Butchart Gardens, near Victoria, British...
Illustration
Butchart Gardens, near Victoria, British Columbia, is a living masterpiece, delighting visitors with its diverse, colorful landscapes. A friend who visited the Gardens in late spring described the surroundings as "Eden-like," full of the touches of an artistic -- even extravagant -- Creator. Iris, peonies, and many other flowers bloomed in profusion, representing almost every color of the rainbow. She was particularly impressed with the beds of poppies that were a rare, sky-blue shade. In this seemingly idyllic setting, her reflections were interrupted by the sound of voices raised in loud bickering. Around a bend in the path, my friend encountered a couple arguing over which restaurant they should select for their evening meal. The argument halted momentarily as my friend passed, then quickly resumed. Later, she saw the same couple in the gift shop looking for souvenirs, having yet another argument. She joked that this couple really needed souvenirs to prove they had been there at all, as they appeared to be oblivious to the many non-material gifts Butchart Gardens had to offer. This couple's time at the Gardens was marred by noise and hostility, even in the midst of such breathtakingly beautiful, otherwise tranquil surroundings. -- Parker
