Standing in The Butchart Gardens' Mediterranean Garden the tree's fruit appears to almost be a fig-ment (so to speak) of one's imagination. Perhaps it's the surrounding small groves of banana plants that signal the fruit really are developing figs.

The southern tip of Vancouver Island and a small portion of the Lower Mainland are far removed from the rest of Canada's climatic conditions. Even cacti can be grown in the area and some of the Gulf Islands have native species.

While many visitors wander through the floral splendor of world renowned Butchart Gardens, but they miss out on many smaller gardens which should be added to their “must visit” list.

A partial list includes:

Gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific – 12 km from downtown Victoria and just down the road from Butchart Gardens are the year-round Gardens at HCP. This 43-hectare site includes a nature conservancy and demonstration gardens. Highlights include magnificent rhododendrons, an outstanding winter garden,hardy plant borders, and a collection of bonsai in the serene Takata Japanese Garden. http://www.hcp.ca

Finnerty Garden at the University of Victoria - One of Canada's best collections of rhododendrons is on display in the Finnerty Gardens. This 6.5-acre garden contains over 4,000 different trees and shrubs with more than 1,500 rhododendron and azalea plants, including 200-plus collected rhododendron species and a spectacular range of companion plants. Three ponds provide habitat for birds and plants such as the towering timber bamboo. Finnerty Gardens provides a rich and changing array of colour, scent, form, and texture all year round. In April and May, you will see the rhododendrons at their best. http://www.external.uvic.ca/gardens

Hatley Park National Historic Site – The 565-acre Edwardian estate is replete with historic buildings, exquisite gardens, an old growth forest, and the institutional imprint of Royal Roads Military College. Since 1995 Hatley Park National Historic Site has been the home of Royal Roads University. http://www.royalroads.ca/about/explore-hatley-park-castle

Abkhazi Garden - Created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi, it is a heritage garden famous for its majestic trees, rhododendrons and dramatic vistas. The garden is located only minutes from downtown Victoria, yet it is an exquisite and pristine oasis filled with beauty. No matter which month of the year one chooses to visit, the garden is magnificent. http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/properties/vancouver-island-region/abkhazi-garden/

For a more complete list visit http://www.vancouverislandgardentrail.com/vancouver-island-gardens/

Graham Bell will be pleased to chat with you about these gardens and more at the Iceland convention or by e-mail.