Playfair Park

Playfair Park in Saanich is a unique oasis featuring vibrant spring rhododendron and azalea blooms, ornamental gardens, and a rare Garry oak meadow

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Tucked away in the heart of Saanich, Playfair Park is a 3.7-hectare sanctuary celebrated for its world-class botanical displays and deep community roots. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a painter, or someone seeking a quiet moment under a canopy of ancient trees, Playfair offers a serene escape into nature.
A Symphony of Spring Colour
While the park is beautiful year-round, it truly shines during the spring months. Visitors are treated to a breathtaking exhibition of rhododendrons and azaleas that transform the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of colour.
- The Canopy: Massive firs and gnarled Garry oaks provide a protective ceiling for the delicate blooms below.
- The Meadow: As the rhododendrons peak, the Garry oak meadow comes alive with native wildflowers, including camas, shooting stars, and other rare indigenous plants.
- The Collection: At its peak, the park has been home to over 1,200 specimens, including rare hybrids and species donated from world-renowned botanical gardens like those in Edinburgh and Seattle.

From stumps to splendor: A brief history

Playfair Park is a testament to what a dedicated community can achieve. Its transformation from a rugged plot of brush into a refined garden is a story of local grit and grand dreams.
The Early Years (1952–1955)
Long before municipal crews managed our green spaces, the heavy lifting was done by neighbors. Led by Norm Zapf, a community committee spent two years clearing stumps and brush by hand.
Fun Fact: In the 1950s, the municipality didn't maintain local parks; instead, they provided the committee with a modest $200 annual budget to manage the entire site.
The Dream of a National Arboretum (1956–1980)
In 1956, Dr. Adam Szczawinski and a group of garden enthusiasts formed 'The Arboretum Society of the Pacific Northwest.' Their ambitious goal was to create a National Arboretum, starting with a specialized rhododendron garden at Playfair Park.
Supported by the Municipality and Superintendent of Parks Bert Richman, the garden saw a massive influx of donations from local nurserymen and international botanical sources. The garden was officially opened in April 1959 by Mrs. Frank Ross, wife of the Lieutenant Governor of B.C.
While the Arboretum Society eventually dissolved in 1980, their legacy lives on in the mature, stunning specimens that define the park today.

Stewardship and Restoration
Playfair Park is more than just a pretty face; it is a vital ecological site. The Garry oak meadow is one of the original locations for the Garry Oak Restoration Project (GORP).
- The "Pulling Together" Volunteers
- Today, the park’s health is maintained by the Saanich Parks Pulling Together program. These dedicated volunteers spend countless hours:
  - Removing invasive species to give native plants room to breathe.
  - Monitoring species at risk to ensure regional biodiversity.
  - Protecting the meadow during sensitive growing seasons.
- This ongoing restoration ensures that the park remains a functional ecosystem and a beautiful destination for generations to come.
Plan Your Visit
Playfair Park is the perfect setting for:
- Nature Photography: Capture the contrast of delicate petals against rugged oak bark.
- Art & Painting: Find inspiration in the ever-changing light and shadow of the meadows.
- Quiet Contemplation: Enjoy a peaceful walk through one of Saanich's most historic green spaces.
Best time to visit: Late March through June for peak blooms (source).

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