Darts Hill Garden Park the result of hard work and dedication in Surrey BC
Edwin and Francisca Darts collected trees, shrubs and perennials for their 7.5 acre hillside garden from around the world
When you discover Darts Hill Garden Park in Surrey British Columbia, you will want to tell others about it. It's not just the gardens, although they are lovely. Equally important is the inspirational story behind the gardens. When Edwin and Francisca Darts purchased this land, it looked nothing like it does today. Specifically it was an overgrown second growth forest at that time. First they turned it into a working orchard. Francisca Darts had a clear vision to create a garden unlike any other. With this in mind they collected trees, shrubs and perennials from around the world. Finally they turned it into the gem it is today.
Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society
Eventually the Darts family donated the garden to the City of Surrey. They wished the garden to be used "as a horticultural centre for the preservation, enhancement, and development of plants." Accordingly, the Conservancy Trust Society works with the City of Surrey to help carry out these aims.
Special Events and Tours
Check online about special events such as plants sales. From time to time there is also live music scheduled. See the online calendar for dates. Imagine an afternoon strolling about the park with music playing in the background. Furthermore It is also possible to book a private two-hour tour for your group. Or arrange a golf cart tour.
Darts Hill Garden Park filled with Rhododendron and Azalea
Early May is an ideal time to see the rhododendron and azalea bushes in bloom. Some of the rhododendron are ten, fifteen, and perhaps even twenty feet high. Between the parking lot and the entrance, I saw the first bushes alive with colour. Then I passed through a wooded area complete with little paths. There, among the trees, some rhododendron reached high up towards the sun. Then back into the open areas where they lined paths. Sooner or later I'd turn a corner and there would be another display. In many colours: rose, white, yellow, red, mauve, pink!
Seasonal Access
This park has limited access. It is only open from April to the end of September each year. It is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Consequently it is always wise to check online before planning a visit. Admission is by donation.
Darts Hill Garden Park displays Trees from around the World.
As I walked through Darts Hill Garden Park, I recognized many trees and shrubs. But every now and then I'd be surprised by something unique. There are 21 featured trees in the park. Just to name a few listed on their brochure:
Heritage Hybrid Walnut
Ginko Tree
Dawn Redwood
Wedding Cake Dogwood
Swamp Cypress
Orangebark Stewartia
More Trees than on the Featured List
There was a beautiful tree with a very distinctive trunk. A sign at the base of the tree that told me it was a Scots Pine. Interesting foliage appeared here and there. In the distance I saw a massive tree covered in what I thought were small yellow flowers. As I walked closer, I realized that the Variegated Chinese Elm had delicate yellow leaves, not flowers at all. Eventually I wish to return and see what it looks like in a few weeks.
Explore the many pathways at this Surrey Park
This lovely park in Surrey British Columbia has many pathways. The attendants at the entrance of Darts Hill Garden Park gave me a laminated map which helped me find my way around areas like Nut Orchard or Lower Orchard. There are pathways with names like West Magnolia Walk and Augustinii Walk. There is a pond in the park and a Native Plant Demonstration Garden. Additionally there are also places to stop, sit, and simply enjoy the surroundings.
The Size of the Property Today
When the Darts owned the property, it was 7.5 acres. Eventually the City of Surrey purchased the adjoining property of 15 acres. So now the total size of the property is 22.5 acres. This now includes a large parking lot as well as washroom facilities on the way to the main entrance.
A Gardener's Dream
Darts Hill Garden Park is a gardener's dream, the dream of Francisca Darts. It is also a wonderful place for a photographer to visit. As a result, when I sorted through the pictures at the end of the day, it was a difficult job choosing which photos to include here.
Darts Hill Garden - from Vision to Living Legacy
If you are looking for something special to do, perhaps a birthday or anniversary celebration, a visit to Darts Hill Garden Park might be just the event. It's beautiful. It's inspirational. It's a lovely way to spend an hour or two out of doors.