A Showy Winter Garden at Sooke Harbour House

Cool-Season Abundance on Vancouver Island

Winter visitors to Sooke Harbour House, a country inn in Sooke, British Columbia, are greeted by a lush mid-November garden. Its success stems from a mild waterside location, southern exposure, thoughtful plant selection, and meticulous soil preparation.

Key Elements

• Color anchors: Ornamental cabbage and kale.
• Accents: Edible calendula and pansy flowers.
• Soil: Well-amended for drainage; compost at planting sustains crops through winter.
• Mulch: Aged Douglas fir sawdust insulates roots and reduces mud.

Visit

23 miles west of Victoria via Highway 14. Gardens open anytime. For overnight stay or garden-sourced meals, call (250) 642-3421 well ahead.

A masterclass in winter gardening elegance.