Happy Sunday!

This past week has been such a treat—full of flowers, city charm, and plenty of time on the water. We’re still cruising on Wildflower and loving every minute.

The first half of September has been absolutely amazing, with cooler nights and beautiful days that are perfect for exploring.

Life on the boat has been a mix of cozy mornings with coffee in the cockpit and afternoons out exploring. Jax and Ollie are getting so used to their boat routines, and it makes me smile watching them settle in wherever we go.

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A Day at The Butchart Gardens

This week, we finally made our way back to The Butchart Gardens, and it was just as breathtaking as ever.

The late (very late) summer color was in full display with dahlias, roses, impatiens, zinnias, marigolds, and celosia everywhere you turned.

This year, it was just Jax and me at The Butchart Gardens, and he was the perfect little garden date. He walked so nicely by my side, taking in all the sights and smells! After six weeks away from our own garden, I think we both felt right at home surrounded by all those blooms.

I took so many pictures (of course!) so you can see just how magical this place feels in September.

I was amazed by the stunning hanging baskets and flower containers.

They were so full and colorful!

We arrived just after the gardens opened, and for the first hour or so, it felt like we had the place to ourselves.

I couldn’t believe we didn’t pass a single person on this path—it was so quiet and peaceful, almost like our own private stroll through the blooms. It felt like such a rare treat to have this popular spot so empty, letting us really take it all in at our own pace.

The Sunken Garden was just as breathtaking as ever, one of those views that never gets old, no matter how many times I’ve been there.

Every bed was bursting with color—marigolds, impatiens, and zinnias filling the space with such cheerful brightness. It’s such a happy corner of the gardens.

The Rose Garden was still putting on a colorful show, with blooms in every shade brightening up the paths.

The Dahlia Garden was absolutely stunning—an explosion of color in every direction.

The variety always amazes me, from the dinnerplate-sized blooms to the delicate pompons, each one showing off its own personality.

September seems to be peak season for them, and it felt like the perfect time to wander through and soak up all that beauty.

The Rudbeckia were so gorgeous that I couldn’t resist—I’ve already ordered seeds for next year’s garden!

After doing a little research, I’m pretty sure the flowers on the left are the Sahara variety, while the right side looks just like the Cappuccino rudbeckia I grew this year. If any of you recognize them and think I’ve got it wrong, let me know. I’d love to be sure!

If you’re looking for a flower that delivers color for months, Rudbeckia is a must-grow. They’re low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly, and keep blooming long after many other flowers have faded.

Exploring Victoria, B.C.

After Tod Inlet, we headed into Victoria for a few days. It’s one of my favorite boating stops, with so much to do within walking distance of the harbor.

On our way to the marina, we had to share the water with a seaplane that uses the harbor as a runway.

It was right next to us, and honestly, it made the whole ride feel like a scene straight out of a movie. Little surprises like that are what make boating days so fun.

We always stay at the Victoria Causeway Marina when we visit Victoria. This is hands-down the best marina spot we’ve ever had while boating.

Straight ahead, we had a perfect view of the iconic Empress Hotel.

From the boat, we could see the British Columbia Parliament Buildings lit up in all their beauty.

It honestly felt like being in the middle of a postcard.

We even saw workers taking down the hanging baskets. I couldn’t tell if they were swapping them out with fall blooms or tucking them away until next year, but it was fun to see the city in action.

Walking through town was just as impressive. I was blown away by how many fresh fall flowers had been planted. Victoria really takes its flower containers seriously!

A Stroll Through Fisherman’s Wharf

One of my favorite spots in Victoria is Fisherman’s Wharf. Yes, there are plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat, but my absolute favorite thing to do here is wander up and down the docks, checking out all the colorful floating homes.

Each one has its own personality—bright paint, fun décor, and so many charming little details. I took a ton of photos for you to see!

And I can’t help but imagine—if I ever had a floating home, you can bet it would have window boxes overflowing with flowers!

You’ll also spot the water taxis zipping in and out all day. It gives the whole place such a lively, bustling feel. We rode our bikes over from the marina, which took less than ten minutes and made for a perfect little outing.

I was so caught up taking pictures of all the floating houses that I completely forgot to grab photos of the rest of Fisherman’s Wharf!

But honestly, those colorful homes are the real stars of the show, and I couldn’t stop snapping away.

Shopping in Victoria

No trip is complete without a little shopping, right?

One of my favorite stops was Surroundings, a home décor store filled with beautiful furniture, décor pieces, and—best of all—pillows!

I ended up buying three (because you know I can never have too many pillows), and honestly, I probably would have taken home a few more if we’d had the space.

But with just our bike baskets to carry things back to the boat, I had to show a little restraint.

Here are a couple more pictures of the shop.

We discovered the cutest antique shop called Kay’s Korner a couple of years ago, where I scored several vintage finds to bring back aboard.

The prices were surprisingly reasonable, which made it even harder to resist.

Now you can see why we didn’t have room for any more pillows! I couldn’t resist this adorable green vintage stool, so we strapped it to the back of the bike and carefully made our way back to the boat.

Mixing these new pieces, like the fresh, cozy pillows, with my vintage treasures is one of my favorite ways to keep our cottage feeling layered, collected, and uniquely ours.

And of course, I couldn’t resist popping into the cutest little shop selling plants and flowers—because you know I can never pass up a place like that.

They also had the most amazing flower bouquets, the kind you wish you could take home and put right on your kitchen table.

Sadly, I couldn’t bring anything back across the border, but it was still so much fun to browse and get inspired for my own fall garden and arrangements.

Breakfast at Jam Café

No trip to Victoria is complete without a stop at Jam Café, and this visit was no exception. The food is absolutely amazing. Order the Charlie Bowl and thank me later! It’s hearty, delicious, and worth every bite.

But Jam Café is more than just good food—it’s an experience.

The inside of the café is an eclectic mix of vintage finds, quirky artwork, and cozy, mismatched decor that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the most fun and energetic breakfast party in town. The place is always buzzing, which just adds to the charm.

If you go, be prepared to wait a bit (it’s popular for a reason), but trust me—it’s worth it.

On the Blog

30 Easy Outdoor Fall Decorating Ideas to Try This Season

Are you looking for easy fall decorating ideas for your outdoor space that make a seasonal statement? Whether you have a cozy porch, a big backyard, or a charming balcony, adding a few simple autumn touches can transform your outdoor area into an inviting fall sanctuary…CONTINUE READING.

Add Warmth for Fall With Vintage Copper Kitchen Accessories

Embrace the cozy fall season by mixing warm vintage copper kitchen accessories with your fall home decor. In this post, I’ll share the timeless charm of copper and how these accessories can elevate your autumnal ambiance…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Here’s a Sag Harbor home you’ll love.

This pumpkin vase is a creative way to show off your fall flowers.

I’m trying this slow cooker chicken and creamy orzo recipe this month.

Try this simple sourdough bread in a Dutch oven.

Here’s the perfect Pottery Barn pumpkin dupe for fall.

Thinking of painting furniture this fall? Here’s the perfect painting guide for you.

This pumpkin cheesecake cookie recipe looks delicious!

How about making a corn husk wreath?

How pretty is this Minnesota classic cottage?

You’ll love this easy DIY fall leaf garland from old book pages.

This charming historic home with a lake view.

This DIY fall garland.

Looking Ahead

Next up: we’ll be making our way toward the U.S. in the coming week, but I’m soaking up every last bit of Canadian cruising before we cross the border.

I’m already dreaming of giving our little beach cottage its much-needed fall refresh once we get home..

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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