garden

A three-story temple painstakingly hand-carved in the side of a red rock cliff. Nature’s fireworks, flashing silently and elegantly across the northern night sky. An underground tunnel connecting two landmasses by railroad.

Throughout the hustle and bustle of cities, you will find whimsical pockets of nature tucked away between alleyways and abbeys. Some are cached away, kept as a secret of sorts from unsuspecting passersby; others may be better known yet inadvertently overlooked.

After a short ride on the ferry, I stepped onto the street to face a neo-baroque castle. Turning left, I spotted a large, Victorian mansion half-covered in ivy, and then I started to wonder, “Am I in England?”Victoria, Canada, was named after the famous Queen Victoria of England, and this city on the southwestern tip of Canada stays true to its namesake. Along with its architecture, this tourist destination is starkly reminiscent of England, emitting a foreign and historic energy. With the picture-perfect waterfront, the horse-drawn carriage rides, and the pervading Victorian style, it’s hard to remember that you are less than two hours away from the United States. Victoria is a perfect weekend getaway to escape without spending thousands. Victoria DayIf you’re planning a weekend to Victoria, May Long Weekend is the perfect choice. The Monday before May 24 is Victoria Day, a national Canadian holiday celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday (actually on the 24th). Victoria boasts the most prominent parade, celebrating its namesake with food, music, and fireworks. For many, Victoria Day is a happily anticipated long weekend and a symbol of the beginning of summer.Darri Guinto, a recent visitor, described Victoria as “quaint and picturesque.” She particularly remembers the numerous flowers that cover the city, adding to its beauty and charm. Guinto said that instead of lampposts, Victoria has hanging baskets of flowers that line the streets.

With the earth as their canvas, gardeners use many varieties of plants during the springtime to create magnificent works of art. Even in extreme climates, gardens have been created to beautify the earth and inspire the imagination of all who have a chance to see them. Many locations around the world have large, elaborate gardens that highlight the cultures, values, and beliefs of their creators. From the rock gardens of Japan to the cactus gardens of Arizona, there are many destinations where travelers can appreciate the peaceful beauty of these artistic gardens.