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Volunteering at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
Volunteers have been essential to the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) since its start and continue to play a vital role in the organization today. Currently, the HCP relies on the support of volunteers who contribute in a variety of ways, including Visitor Services, Garden Maintenance, Conservation, Plant Propagation & Sales, Educational Program Support, Community Event Assistance, Seasonal Opportunities and the Board of Directors.
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.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteer Opportunities
Visitor Services
Front Desk and Gift Shop volunteer tasks include greeting visitors, answering phones, taking admissions, selling memberships, and a variety of other administrative tasks. Computer skills and retail sales experience are appreciated.
The Library provides books for adults and children on a wide variety of horticultural topics including gardening, as well as specific kinds of plants.
Tour Guides lead small groups on scheduled tours of the Gardens.
Garden Crews
Garden Crew volunteers help maintain the display gardens at HCP. Victoria's mild pacific winters allow for year round gardening. There are a variety of different gardens within the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific; some are based on a theme such as the Pollinator and Children's Gardens; others feature a specific group of plants such as the Rhododendron and Hosta Gardens or a style of gardening such as the Patio and Container Garden.
Tasks include weeding, planting, pruning, watering, and harvesting
Conservation
The HCP lands include nearly 100 acres of natural area including a wetland, creeks, forest stands, old agricultural fields, and trails. The Conservation Team helps improve biodiversity through hands-on ecological restoration. This is a rewarding opportunity for anyone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to make a positive environmental impact.
Tasks include removing invasive plants, improving wildlife habitats, and planting and maintaining native trees and shrubs.
Plant Sales & Propagation
Plant Sales & Propagation tasks include propagation of plants from seeds and cuttings, maintenance of plants in the Plant Sales area, and providing support during the Annual Spring and Fall Plant Sales. Plant Sale Event Support includes cashiers, greeters, talliers and set up crew.
Construction & Maintenance
The Construction & Maintenance Crews construct and maintain many of the various structures within the gardens such as bridges, benches, fences, gates, and sheds.
Tasks include painting, digging, using hand tools, and cleaning.
Community Education Support
The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific provides continuing education for adults, programming for children and youth, and spring and summer camps.
Tasks include set up in preparation for programs and assisting with program delivery.
Community Events
HCP hosts a number of Community Events each year, the largest being the Annual Arts & Music Festival. Tasks include set up and take down, parking, admissions, first aid, greeting visitors, assisting vendors and musicians, sunflower sales, plant sales, membership sales, and photography.
Seasonal & Projects
HCP has a number of seasonal tasks that require volunteer help such as the mason bee houses, harvesting daffodils, cleaning the interpretive signs and greenhouse glass in the spring, and harvesting fruit in the summer and fall. HCP requires volunteer help to assist with special projects such as the monthly newsletter and social media.
Board of Directors
As a not-for-profit organization, the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) is governed by a society led by a Board of Directors. The Board oversees the HCP's strategic direction and financial performance, and upholds the HCP's operations, policies, and values, to the highest standards.
Volunteer Onboarding Process
We are always happy to welcome new volunteers and 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 Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP).
Volunteer Process:
- Review the Volunteer Opportunities listed on this page
- Fill out the Volunteer Application (Green Button Below)
- You will receive an automated email reply
- Your application will be reviewed
- You will be sent an invitation to the next scheduled orientation session
- Attend an orientation session
- Complete intake documents
- Start volunteering
Apply to Become a Volunteer
Please click on the green button below to submit a volunteer application.
If you require further information, please email [email protected]
