The Glades Woodland Garden seems like a small miracle tucked away in South Surrey near the border to the United States. Who knew that mature rhododendrons can grow ten or twenty feet high? Or that so much beauty can be packed into five acres? There are several water features on the property and a bench or chair around every corner. There are over 3,500 mature rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants. 

It all started with Lydia and Murray Stephen purchasing the land in 1956. Did it look like this then? Far from it. It was covered with blackberry vines, alder trees, and stumps left over from previous logging. They started planting the rhododendrons and azaleas and transforming the land. But not all dreams come to completion. When Murray Stephen passed away, the garden began to decline. In 1994 Elfriede and Jim DeWolf purchased the garden and took up the dream. In 2002 the DeWolfs gifted The Glades to the City of Surrey. Many hands have lovingly beautified this property and more plans are in the future.