There were 15 locations throughout the area participating in the Fifth Annual Sooke's Secret Garden Tour.

One of the most public was the Ed Macgregor Park

Boxed lunches were for sale and guests could enjoy scenic views of Sooke Harbor and the Olympic Mountains

Above: Rockwork in Ed Macgregor Park gives reflected radiant heat to the many flowers. The nasturtiums growing there are some of the most magnificent to be seen!

People were not the only ones to partake in the festivities - a dog enjoys the sun filled day at the park, and a sheep eyed the many visitors to the Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery.

Above: ALM Farm

Of course, the main stars of the day were the flowers!
The coneflower at ALM Farm, a certified organic grower of produce attracted bees from all over the region.

The flowers were luminous, taking in the sunlight and shimmering in the light breeze. Petals extended as they danced and waved at the guests.

As if on cue, a swallowtail butterfly flirted with the flowers. Not all the flowers were large and showy- the small white flower below was hiding in the shade, a delicate treat for those that look low.

Text by Linda Gordon
Photos by Caprina Valentine & Linda Gordon