A Walking Tour Through The Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden

Rhododendron and Camellias are perhaps the most encountered genus of spring flowering shrubs grown in Vancouver. In weekend, we took a walking tour through "The Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden"  in Stanley Park and we were absolutely delighted to see so many colors of the blooming bushes on the trails and to read the information about them from the nearby informative plaques.

Exbury Azalea in The Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden

Ted and Mary Greig were renowned rhododendron hybridizers, who received the Gold Medal of The American Rhododendron Society  for their Center of Rhododendron Culture built at Royston, on Vancouver Island  - the source of many mature rhododendrons from the Stanley Park Rhododendron's Garden  and UBC Botanical Garden. 




There are thousands of hybrids of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, deciduous or not, which are blooming in Vancouver's Parks since March to June with fragrant white, pink, orange, yellow or red flowers.

Rhododendron Robin Hood - The Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden

Some species are changing their foliage in purplish or orange in the Fall, others are losing their foliage when the Winter is starting. We have just admired the mature plants which are now in bloom.

Elizabeth Rhododendron - The Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden

Perhaps the  Robin Hood, Exbury Azalea, Elizabeth Rhododendron, Beacon and Len Living Rhodos  are the hardiest hybrids because their leaves and flower buds, which have not been opening in the fall, were not affected by winter frost.

Rhododendron Crest - The Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden

On the Stanley Park alleys the most popular Camellia is the Camellia Japonica with red or pink flowers.

Camellia Japonica x  in The Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden

Walking along the Camelia Walk, on the west side of Pitch and Putt course, we saw some red and pink bushes of Camellia "Aunt Mavis", which would fit exceptionally well into almost any spot.

Camellia Aunt Mavis in The Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden

The Camellia plants reach 5-6 meters in height and is really a pleasure to see and smell their absolutely stunning blooming in spring. Down the path, the sense of smell was awakened by the fragrant flowers of Chinese witch hazel bushes.

Pink Cherry Blossoms in The Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden

We also found some pink Cherry blossoms and Magnolia Soulangiana flower buds, although they will be in full bloom in the middle of April.

Magnolia Soulangiana flower buds 

It worth to walk through "The Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden" all year round, but in spring... is just marvelous to admire quietly this peaceful garden in a continuous blooming transformation.

Chinese Witch Hazel - scented flowers 

On the "Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation" website, can be found detailed info about the blooming flowers along with monthly recommended walks through the Rhododendron Garden from  Stanley Park Vancouver, and brochures with all walks, map, and most important rhododendrons and shrubs / trees existing in the garden. Don't forget to bring your photo-camera ;-)