Belcarra Garden Club
BC, Canada

Grabenhorst Gardens Field Trip

What a lovely day to visit this five-acre sanctuary, just a short drive away at 13895 Harris Road in Pitt Meadows.
Established in 2025, this woodland garden features delightful trails, a peaceful pond, a community orchard and edible garden, and a place of remembrance.

Rose Grabenhorst, an environmental advocate and dedicated Pitt Meadows resident for over 50 years, inspired the creation of this special place. Her daughters are thrilled that their mother’s legacy—a love of nature—can now be shared with the community.
It is free, but you are welcome to donate to the garden’s care and preservation.

Our first stop was the beautiful pond, where graceful irises surrounded a display of white and pink water lilies. A small waterfall completed the tranquil scene.

We then visited the Place of Remembrance, where tall basalt rocks are arranged in a circle, reminiscent of Stonehenge.
Visitors are invited to pause, reflect, and perhaps even find a sense of healing.

As we continued along the pathways, we noticed that many of the trees and shrubs were thoughtfully labeled, while others left us wondering about their identities.
One charming dedication sign from “Gramma and Grumpy” brought smiles and sparked the imagination.
The garden is home to more than 700 rhododendrons—a reason to return next year before they finish blooming.

A long swath of astilbe drew much admiration, with its mix of pink, red, and white blooms.
Other vibrant flowers were scattered throughout the garden, adding colour and interest at every turn.

Interpretive signage about the Garry oak highlighted both its ecological and cultural significance.
Known as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and resilience, this native BC tree can live for centuries.

The Cypress Grove was another spot that had us all stare in amazement. There were several Bald Cypress trees, also known as Swamp Cypress.
The surrounding ground was covered in strange knobs… “garden gnomes,” as one person suggested!
It seems these are specialized root structures that may help the roots obtain oxygen in times of flood.

Near the end of our walk, we came upon a small greenhouse with tomatoes, basil, and a young lemon tree.
The edible garden was thriving with peas, beans, lettuce, and nasturtiums, while the fruit tree area featured a long fence of espalier apple trees.

I was especially delighted not to miss the “Mary in the Fairyland” garden area behind the parking lot—it was truly enchanting.
For those wishing to linger, there are picnic tables and a washroom, and the covered picnic shelter can be booked through Pitt Meadows.
It would be a lovely way to round out a visit.

This peaceful and thoughtfully designed garden is well worth exploring.
(Double bonus: It is near Amsterdam Nursery, which the BGC group enjoyed afterwards!)

Please view more of our photos here!
Thank you to Carol (CF) for her photos.

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