Regular GPOD contributor Cherry Ong has been sharing some incredible gardens she visited this year.
I had a chance to visit some gardens on Vancouver Island this August. One of them was Milner Gardens, an impressive natural estate garden.
This garden has a different flavor from the usual floriferous gardens that we see, and I think all you avid gardeners would enjoy and appreciate its personality.
The garden’s history
According to the garden’s website, this garden started as the estate of the Milner family, purchased by Ray Milner in 1939 as an escape from his work in Alberta. His second wife, Veronica Milner, was a British aristocrat related to such figures as Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales. She was also an artist and a passionate gardener. Veronica helped to shape the gardens on the estate, and added many rare and unusual trees she collected on trips abroad with her husband. The Milners called their estate “Long Distance.” After it was acquired by Vancouver Island University in 1996, the name was changed to the Milner Gardens.
This building is nearly completely covered with Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Zones 4–8).
A garden structure and a bench provide a spot to sit and enjoy a sculpture and the trees beyond.
I love the hints of the garden just visible through this opening in the structure and vine.
Green, green, and more green. No need for flowers here—this is a profoundly soothing space.
And there are some pretty incredible views. I love that this garden is now open to the public so everyone can enjoy it.
A statue of a heron in the lush greenery
This building is nearly swallowed up in blooming hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla, Zones 5–9).
Even a back corner with greenhouses is beautiful with pots of flowers.
Broad steps invite you up to explore the garden beyond.
Perfectly still, mirrorlike water reflects a mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin, Zones 6–9) in full bloom.
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Comments
Absolutely gorgeous - thanks for sharing!
You're welcome. I hope you can visit this garden someday.
I can see how this garden was designed as an escape from work. The serenity of it is just palpable! There is beauty from every angle. I'm so glad you shared this with us.
Thank you!
This garden specializes in hundreds of varieties of rhodos and and azaleas. While the garden if very tranquil in most seasons, it has spectacular colour in the spring. Due to the age of the garden some of the rhodos are tree sized and full of large blooms, pretty amazing to see.
You had me at "tree sized rhododendrons!"
I just had to save the first photo of this garden...not a flower in sight but completely peaceful and green...Sure wish Vancouver wasn't such a "Long Distance" from Pittsburgh.
I liked the original garden name that the Milner's named it!
Hope you can visit it someday.
Great pics, Cherry. All so lovely.
Thank you. The garden really feels like you're there for a holiday or a rest.
What a completely wonderful garden - thank you for sharing the serenity!
You're welcome. My pleasure.
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Thank you for sharing this amazing garden tips and ideas. More power.
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