We’re home.

After weeks of harbors, farmers markets, vintage shops, oysters, and quiet anchorages, Wildflower is back in her slip, and I am back in my garden. I’ll have more to say about that in a moment, because the garden deserves its own introduction.

But first… the final stretch of the trip, which was my favorite.

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The Final Puget Sound Adventures Before Returning Home

Tod Inlet and Butchart Gardens

We anchored in Tod Inlet, which is one of my favorite spots on the whole trip.

Peaceful, protected, and beautiful… and right around the corner from Butchart Gardens.

Jax and I walked through Butchart Gardens as soon as they opened, which is a great time to go when you don’t want the crowds.

Because Jax and I arrived by dinghy from Tod Inlet, we entered through the Japanese Garden first, which was originally designed by Jenny Butchart and Japanese landscaper Isaburo Kishida, and features Japanese maple trees, a small bamboo grove, and a Shinto Torii gate.

Three elements dominate throughout: stone and rocks, water, and plants, with vertical rocks representing mountains and horizontal rocks symbolizing islands.

It feels like a completely different world from the rest of the gardens… quieter, greener, more reflective.

The sunken garden is always an amazing view.

We took our time and loved every minute of it.

Things were a bit different on our July visit than the usual August or September trip we’ve made in the past. The dahlia display wasn’t quite at its peak yet. I missed them.

But there was a trade-off and a beautiful one. The lilies were absolutely stunning. This is the first time I’ve seen them at the gardens. They made quite an impression.

Sometimes coming at a different time of year shows you something you didn’t know you were missing

One lesson learned for next time: Butchart Gardens closes at 5:00 on Mondays and Tuesdays, which were our days there. No evening lighting or illuminated garden photos. I was a little heartbroken about that. Next time we’ll plan around it.

We also kayaked in Tod Inlet with Jax and Ollie. From the beach, we threw a ball into the water, and Jax swam out to retrieve it every single time, completely in his element. Ollie, true to form, preferred to sniff around the shore. They are very different dogs, both very happy.

We dinghied over to a restaurant in Brentwood Bay for lunch on the patio, which was a great discovery.

My favorite antique store was on the list too, but it turned out to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Note to self for next year: check the days first. Brentwood Bay has a pattern.

Victoria

Victoria always feels like a reward at the end of a long trip.

We docked at the Causeway Marina, right in the heart of everything, with the Empress and Parliament buildings lit up across the water.

We started the first morning with breakfast at Jam Cafe.

I had the chicken and pancakes with bacon without any guilt whatsoever.

Then we rode our bikes out to Cook Street, which is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. Surroundings was the first stop, where I found some pillows that were coming home with me no matter what.

Kay’s Korner is always a fun wander even when nothing speaks to you, which was the case this visit, but I’ll be back.

And Seaberry Garden is one of those with flower shops I love visiting even though I can never buy anything.

Going back to the US the next day means no plants across the border. I just looked and appreciated what was there.

The next day we explored Market Square.

And we stumbled into Zingaro perfumery for the first time, which was such a fun discovery.

That evening we had dinner at Il Terrazzo, a new restaurant for us and one that we absolutely loved.

We celebrated our anniversary with mussels, the seafood linguine, and some carbonara.

The whole atmosphere was quirky, eclectic, and downright fabulous!

It was the perfect last dinner in Canada. Reservations are a must.

But the real story of Victoria shopping this year was Impressa, a vintage shop I’d been wanting to visit, but a bit off the beaten path.

We found the most wonderful old wicker trunk, originally priced at $300 but the owner sold it to us for $100, which sealed the deal immediately.

The only problem was getting it back to the boat. It ended up strapped to my husband’s bike, which made for quite a sight as we rolled through the streets of Victoria. We made it without incident!

Port Townsend

Our last stop before home was Port Townsend, which we love for its beautiful historic downtown and waterfront.

It was a quick stop, with a walk through town looking at all the gorgeous old buildings.

I always love shopping at Conservatory home decor shop. If you remember, they have one on Bainbridge Island as well.

And then we pointed wildflowers south towards home.

Coming Home to the Garden

I went straight from the dock to the garden.

I’ve been watching it through housesitter photos for weeks, but nothing quite prepares you for seeing it in person after being away that long.

Daisies and black-eyed Susans lining the garden path.

The elevated evening view of the whole cottage garden.

The cut-flower beds full of zinnias: Lilliput, Fireball, State Fair, and pastel mixes such as Victorian Wedding and Precious Metals all blooming at once.

The Stargazer lily.

The Ruby Eclipse sunflowers.

The purple coneflowers and blazing star together.

The statice mix, which I can’t wait to harvest and dry for fall.

The yarrow.

The celosia in salmon and gold.

The orange and burgundy dahlias in front of the 1920 Cottage.

The Victorian Wedding and Precious Metals dahlias in the cut flower garden.

The yellow and cherry red marigolds in the raised beds alongside the onions.

The greenhouse side view of all of it in the background.

Check out these onions!

I stood there for a long time just looking.

This is what I planted for.

This is what I came home for.

And it was absolutely worth every mile of that trip to walk back into the garden at its peak.

Summer, you delivered.

On the Blog This Week

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

These antipasto tortellini skewers with lemon basil vinaigrette are perfect for your next summer party.

This seaside renovation has an antique touch.

This recipe for BBQ chicken sandwiches is an easy slow-cooker meal the whole family will love!

Or how about putting a spin on barbecue chicken with these quesadillas?

Upcycle your old lampshade with this easy DIY fabric refresh.

Designer Thomas O’Brien has created his dream house and garden; you won’t want to miss it.

This frozen watermelon spritz looks like the perfect refreshing summer drink.

This pantry area is both organized AND beautiful.

Here are three refreshing Tiger Melon Cocktail versions to try making.

These are the cutest DIY succulent vases.

You’ll love this Santa Barbara home from the JDP Interiors portfolio.

Looking Ahead

The trip is over, and the garden is at its best. The tomatoes are getting close ( I actually found a reddish-orange one today), the pumpkins are climbing, and there’s cutting, deadheading, and harvesting to catch up on.

I’m so glad to be home.

Until next time,