Grania Litwin

1 week ago | timescolonist.com | Grania Litwin

Finding the talent, let alone the juice, to design, create and then maintain a unique showpiece garden, sounds like a challenge. But attempting to do this in not one but four gardens simultaneously seems like a herbaceously herculean task. Yet this has been the delight and ongoing passion project of Robert Tornack and John O’Brien, who over the past three decades have purchased four single, adjacent lots on the same street.

1 month ago | timescolonist.com | Grania Litwin

Mary Spilsbury Ross creates her garden like she paints. “I always think in terms of the whole, canvas” she said, and visualizes broad brushstrokes of colour-rich palettes that contrast with pale shades, and likes planting curvaceous shrubs or low-lying foliage in front of strong vertical lines. Her garden is also full of roses so their sweet fragrance can mix with with the salty air of her waterfront property.

Jan 25, 2025 | timescolonist.com | Grania Litwin

Seen from outside, this 1940 home is pure Arts and Crafts with mullioned windows, half-timbered gables and bold brick cladding. But when the front door swings open, a visitor sees the wonders of Asia — especially this week, because the dining table is being prepared for a large family gathering to celebrate Chinese New Year on January 29. “I like to set the stage and keep an Asian influence,” said Grace Wong Sneddon, who bought the house with husband Malcolm Sneddon three decades ago.

Aug 31, 2024 | timescolonist.com | Grania Litwin

People who drive by this remarkable garden have been known to honk with appreciation, while those on foot often loll at the gate to take in the sumptuous scene. One woman recently wrote a fan letter to the owners, which they found incredibly heartwarming. It’s easy to see why people are drawn to this property. At first glance it’s the three palm trees spreading high above four different varieties of waving grasses, and the winding path edged in a thick carpet of crushing thyme.

Jul 13, 2024 | timescolonist.com | Grania Litwin

Upon approaching the esteemed age of 80, many people begin to ponder the idea of downsizing, of moving into a lock-and-go condo or perhaps a retirement home. Patricia and Peter Clark had a different idea. They wanted to downsize but decided to design and build a smaller new home — and while they were at it they upsized to 10.5 acres in Central Saanich.