Benefits of Volunteering at the Gardens
Volunteers have been essential to the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) since its inception and continue to play a vital role in the organization today. Currently, the HCP relies on the support of over 200 volunteers who contribute in various areas, including the office, gardens, youth programs, conservation efforts, events, and the library.
While the HCP is dedicated to horticulture and education, we also emphasize community building. Volunteerism is a key part of our culture, providing individuals a space to form social connections while learning about plants. Our volunteers foster a community of healthy and vibrant gardeners.
We are always happy to welcome new volunteers to the Gardens, as space permits. For more information and to view a list of current volunteer opportunities, please email us at [email protected]
Join our close-knit group of volunteers and enjoy some great benefits.
Requirements to Become a Volunteer
We are fortunate to receive many inquiries and applications for volunteer positions at the HCP. Current volunteer opportunities vary based on the organization's needs. If we do not have a suitable position available at the time of your application, one may open up in the future. Everyone is encouraged to apply, regardless of their experience or skills.
However, there are a few common skills that are preferred for all positions. The Gardens has a limited staff, so we seek applicants who can follow directions, provide guidance, and work independently. We are seeking volunteers who are committed to a long-term role, with the potential to develop into leadership positions. Garden volunteers should be able to bend, kneel, and walk with relative ease. Since we operate as a community, our volunteers must work well with others.
We strive to match volunteer opportunities with candidates as closely as possible. Our goal is to ensure that each volunteer is satisfied in their role and enjoys a rewarding experience at the HCP.
How to Apply
You can find a list of our current available positions in the form below. If you have any questions or are interested in a position that is not listed, please send an email to [email protected].
Volunteer Roles
Garden Crew
Volunteer Gardeners help maintain HCP's beautiful demonstration gardens. Volunteers work one 3-hour shift per week, either Tuesday or Wednesday morning, in one of several unique garden areas, including the Takata Garden, Native Plant Garden, Doris Page Winter Garden, Herb Garden, Veggie Garden, Cut Flower Garden, Mixed Borders, or Mediterranean Garden. Tasks include weeding, planting, pruning, mulching, and more, with opportunities to learn from experienced gardeners or share your own knowledge. Some gardens offer seasonal breaks, while others are active year-round. No experience is required—just a love of plants, a willingness to learn, and the physical ability to bend, kneel, and work on uneven ground. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, this is a great way to connect with nature, meet like-minded people, and make a meaningful contribution to the HCP community.
Conservation Park
The Conservation Team helps care for 100 acres of trails and conservation lands in Saanich. Conservation volunteers play a key role in protecting local biodiversity through hands-on ecological restoration. Tasks include removing invasive species, improving wildlife habitats, and maintaining native trees, shrubs, and plants. This is a rewarding opportunity for anyone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to make a positive environmental impact.
Library
The HCP library is maintained by a group of volunteer librarians who work to understand the collection in order to assist patrons in finding the information they need. This involves learning about the books and their contents, the online catalogue, and the Library of Congress Classification System. Tasks include opening and closing the library, monitoring email and using the computer, shelving books, checking materials in and out, selling used books, and keeping statistics. Volunteers also work on special projects. Some interest or experience in horticulture is helpful for this role. Library experience is not required. Attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work comfortably alone in a quiet environment are also beneficial.
Front Office
Front Office Volunteers at HCP play a key role in creating a welcoming and informative experience for visitors. Responsibilities include greeting guests, answering phones, providing information about the gardens and memberships, processing admissions and gift shop payments using the Square Space system, and assisting with various administrative tasks such as printing brochures, creating membership cards, and responding to emails. Volunteers also assist in maintaining the gift shop area and may be asked to support other office duties as needed. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy engaging with the public, are comfortable with basic computer tasks, and want to contribute to a vibrant garden community.
Special Events
Special Event Volunteers join us at our seasonal events, such as Arts & Music in the Gardens, Earth Day, Harvest Festival, or plant sales. Volunteers will play a vital role in creating a welcoming, organized, and enjoyable experience for guests, artists, and vendors. Roles include greeting and assisting guests, helping musicians locate performance areas, supporting admissions at entry gates, assisting with gift shop and flower sales, guiding parking, helping vendors, building sunflower bouquets, and working behind the scenes with event setup and teardown. Shifts are flexible, and training is provided. Whether you're helping sell plants, hand out brochures, or keep the music flowing smoothly, this is a fun and rewarding opportunity to be part of a vibrant community celebration.
Board Members
As a not-for-profit organization, HCP is governed by a volunteer Board that provides strategic oversight, ensures financial accountability, and upholds our mission, values, and policies. We are looking for dedicated board members from diverse backgrounds who can bring leadership, expertise, and fresh perspectives to help guide HCP into the future. Whether you have experience in horticulture, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, human resources, or another relevant field, your skills could make a meaningful impact. We are also encouraging interest from those who may wish to take on future leadership roles within the Board Executive Committee. If you're excited about supporting a vibrant horticultural community, we’d love to hear from you.
Building and Grounds
The Building and Grounds crew plays a vital role in maintaining and improving our beautiful grounds by assisting with a variety of projects, including building structures, repairing garden features, and performing general maintenance tasks. Volunteers may use power tools and basic equipment to complete projects, and while no prior experience is required, a willingness to learn and work safely is essential. This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys working outdoors, learning practical skills, and being part of a supportive, project-focused team that makes a visible impact across the gardens.
Youth Program Support
Youth Program volunteers assist with the operation of HCP's youth programs. Youth programs are nature-based early learning programs for children aged 3 and up. Volunteers work alongside the program facilitator during seasonal sessions (Fall, Winter, Spring), helping to engage young learners through hands-on, outdoor activities focused on nature, gardening, and ecological awareness. Ideal candidates are 18+ years of age, dependable, kind, and calm, with a genuine interest in early childhood development and outdoor education. While formal training, such as ECE or First Aid, is an asset, it is not required. Experience working with young children, an understanding of developmental stages, and a comfort level in outdoor settings are strongly valued. Knowledge of food gardening and sustainable practices is a bonus. Volunteers must have reliable transportation and be willing to complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening. This is a rewarding opportunity for anyone looking to gain experience in environmental or early childhood education while making a meaningful impact on young minds.