As we returned to southern BC, we had a mixture of blue sky and overcast gray. When surrounded by gray skies, subdued greens, and gray waters, the experience of coming to Butchard Gardens and taking in all of its magnificent color is exhilarating and sensational. The sensory overload is gratifying! Yellow mums, red geraniums, blue delphiniums, red/white/yellow/orange begonias, and roses of all imaginable colors rest on weary eyes, giving them a 'Wake Up' call-- more like Reveille! These Gardens have been blooming for over 100 years now. 500 employees work to make your experience exceptional. Of these 500 workers, there are 75 gardeners for the 55 acres of Gardens. sv Julia Max is on one of their mooring balls with the appropriate stern-tie to a ring on a shore rock.