About Us
The Maples Discovery Gardens Cooperative (MDGC) is a non-profit community service cooperative. The organization was incorporated as a cooperative in May, 2009. MDGC is run by a board of directors and relies on members and volunteers to accomplish the many programs we offer. We are located just south of Highway 1 off 200th Street in Langley, BC (across from the Langley Events Centre).
Bruce Van Garderen
The Maples Discovery Garden Co-op Board of Directors
Bruce's Discovery Garden at Langley Meadows
Bruce Van Garderen has had an impact on countless Langley Meadows students over the years as children visited Maple Gardens to spend time outdoors and learn about gardens and the natural world. With Bruce's passing earlier this year, the Langley Meadows community lost a great educator and advocate for gardening, plants and nature which is why it was decided to name the newly constructed garden at Langley Meadows Bruce's Discovery Garden, after this special man. Langley teacher Lori Villeneuve, formerly at Langley Meadows, related a story in which a young student was handed a worm by Bruce. The student response was "shouldn't we be wearing gloves?", to which Bruce replied, "but then how will we feel the worm?". Since that time nearly every student that has attended Langley Meadows has held a worm and gardened without gloves to 'feel' the dirt.
Attending the dedication was Bruce's wife Maria Van Garderen along with their children and grandchildren. Mrs Van Garderen was joined by son Peter Van Garderen, daughter Elsabee Lyon and her husband Jeff Lyon and their children Alexa, Kristian and Wyatt, a current Langley Meadows student. The family was invited to witness the unveiling of Bruce's Discovery Garden and attend the presentation to the Langley Meadows students but the Van Garderen family surprised everyone with an unexpected donation and card of thanks. The Van Garderen family donation is to help purchase gardening tools or other supplies as needed. Bruce's Discovery Garden has certainly enriched the Langley Meadows community and serves well as a memorial to Bruce Van Garderen and the positive impact he has on many young children in the area.