Garden Photo of the Day

GPOD on the Road: Government House Gardens

Lewisias and other spring beauties

By GPOD Contributor
pink white and purple lewisia growing up a stone retaining wall

Cherry Ong has visited the beautiful gardens at Government House in Victoria, British Columbia, which is the official residence of the lieutenant governor of British Columbia. More to our interests, however, it is set in 36 acres of beautiful gardens. Here are some incredible views that Cherry captured.

pink white and purple lewisia growing up a stone retaining wallCheck out this floriferous explosion of lewisia (Lewisia longipetala, Zones 5–8) on this retaining wall at Government House. I’ve been waiting to see how this vertical garden turned out since I first saw it newly built. It was worth the wait!

close up of light pink Lewisia flowersLewisias are succulent plants native to western North America.

close up of white Lewisia flowersLewisias make rosettes of succulent leaves and clouds of beautiful flowers.

close up of bright pink Lewisia flowersThe flowers are generally shades of pink, but they also come in soft yellows, oranges, and peaches.

close up of fuscia-colored Lewisia flowersLewisias are famous for their beautiful flowers and for being a bit fussy to grow outside of their native range.

close up of pink Lewisia flowers growing between stonesClearly these are completely happy.

more pink Lewisia growing between stonesThe flowers just GLOW.

view of garden through large garden archBut there is more to the garden than just the lewisias. It is a beautiful space all over.

close up of leaf detail on metal garden gateHere is a beautiful detail on a gate in the garden.

close up of small ornamental grasses with silver foliageI had to check out the mass of Astelia in the perennial garden bed. I always wonder if it made it through the harsh winter, and indeed it did—beautifully at that! I believe the key to its success is the protected location. The plants are in shade bordered by the fence, the gate, and a gigantic (maybe 60-feet-tall) conifer. So smart!

giant conifer beyond a garden bed with lots of green plantsHere is the HUGE conifer that is helping give protection to the Astelia.

close up of white Rhododendron flowersGorgeous white Rhododendron flowers

 

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Monarch Butterfly Rescue Wildflower Seeds 4 oz.

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

HIGH QUALITY SEEDS and EXPERT GUIDANCE: Experience the quality seed difference. We are committed to providing the highest quality, open-pollinated, non-GMO/non-GE seeds to our customers, guaranteed. A trusted source of high quality seeds since 1985. ATTRACT MORE MONARCHS: We know seeds and we know pollinators! Our expertly crafted botanical garden seed mixes contain a wide variety of both perennials and annuals that are specifically designed to attract pollinators. Attract more Monarchs and Butterflies in general. Gardener tested, pollinator approved! All Of Our Wildflower Varieties Are 100% Pure Seed, They come with complete planting instructions. Compare and see the quality value. This Wildflower Seed Mix will make the perfect gift for those gardeners in your life.
Buy at Amazon

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.
Buy at Amazon
X
View Comments

Comments

  1. User avater
    simplesue 05/12/2023

    Wow that lewisia on the wall is amazing! I thought it was a photo on it's side at first- then realized it's vertical on a wall!
    Love that huge garden arch!

    1. perenniallycrazy 05/12/2023

      We love the same things! LOL. Thank you.

  2. User avater
    cynthia2020 05/12/2023

    Thanks for checking on the rock wall this year, Cherry.
    Gorgeous photos!
    If only I had a sunny rock wall...

    1. perenniallycrazy 05/12/2023

      You're welcome. I sure wish I had a sunny rock wall too.

  3. user-7392754 05/12/2023

    Beautiful!!! It’s such a treat to see all of these gardens that I would never be able to see in person. Thank you Cherry!

  4. btucker9675 05/12/2023

    Yes to that wall of lewsias and that arch! What a magnificent garden. Many thanks for sharing.

    1. perenniallycrazy 05/12/2023

      Birds of the same feather flock together. Same garden wishes eh! You're welcome.

  5. perenniallycrazy 05/12/2023

    You're welcome.

  6. sheila_schultz 05/13/2023

    Lewisia dreamland... ooh, I'm in awe and lust!!! Thanks, Cherry, for this delightful little tour! Have a lovely weekend my friend.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Related Articles

The Latest

How-To
Keep Moth Orchids Happy and They’ll Bloom Year After Year

For many people, picking up a potted moth ­orchid (Phalaenopsis spp. and cvs., Zones 10–12) is like buying cut flowers; they don’t care for the plant once it stops blooming.…
Design
4 Luck® Red Stripes White Variegated Clover Adds a Little Luck to Your Pots

While many gardeners might label white clover as a weed, this fast-filling, variegated selection is cute as a button in containers. With a mix of 3- and 4-palmate leaves, you’ll…
Design
Garden Tour of a Sustainable Native Plant Oasis Bursting with Fall Color

When Jeff Lorenz and Kayla Fell purchased this property in the Philadelphia suburbs, they knew they had their work cut out for them. A front and back yard of mostly…

Video

View All Videos
Design

Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat

You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping—not because you’re likely to trip on something, but because you might be dive-bombed by a pair…
Design

4 Midsummer Favorites From a Plant Breeder's Garden
Design

Garden Tour of a Sustainable Native Plant Oasis Bursting with Fall Color
Podcast: Let's Argue About Plants

Episode 170: High-Impact Native Plants with Uli Lorimer  
Podcast: Let's Argue About Plants

Episode 169: Great Foundation Plants