety of the plantings.  One fun item for those who are kids at heart is the hedge maze.  And yes, they do give you a map so you won't get lost. 

"Van Dussen Gardens"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

White Knight

I spotted this beauty in Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. This is a must see treasure of flowers and all things growing if you get to that part of Canada.

"White Knight" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Almost Monet's Garden

I'm having a luncheon tomorrow for the gals who are joining me at my watercolor workshop in France next month. A little meet and greet before we go and to talk over last minute details. Next month about this time I'll be able to post the real picture of Monet's Garden. I've gotten permission to paint there and really excited to walk in his footsteps.

This photo is actually at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C.

"Almost Monet's Garden" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Reflected Light

While enjoying a pre-dinner drink at a local pub in Victoria, B.C., I noticed the late afternoon light was being reflected off the windows on the building across the street. The rays hit the flower on the table and created this unusual lighting.

"Reflected Light" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Orange Delight

Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC is a gardener's dream come true. And for one who lives in the desert, the begonias, lilies and dahlias are a real treat to see.

"Orange Delight" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Chat Noir

I seem to have managed to amass a collection of pictures of black cats. Don't know why but they make such appealing subjects. This cutie posed nicely for me in a back alley in Victoria, B.C.

"Chat Noir" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Confetti

Gladiolas are stately flowers in a rainbow of colors. Reds, violets, pinks and greens plus many other combinations. These pink and yellow beauties were growing just outside the famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC. Actually, there were near the parking lot. I sure wish we had such wonderful flowers in our parking lots but alas, our weather is too hot for many flowers.

"Confetti" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Victoria Sunset

My friend Susan came to dinner tonight and we started reminiscing about our cruises to Alaska. I had heard so much about the beautiful garden city of Victoria, B.C. that we decided to go early and spend a few days enjoying the flowers before our ship departed from Vancouver. Susan's a photographer who specializes in flowers so this was a no brainer for the two of us. Butchart Gardens and the beautiful downtown area of Victoria are a flower lover's delight. This shot was taken at sunset just as the lights that outline the Parliament building were coming on.

"Victoria Sunset" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Silver Dragonfly

Many years ago my mother gave me a silver lapel pin in the shape of a dragonfly. I've had it for a long time and don't wear it very often so when I spotted this beauty taking a rest in the Van Dussen Gardens in Victoria, B.C. it reminded me of that beautiful pin.

"Silver Dragonfly" © Kathy Dunham 2008