Showing posts with label Salt Spring Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salt Spring Island. Show all posts

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Salt Spring Island visit and a Rose Garden Tour

It's been a whirlwind week and one of the highlights was a trip across to Salt Spring Island to visit a friend. I did not go empty handed and I took her a wee gift and a bouquet of our Humble Bungalow garden roses.


My friend lives on a lush acreage where she has created a beautiful Mediterranean style garden.  She and her husband travel to Provence every year and spend a couple of idyllic months exploring the villages. I think she has been inspired by the lovely gardens in France.




The garden plants are selected with an artists eye...
and then one needs to be mindful of 
the deer who have voracious appetites!

Ali took me on a garden tour with the local rose group.


First we stopped off at Ali's friend Anna's home.


Anna and her husband Paul are artists and they have a gallery on their property that showcases their artwork. In case you are interested I have included a link to their site below.


Blue Horse Gallery is located in the Southey Point area of Salt Spring.

Weddings are frequently held on this picturesque property and they also run a B&B called Bloom.




I was so smitten with this adorable suite...
I could imagine waking up and taking my coffee out to the terrace and listening to the bees buzzing and the birdsong.


We visited quite a few gardens and there are many keen rosarians on the island.
I felt very privileged to be included on the tour and have Ali to thank for arranging it for me to join in.


A clump of poppies caught my eye...



I must get some of these for our garden.

Ali and I had lunch in Ganges and perused some of the lovely shops.
I was tempted by many of the lovely linen garments in the shops 
but I do not "need" any more...

 I cannot say that for roses 
as I am already thinking where I can find room to squeeze in a few more in our garden!


One of my favourite gardens on the tour was a 6 acre property near Vesuvius. 
Pauline and her husband have a vast garden with over 200 roses!
A fragrant oasis of roses
which Pauline has mixed with many lovely plants.

The most stunning array of vibrant blue, mauve and purple delphiniums 
stood tall with her glorious roses.
Pauline is an avid and knowledgeable gardener and very gracious.
It was difficult prying myself away from her garden but I had to catch the ferry. 


Ali and I plan to meet again on the island 
as there are so many wonderful things to see and do...

I am heading out to the garden so I will close before donning my garden gloves.

Hope you have a lovely weekend.
XO

Monday, April 18, 2016

Salt Spring Island Day Trip...

On a rainy weekday morning last week we got up at the crack of dawn and headed out to the ferry to spend the day on one of the Gulf Islands.


Salt Spring Island is a short scenic 35 minute ferry ride from The Swartz Bay terminal.

The island is the largest of our Gulf Islands and it is very lush and green.
A popular spot for many who are fortunate enough to call it home...
and a lovely place to go for a visit.

Many of the homes along the waterfront have low bank beach access with private docks while others with expansive water views, are built high up on the cliffs that plunge sharply to the sea.

SSI is home to a diverse mix of locals... from affluent celebrities, talented writers, gifted artists, wealthy retirees, farmers, vintners, potters, quilters, organic produce growers, "back to the earth" hippies, professionals, chefs, gardeners, families, teachers and the list goes on...
definitely an eclectic group... which makes for a very "colourful" community.


Mr. HB had business on the island so I tagged along for the ride...
While he worked, I walked and explored the galleries and shops in Ganges which is the retail hub of the island.
It was a quiet day as not that many people were out and about.
Perhaps it was the rain...
but then I am comparing it to the busy summer season
when tourists are on their holidays and the marinas are full of boats.


There are some lovely women's shops with sumptuous imported linen garments in fashionable styles.
Shoes, scarves, hats, and stylish accessories.
Many of which are beyond my budget...but it is fun to browse.


There are two thrift shops...
well worth perusing
as you never know what you are going to find.

There was an adorable bright pink and lime green classic Lily Pulitzer sheath dress,
alas it was too small.
Lots of designer labels and most in good condition, some of the pieces I recognized from last season.

I did find an Eileen Fisher "jacket"....
very simple and in a versatile navy for under $20.

Mr. HB and I met for lunch at Auntie Pesto's on the waterfront overlooking the marina.
The food was tasty and the half portion of pasta that I opted for was more than adequate.
Judging by the crowd that were dining there it must be a favourite with the locals.

After lunch we walked the docks and looked at boats before heading back to Fulford Harbour to catch the ferry.



Fulford Harbour is quite small and features a couple of funky shops,
a mercantile store, book shop, restaurant and a cafe.


After we parked the car in the line up, we poked our heads into all the wee shops and had a good look around.
There was a surprise in one of the shops... a yellow silk scarf!
The one that I have been hunting for to wear with my navy coat and yellow walking shoes.


Who would have thought that I would find it on a Gulf Island?



If you get the opportunity to visit Salt Spring Island try to make time to drive around the entire island.
Perhaps you'll find a charming B and B in which to stay for a few days
or if you have "deep pockets" you can stay at Hastings House
 a luxurious spot that has beautiful gardens and a Spa.

Mr. HB and I stayed there one long weekend in May many years ago and we both felt so pampered...
our suite was in The Post House
the grounds are beautiful
the food was delicious and the service impeccable.

 The Farmer's Market is held on Saturdays from April until October.
You will find jewelry, paintings, jams, crafts, clothing, collectibles, food, spices, soaps and more...
it is held on Saturdays in Ganges.
It is a "must see" if you are on the island.

If you need any more information on SSI go here.
 you will find places to stay and things to do.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble  Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~