Folks in Victoria have planted a kazillion prunus trees of various types -as I'm sure you know- and so many other things blossom so early out here. They sure love their late winter blossoming trees. I'm walking down streets with millions of blossoms here in Victoria. I then watch the news showing 70 cm of snow in St-John's, NF. Can you believe that!? Insane. People here forget that it's winter on the other side of the barrier.

I notice quite the interesting trees & plants here on the coast. I can't help at notice that more exotic flora can be found hidden in Victoria, Saltspring and Tofino. Those three places are key areas on the coast with the zone 8b. But not everyone is aware. I keep an eye out for exotics. There's so much out here. One thing is certain. Folks in Victoria know that they can load the garden with temperate flowers before spring. The streets smell good. Life is too good out here. You'll get an invasion of transplants like myself.

Cheers

Here is a link that might be useful: Painted Street