There are such things as strictly sculpture gardens such as in East Jesus but this Victorian garden also included many flowers, plants, and trees. Some like the Arbutus trees are native to Vancouver Island but others, such as one that my friend in California grows, are not. Unfortunately this garden did not have labels on the flora.

Flowers

There were many different flowers in the garden.

Ferns

I grew up in New Brunswick and enjoyed eating fiddleheads in the spring. They’re the sprouts of the Ostrich fern which grow along the banks of the rivers. British Columbia has other ferns.

Deer Fern ?

 

Billardiera longiflora

I was intrigued by these small purple olive like berries. I had never seen this plant before. Just outside the restaurant’s building was a sample of this plant and a card describing it. This is what it said “(bill-ard-ee-AIR-uh lon-gee-FLOR-uh) Insignificant yellowish flowers in July form striking aniline blue fruit by August which persist in mild winters. For JJ.H.deLabillardiere, botanist on French expedition to explore the Pacific around 1800. Not poisonous, not good. Tasmania Z8.”

 

I’m glad that I saw Abkhazi Garden and intend to return, probably with puppy in tow. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on leash.

For more information check out Abkhazi Garden – The Land Conservancy.

To find out about the metal sculptures go to Bev Petow’s page at Duthie Gallery.

Well worth the visit!