The Glades Woodland Garden
Explore one of the Lower Mainland's largest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas.
The Glades Woodland Garden is closed and will re-open to the public spring 2025
The Glades Woodland Garden is a feature garden in South Surrey with many rare plants, including over 3500 mature rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants. Some of the rhododendrons are more than 6 metres (20 feet) tall, and are ablaze in colour in the spring. The garden also contains a superb collection of fine trees, many of which are now designated as heritage.
The park features 5 acres of historic gardens. In the future, we will expand the gardens and facilities to 15 acres total.
Public openings
- The garden is closed
- Check back for 2025 opening dates
- Tickets are required for entry
Address
457 - 172 Street
Tickets
Tickets required for entry. Please purchase ahead of time.
2024 Pricing
Regular garden openings:
General admission: $7.50
Children (12 and under): free
Seniors (55+): $5.50
Event garden openings:
General admission: $8.25
Children (12 and under): free
Refunds
Refunds will be given up to the Thursday before your booking. To request a refund please email partnersinparks@surrey.ca or call 604-501-5100.
Park guidelines
- Private events including staged photography and weddings are not permitted in the garden. See recommended parks for private events
- No bicycles or sporting equipment allowed
- No pets. Only service animals, suitably identified, are permitted in the garden
- Pack your garbage out when you leave
Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Pathways are mulch with slight to steeper inclines
The story of The Glades
In 1956, Lydia and Murray Stephen purchased a 5-acre parcel of land riddled with blackberries, alder trees and stumps: remnants from turn of the century land clearings. Murray’s dream was to recreate the beautiful rhododendron gardens remembered from his youth in Scotland. They renovated the land, planting rhododendrons, azaleas, exotic trees and shrubs.
After Murray passed away in 1970, the garden fell into a state of decline until Jim and Elfriede DeWolf purchased the garden in 1994 and began their restoration. The garden saw another stage of transformations in 2002 when the DeWolfs gifted The Glades to the City of Surrey. Numerous renovations and additions have taken place, and more are planned.
The DeWolfs have always given much input into the garden, ensuring its footprint is not altered but enhanced in a manner that Murray Stephen would approve.
Park improvements
The City is expanding the park to an ultimate size of 15 acres. The concept plan, completed by Parks staff and the Landscape Architectural firm PWL Partnership, outlines the park expansion. The concept includes:
- New feature gardens
- Gathering spaces
- Parking
- Washrooms
- A new main entrance.
Improvements will allow for additional park events and for more public garden openings in the future.
