Minter Gardens, a 32-acre show garden in Chilliwack, is closing after 33 years in business. The family-owned property, which includes 12 themed gardens located at the foot of Mount Cheam, is scheduled to close October 14.

“Making the decision to close Minter Gardens and sell the property has been very difficult," Brian Minter, who co-owns the property with his wife Faye Minter, stated in a news release today (June 25). "Ultimately, it comes down to what is best for our family. We will focus our efforts on the Country Garden Store and greenhouse operation on Young Road.”

Minter Gardens operates year-round and usually sees an increase in visitors between April and October; however, declining tourism and bleak weather conditions in recent years are some of the factors contributing to the closure.

“Minter Gardens has been a huge part of our lives," Minter said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime dream to create one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.”

According to the news release, the Minter family is exploring options on how the property will be developed.