Imagine walking down a path in a forest, surrounded by the sweet scent of blooming rhododendrons. You are standing in the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden, a hidden gem in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. The garden is a living tribute to Ted and Mary Greig, pioneers of rhododendron culture in British Columbia.
The garden is a testament to the Greigs’ love for this beautiful flowering shrub. They established a nursery at Royston on Vancouver Island in 1935. Their rhododendron collection was acquired by the Vancouver Parks Board in 1966. The garden was officially dedicated to them in 1989.
You can see many of the Greigs’ hybrid rhododendrons here, some of which are unique for their mid-summer bloom and fragrance, a rare combination for this type of plant. Today, the garden boasts around 4,500 rhododendrons, providing a breathtaking spectacle of color during the first two weeks of May.
The garden is a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks. You can also find a plaque that commemorates the Greigs and their contributions to rhododendron culture. The plaque was dedicated in 1989 by the Vancouver Rhododendron Society.
While you are in the garden, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the rhododendrons in their full bloom. You will be amazed by the variety of colors and shapes of the flowers as well as their unique fragrance. The Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden is a must-see for anyone visiting Stanley Park.