Yes, this is pure brag at 21 billion plus. Greater Victoria is growing in size. We've lost many trees (conifers & prunus) to drought over the last decade and to population expansion. But new gardeners like to plant shrubs and flowering trees. Many new residents are older and have lots of money. It's all about climate & beauty.

Vancouver has many flowering trees right now but the area lags Victoria as noticed during Vancouver 2010. Victoria has milder winters and the year averages more sun. (Summers are too dry vs any area in Ontario.) Sochi 2014 is probably milder than Victoria, BC. Vancouver is the first winter olympic city with palms. Sochi will top that. But will Russia top 14 gold medals and a Team Canada?

Flower count totals:

http://www.cfax1070.com/newsstory.php?newsId=12649

Enjoy.

Here is a link that might be useful: White magnolia in Feb