Trout surfacing on a quiet lake. A rustic gazebo overlooking a rocky hillside covered with hundreds of different rhododendrons. A natural pond reflecting mauve and white azaleas. Towering firs sheltering a moss-carpeted, woodland garden. An emerald lawn bordered with pink heather and yellow coryopsis. That’s Caron Gardens.

The gardens began in 1995 with four Anna Rose Whitney rhododendrons in the forest and a selection of drought-tolerant plants in a sunny area in front of the house. Caron Gardens now covers a full acre and features 400 different hybrid rhododendrons and 100 species, along with companion perennials.

Ron Knight (bottom left) is a retired biology teacher, past-president of the Vancouver Rhododendron Society, a busy garden club speaker, and a confirmed rhodoholic. Ron has designed the rhododendron gardens and handles plant propagation and sales. He also teaches several workshops in a fully-equipped classroom and uses the garden as a living laboratory.

Carla Knight (bottom right) is the creative force behind the perennial beds and borders. She is also Caron Gardens’ business manager, accountant, greeter, and parking attendant. She is famous for the “Refreshments by Carla” that appear during the coffee breaks at all workshops.

Greg Knight (center left) is the waterfall designer and carpenter. 

Cameron Knight (center right) is the web designer and pond builder.