The Glades Woodland Garden Surrey British Columbia Canada

Stunning Rhododendrons at The Glades

Over 3500 mature rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants to enjoy in this 5 acre park in South Surrey Canada

The Glades Woodland Garden In Surrey British Columbia will take your stress away. The trees and rhododendrons that surround you are so tall. A calmness seems to descend. The visitors talk in hushed tones. Reservations are required for time slots so it is never overcrowded. For this reason it would be a lovely place to meditate or sit on one of the many benches and write poetry.  At the same time, it is wonderful to walk the many paths and enjoy the lovely blossoms. 

The History of The Glades Woodland Garden Surrey British Columbia Canada

The property known as The Glades has a two part history. In 1956 Lydia and Murray Stephen purchased a 5 acre parcel of land. It was second growth forest and blackberry bushes. To emphasize, they were able to look at the reality of their land and envision filling it with rhododendrons, azaleas and other shrubs and trees. Murray Stephen passed away 14 years later and the property started to decline.  Under those circumstances Jim and Elfriede De Wolf were able to see what had been started and what it might become. In 1994 they purchased the land and set about restoring it. In 2002 the De Wolfs' gifted the property to the City of Surrey. They have life estate and continued input into the garden operations. 

Many Paths at The Glades

When looking at the map, one might imagine that you can see the other paths easily. Because the trees are tall and the shrubs are full, it helps keep one path private from another. In the lower picture, the De Wolf's home stands in one corner of the property. Signage or low barricades remind the public not to intrude into the private space. 

Garden Water Features 

There are several water features at The Glades Woodland Garden. The largest of these is the pond with several water fountains and a rowboat at one end.  The other water features are smaller but just as thoughtfully surrounded by a combination of open space and rhododendrons. As a result these areas are especially popular with visitors and their cameras. 

Sitting Areas 

There are a variety of sitting areas throughout the park. Here and there a bench is a welcome addition. Or you might discover a  grouping of chairs. One of my favorites was a bench with a statue nearby. 

Distinct Natural Garden Areas Have Been Created

It would be easy to assume the entire acreage is filled with rhododendrons and azaleas. Although there are over 1,500 rhododendron plants, there are other areas where they aren't featured. For example, there's an area of immense old growth trees with ferns dominating the undergrowth. Another area is filled with Green Chinese Timber Bamboo and black Mondo grass. There are several open grassy areas. There are also a number of exotic trees. 

A Matter of Perspective 

When visiting The Glades, you soon become aware of perspective. This is a park filled with mature trees and shrubs. In three of the pictures below, there are people in the distance. Specifically notice how the vegetation towers over their heads. In the picture with the bridge, it is easy to almost overlook the young woman in white standing under the spectacular and huge rhododendron. 

Rare and Unusual Rhododendrons

It was the original dream of Murray Stephen to recreate something similar to the gardens he remembered from his native Scotland. With this in mind, he and his wife planted rhododendrons as well as other plants. As visitors stroll along the pathways of this same property today, it has to stir feelings of gratitude to see the beauty and variety of the blossoms. It's a little overwhelming to think that just two families, the Stephens and the De Wolfs, brought this amazing dream to life.  

Seasonal Opening at The Glades Woodland Garden

The Glades is a seasonal garden. For example, in 2023 it is open to the public from May 6th to June 25th. In addition, the park is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Check online for tickets. Put it on your calendar for next year. You'll want to make this a yearly outing. 

The Future of The Glades

The dream continues. The City of Surrey is expanding the acreage of the park to include new feature gardens, parking and washrooms. There will also be gathering spaces and a new main entrance. 

The Glades Woodland Garden in Surrey British Columbia

 Don't Miss the Seasonal Opening