Friday, October 25, 2013

Quail's Gate


We have had some fabulous vacations this year! In May, we met up with friends in Kelowna, British Columbia. Kelowna is in the Okanagan Valley, a prime wine area of Western Canada. Needless to say we spent a lot of time sampling wines and enjoying the gorgeous views.
We had dinner at one of the more famous wineries - Quail's Gate. Sure, I was eager to taste the great food and drink but didn't my little gardener's eye notice how gorgeously landscaped the property was! I had to run around and photograph the exterior before dinner. Let me show you.


Even as we approached the building from the parking lot, it was apparent that the gardens were designed by professionals.


Lots of Barberry and Cotoneaster plus a Euonymus standard along with dry river rock beds.




Well placed rocks and ample mulch provide a clean look to the specimen plants in each bed.





The wooden pergola effect of the entryway blends beautifully with the plantings.


The Japanese Maple was an astounding size and shape.


Grasses, rocks and a stunningly fragrant lilac standard comprised the first level down.


 Looking back up were smaller river rocks, groundcover and hostas.


Here's a closer look at the lilac standard as well as the mini-waterfalls beside it.



Along the back of the restaurant was a very artistically designed walkway.



A look towards the side garden as well as a look back towards the lilac, this time showing the bench.





The scenery speaks for itself. Magnificent, isn't it?

Please check Astrid's Home - my latest post features the Princess Margaret Hospital Lottery Showhome in Oakville.

11 comments:

Nadezda said...

Great photos, Astrid! Perfect size (800x600) and image.I love this landscape design, composition of shapes and colors, red leaved maple and pine bonsai, hosta and Barberry, big stones and small waterfall.
Thank you for sharing!

Astrid said...

Hi Nadezda
I think you'd really like this area of Canada. Maybe for your next vacation?
:)
Astrid

Jennifer said...

I have never been out west. What amazing views and the garden is really nice. Amongst other things I noticed the barberry. That red foliage is hard to beat and I think I will have to break down and get one next year- thorns and all!

Astrid said...

Hi Jennifer
As soon as the Ontario ban came off, I bought 2 barberries. They are great! I have only been in the Rockies and now, in Kelowna. Still have not made it to Vancouver!
Astrid

Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening said...

Nice photos! It's funny how everwhere we gardeners go we are always on the lookout for a well designed garden! Looks like a really nice place.

debsgarden said...

Fine wine, beautiful landscaping with colorful foliage combinations, and a magnificent view: that makes for a superb day! I would have enjoyed it, even without the wine, though that does give a good excuse to sit awhile and take it all in!

Astrid said...

Hi Lee
Good (and bad) landscaping DOES jump out at us wherever we go. I guess it's because it's a passion with us :)
Astrid

Hi Deb
Yes, it was an excellent trip. We live 1/2 hour away from what's called Niagara Wine country and the Ontario wines here are delicious. But so were the Okanagan Valley wines. And the scenery (as well as Quail's Inn landscaping) were superb.
Astrid

HELENE said...

Beautiful garden, it seems a bit inspired by Japanese gardening, although perhaps rather loosely. Loved the Euonymus standard, never seen that, got me thinking that I could perhaps make one too, they grow so quickly.

Indie said...

What a great sounding vacation! I am in love with that landscaping - I love rocks, and they've utilized them so beautifully! I love how they've used their boulders and the different colors and sizes of rocks. The rock waterfall is so pretty, too! A beautiful garden, magnificent scenery, and wine - how perfect!

Astrid said...

Hi Helene
I think a Euonymus standard would go beautifully in your garden! Let us know if you get one.
Astrid

Hi Indie
Hardscaping is so important in landscape design and the folks who created this one certainly knew what they were doing. Loved it there!
Astrid

Our photos said...

You have make beautiful photos!
Greetings, RW & SK