It had been a long time since I’d ventured to Vancouver’s UBC endowment lands, but because there was a break in the rain, and a sunny day promised mid-week, I headed to the place of my first employment when I arrived in Canada two decades ago.

I revisited the rose garden first, which was far better than Queen Elizabeth Park’s. Not only was the lay out well planned, but the view across the entrance to Burrard Inlet’s azure waters and West Vancouver beyond couldn’t be bettered.

While the roses’ flowering season was nearing its end, there was still a strong scent that attracted circulating bees.