If you garden in Greater Victoria, chances are good that at some point you will be pruning roses, cutting back blackberry or raspberry canes, and/or clearing brush. For that you need really sturdy, protective, puncture-proof gloves. Actually, make those gauntlets, because they should come high enough on your arm to protect you from twigs and thorns and all the bitey things that hide among them.
Regular gardening gloves won’t do; instead, consider something like the rose gloves from Lee Valley. These are made from natural pigskin, which offers good puncture resistance while still being flexible and, over time, conforming to the shape of your hand. The cuffs are also extra long, going almost up to the elbow, so you can reach among those brambles with confidence. Rose gloves are available in both men’s and women’s sizes.