Ten days ago four of us had a delightful visit to one of the least known Victoria gardens, Playfair Park, a hidden gem. Those in the know enjoy it for its magnificent displays of rhododendrons and a beaufully colourful long border. The rhodendrons, azaleas, camellias and bluebells were not disappointing though rhodos come into bloom at different times. Strangely, some of the bluebells were really pinkbells and whitebells. Playfair Park is surrounded by houses so not evident unless you know where to look so do ask us when you are in Victoria. Here is one view of the Park:

So where does this "endless dead-heading" come into it? Well, today Linda started dead-heading our rhododendrons at Gazebo Bed and Breakfast, ie pulling off the remnants of dead blooms from one of our first ones to come into bloom. It is shown below. She decided to count how many she removed. After 500 she was less than halfway through the task on this vigorous specimen.

This is quite a lengthy task but our difficulty lies in the fact that there are about 75 rhododendrons here in the bed and breakfast gardens. I leave you to compute the task, an annual one. Volunteers are welcome!

If you are travelling to BC for the 2010 Winter Olympics don't forget to ride the BC Ferries or fly HeliJet and visit Victoria during your stay. Another option is to stay at the Gazebo Bed and Breakfast in Victoria on southern Vancouver Island and hop a short sea plane flight to Vancouver Harbour to attend the Vancouver Olympics events. Making Vancouver Island your home during the events allows you to escape the traffic, crowds and over-priced tourist services while still enjoying the Olympic events that you plan on attending. Or just come on over to the Island after attending the Games.

THe Gazebo Bed and Breakfast is close to the Butchart Gardens so ther's another highlight to add to your trip. Downtown and all Victoria attractions are nearby. Unlike so many hotels the accommodation rates are just the same now as usual for February - no disadvantageous price increases here. There's room at the inn!