The Glades Woodland Garden

Surrey, Canada

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The Glades Woodland Garden in Surrey, Canada, began in 1956 when Lydia and Murray Stephen purchased a 5-acre area of second-growth forest covered in blackberry bushes and alder trees, with the vision of recreating the rhododendron gardens Murray remembered from his youth in Scotland.

Over time, they transformed the land by planting thousands of mature rhododendrons, azaleas, exotic trees, and shrubs, creating one of the region’s largest collections of these plants. After the Stephens passed, the garden declined until Jim and Elfriede DeWolf bought it in 1994 and began restoring it, later gifting it to the City of Surrey in 2002.

The garden today spans about 5 acres with plans to expand to 15 acres, featuring winding paths, shaded groves, streams, and heritage trees, providing a peaceful, natural retreat admired for its beauty and horticultural variety. The site is managed with an eye to preserving the original vision while enhancing visitor facilities and programming.