traveltales: Beautiful Flowering Quarry

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Beautiful Flowering Quarry

Beautiful Quarry

Who could ever imagine that a huge hole in the ground, a defunct 50-acre quarry, would ever become one of the most famous gardens in North America?

Jenny Buchart, although happy with the income the limestone quarry and her husband’s cement plant provided, thought the big hole was a blight on the landscape in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

In 1904, when she envisioned a garden, no one thought she she’d be successful in getting anything to grow. Tons of dirt were trucked into the quarry site while she designed the curves and hills of the gardens.

During the Bucharts’ world travels, they bought statuary and brought home seeds and plants, obviously before the strict agriculture importation rules of today.

Slowly the garden took shape and a century later the gardens still remain in the possession of the family. Fifty gardeners are kept busy full time, all year, to insure the gardens are always in bloom. No matter the season there is always a rainbow of color.

In spring 60,000 tulips bloom in vibrant color everywhere. In fall the colors of many trees are spectacular. The rose garden is a mass of color when 2500 rose bushes bloom in summer.

Many benches are situated around the gardens where one can rest or just sit and enjoy the surroundings as well as the peace and quiet of the entire area.

Tacca, a large bronze boar, is positioned on the patio and appears to have just awakened, maybe from the sound of a hunt. His well burnished nose is the result of all the good luck loving strokes given to it over the years as visitors and children bid farewell to the lovely gardens. I have made several visits to these gardens, but it was on my first visit years ago that Tacca was my first bronze to start my collection of good luck brass rubbings.

Cruise ships, especially to Alaska, run buses to Buchart when stopping in either Victoria or Vancouver. In such a case it’s a worthwhile side trip.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.