Finally we had some summer-like weather recently and driving home through the country roads and through the Village of Brentwood Bay I saw the “Welcome to Butchart Gardens” sign on West Saanich Road. I instantly knew we had to kick start our annual tradition!

Each year, on a warm and sunny evening, Bo and I pack a quick and simple picnic with fresh ingredients picked up at our local favourites, Red Barn Market and Breadstuffs Bakery including house-made deli salami, fresh baguettes, Natural Pasture’s Comox Brie, fresh fruit from local farms and Rita’s famous Breadstuff’s Carrot Cake with fondant icing or local berry pies – okay those are my favourites! And of course, some dog treats and water for Roxy, our Chihuahua, who loves any type of road-trip!

As we drive down the tree lined Benvenuto Drive (The Butcharts planted the blossom trees for the Queen’s visit decades ago), and pull up to the meticulously kept entry gates we almost feel like the many tourists that visit year after year to these amazing grounds and gardens. For me, it brings back happy memories of my teen years as my first job was on the nightly buffet served in the Butchart’s own home Dining Room with a view of the Rose Gardens, expansive lawns and water features of the Italian Gardens. Dinner for us though if ‘al fresco’, served up on a blanket on the luscious greens of the concert stage lawns with the warmth of the setting Brentwood Inlet sun at our backs. Somehow, food always tastes better outside and when you feel like you are a world away – but really only 5 minutes from home!

Living so close to such a world-class attraction is lucky for us but the real bonus is our Annual Pass that we can purchase to come back again and again throughout the year. Taking a walk through the Sunken Gardens with a stop at the Ross Fountain refreshes the mind, body and soul and for those really warm summer days, hanging out in a shaded pagoda in the Japanese Gardens is the best form of air-conditioning! These lovingly tended gardens make us appreciate the splendor of the flora without having to weed or tend it! Living in a condo, our regular trips to Butchart Gardens feel like stepping into our big back yard and just another reason we love living on the Saanich Peninsula.