By Thea Hegland

All good things come with time and the Mediterranean Garden is no exception. It has suddenly come alive after extended weeks of hot weather and plenty of sunshine.

Highlights in the Mediterranean Garden

• Beauties such as Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste plant) with pale blue spiky flowers and Lagerstroemia indica (Crape myrtle) covered with hot pink flowers seem to have started blooming out of nowhere. Usually not seen until late August or early September in this region, these gorgeous shrubs have responded well to the hot summer weather.
• Punica granatum (Pomegranate)
• European wall lizard invasion. Okay, calling the wall lizards a highlight may be a stretch unless you are under 10 years old. Story has it, these lizards, (Podarcis muralis) were first introduced into the local area when a dozen individuals were released from a small private nearby zoo into the wild around 1970. Since then, the numbers have multiplied and they are easily spotted along dry sunny rocks, darting in and out of crevices. Other than causing some stability issues along rock walls and possibly spreading weed seeds, they are harmless, annoying or entertaining, depending on your view.

An Oasis in the Japanese Garden

Eucryphia, located in the Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is a magical journey to the sea. This lush green oasis filled with delicate ferns, Bamboo and peaceful flowing streams leads the way to Butchart Cove. Here you can view the picture-perfect inlet and board the ‘Jennie Butchart’ electric boat to take a tour through Tod Inlet.

The Japanese Garden has few flowers, however the most beautiful pure white fragrant flower can be found here on the Eucryphia shrub (pictured above).

Concert Lawn Area

Of particular interest these days are the several Julgans regia (English walnut) located on The Concert Lawn. Capturing plenty of attention from the native squirrels and visitors alike, these aromatic beauties produce a delicious edible nut, contained within a green spherical fruit.

In the same area, the showcase perennial border along the end of the Concert Lawn is enchanting; there is a very special feel to this border during the evenings with its stunning vista set along the manicured lawn just beyond the old orchard. Here you will find many local butterflies, bees and birds amongst the Phlox, Monarda (Bee balm) and Helianthus. All the more magical accompanied by the pleasant evening entertainment on the stage. Be sure to check our concert listings… there is an incredible summer line up of music!

Plants that are currently blooming

• Abutilon
• Acanthus (Bear’s breeches)
• Aconitum (Monkshood)
• Achillea (Yarrow)
• Agapanthus (African blue lily)
• Ageratum (Floss flower)
• Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa)
• Alocasia (Elephant’s ear)
• Antirrhinium (Snapdragon)
• Anigozanthos (Kangaroo paw)
• Astilbe
• Astrantia
• Begonia (Tuberous and fibrous)
• Bletilla
• Brugmansia (Angels’ trumpets)
• Calceolaria (Scotsman’s purse)
• Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
• Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’ (Sweetshrub)
• Campsis (Trumpet vine)
• Catalpa speciosa (Indian bean tree)
• Cephalaria gigantea (Yellow scabious)
• Chelone (Turtlehead)
• Cimicifuga (Bugbane)
• Clematis
• Colocasia (Taro)
• Coreopsis
• Crocosmia
• Cuphea
• Dahlia
• Delphinium
• Echinacea (Coneflower)
• Echinops (Globe thistle)
• Epiphyllum (Night blooming cactus)
• Euchryphia
• Eupatorium
• Filipendula
• Fuchsia
• Gazania
• Gentiana asclepiadea (Willow gentian)
• Helenium (Sneezeweed)
• Helianthus (Sunflower)
• Heliotropium (Cherry pie plant)
• Hemerocallis (Daylily)
• Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
• Hydrangea
• Hypericum (St. John’s wort)
• Inula
• Impatiens
• Iochroma cyanea
• Kniphfofia (Red-hot poker)
• Lagerstroemia indica (Crape myrtle)
• Lantana
• Leptospermum (Tea tree)
• Lilium
• Lobelia speciosa
• Mandevilla
• Manettia
• Monarda (Bee balm)
• Nymphaea (Waterlily)
• Pachystachys lutea (Lollipop plant)
• Pelargonium (Geranium)
• Pentas
• Persicaria (Knotweed)
• Petasites
• Phlomis
• Phlox
• Physostegia (Obedient plant)
• Poncirus trifoliata (Hardy orange)
• Punica granatum (Pomegranate)
• Rheum
• Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
• Rosa (Rose)
• Salpiglossis
• Salvia
• Sanvitalia
• Tagetes (Marigold)
• Tecoma
• Thalictrum (Meadow rue)
• Tibouchina (Glory bush)
• Tigridia (Peacock flower)
• Torenia
• Tradescantia (Spiderwort)
• Veronica
• Viburnum
• Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree)
• Weigela
• Wisteria
• Yucca
• Zinnia