Garden Design

Cherry Ong is taking us on another trip, today to a beautiful public garden in Surrey, British Columbia. She says, “Been itching to visit Darts Hill Garden Park to see the spring ephemerals and the alpine garden. Got my wish today!”

Darts Hill was the home and garden of Edwin and Francisca Darts, and they donated it to the city in 1994 so that now everyone is welcome to visit and enjoy the beautiful garden.

mossy stepping stones up a slopeThese are the steps to the main house, and it is absolutely beautiful!

fallen rhododendron flowers around stepping stone path covered in mossThe fallen rhododendron flowers and their curving stems make this a magical space.

fallen rhododendron flowers under bare trees and shrubsThe rhododendron flower confetti is lovely against the woodland floor.

mass planting of pink fawn lilies up a slopeI gasped at the sight of these pink fawn lilies (Erythronium revolutum, Zones 6–8). From what I understand, this is a large naturalized colony that covers the slope and a good part of bed 9. It was a sight so dear that Mrs. Darts had the path roped off every spring in order to allow them to bloom undisturbed.

close up of pink fawn liliesA closer look at the pink fawn lilies

mass planting of small white flowers next to stone stepsA carpet of Anemone nemorosa (Zones 5–8) is in full bloom alongside beautiful stone steps.

rock garden planted in a hypertufa troughThis tufa trough/crevice garden was designed and created by Pam Yokome.

rock garden with tiny plants growing in the crevicesThe rock garden has all kinds of tiny treasures growing in every nook and crevice.

small purple blue and white flowers growing in a gravel and rock gardenPasque flower (Pulsatilla sp., Zones 4–8) blooms in the alpine beds.

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

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