Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

Succulent Gardens
2022-08-09 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
These plants come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes and are easy to grow and to propagate. Let's get creative as we explore these interesting and diverse plants, using our many demonstration gardens for inspiration. We will use planters to create stunning container gardens that are drought tolerant and child friendly.

Date: Tuesday, Aug 9, 2022
Time: 1:30 - 3:00pm
Age: 6+ years
Fee: $25/members, $30/non members
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Tea Time
2022-08-11 13:30 - 15:00
Tea brewing is an art form that goes back to ancient times. Did you know that many of the herbs growing in our gardens are easy to use for brewing. Children love to explore and learn about these interesting plants that provide our brews with flavours, colours and scents. Together we will explore the herb and flower gardens to create a better understanding of these plants and their uses. Then we will create our own blends to take home and sample, discussing drying and storing techniques while we taste our teas.

Date: Thursday, Aug 11, 2022
Time: 1:30 - 3:00pm
Age: 6+ years
Fee: $25/members, $30/non members
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Summer Camp: August 15 - 19
2022-08-15 09:00 - 16:00
During these camps, we will busy ourselves with seasonal gardening activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden! There will also be an exploration of the many natural systems that keep our gardens growing, garden arts and crafts, and more!
NOTE: All dates are sold out. Click below to sign up for the waiting list.

Jul 4-8, 2022 (full day, 5 days/week)
Jul 11-15, 2022 (half day, 5 days/week)
Jul 18-22, 2022 (full day, 5 days/week)
Aug 2-5, 2022 (full day, 4 days/week)
Aug 8-12, 2022 (half day, 5 days/week)
Aug 15-19, 2022 (full day, 5 days/week)
Times: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Ages: 5 to 12 years (school-age)

Fee:

Five-day Camps: $180/child; $345/2 children; $495/3 children
Four-day Camps: $145/child; $275/2 children; $390/3 children
Half-day Camps: $95/child; $180/2 children; $255/3 children

Garden Nature Academy - Fall Session
2022-09-06 09:00 - 23:30
*This recurring outdoor nature program is limited to 10 students and it fills quickly!
The outdoors offers a unique opportunity for your preschooler to explore through play, games, songs and activities! These outdoor sessions include time in our vegetable garden, as well as numerous pathways and native plant forest areas to explore. The small group sizes and our experienced nature educators help to create a nurturing and engaging environment for young children to learn, play and grow!

Dates: Tuesday's for 12 weeks: from September 6 to November 8, 2022
Time: 9:00am to 11:30am
Age: 3 to 5 years
Fee: $250/1 child, $, $295/non-members (price is for full series)
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Garden Club - Fall Session
2022-09-10 10:00 - 11:30
Our Pacific Northwest offers many advantages for growing food crops year round. In this fall session, we will plant, seed start, transplant, maintain, harvest and seed save as the season transitions to fall. Some of these crops will be for fall harvesting and others, such as leeks, garlic, carrots, chard, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli and beets, will be for late winter harvest.
This program is suited to school age children to attend independently or with a family member and for pre-k learners with a family member for support.
Date: Saturday's, September 10, 17, 24, October 01, 08, 15, 2022.
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Age: 3 to 12 years
Fee: $85/child(ren + adult) for the session
Register: HERE

Flower Pressing Workshop
2022-09-17 13:30 - 15:00
Remember pressing flowers as a child? This memory is one that is enjoyed by many and easy to do. Together, we will gather flowers and leaves from the garden for pressing in our own little presses to take home. Then we will make some pressed flower crafts to learn how to preserve these little treasures for years to come! Enjoy some creative time with a child in your life and sign up for two! All materials are provided.
Date: Saturday, September 17
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00
Age: 6+ years
Fee: $25/members, $30/non-members
Register: HERE

Pro-D Day Garden Camps
2022-09-23 09:00 - 16:00
These non-instructional day camps feature an outdoor program that includes time in our very own HCP Kids Teaching Garden where we grow food, learn to support natural systems and enjoy the many wilderness areas surrounding us!

Dates: February 17 and/or May 19
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Age: 5 to 12 years (school age)
Fee: $40/child

Register: Click on the camp date to register or call 250 479 6162

HCP Home Learners' Drop In Program
2022-09-23 09:00 - 16:00
Bird Migration (5 - 14 years)
This unique drop in opportunity provides some garden time where we will be focusing on support for our local overwintering birds as we tend the space. We will also have a special guest from Rocky Point Bird Observatory take us on a bird walk and talk about our migratory birds. This will be a part of our non-instructional day camp series featuring this special focus suited to your child's interests. There are very limited spaces available for this day.
Date: Friday, Sep 23, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Ages: 5 - 14 years
Fees: $40
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Fairy Gardens Workshop
2022-09-24 13:30 - 15:00
Join us for this miniature garden making lesson starting with an inspirational garden walk!
Then we will collect natural materials along the way and begin our wee garden making together. Adults are welcome to join us for the workshop and to make their own garden to take home. Everyone needs some fun!! All materials are provided.
Date: Saturday, September 24
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Age: 4+ years
Fee: $25/garden/members, $30/garden/non-members
Register: HERE
* This workshop can also be booked for a child's birthday as a Private Workshop by contacting youthprograms@hcp.ca to learn more!

Pumpkin People Workshop
2022-10-01 12:30 - 13:15
Bring along your family or friends group and create a seasonal Pumpkin person that will be displayed on our lower field for the month! You bring along the clothing and we provide the straw, binding and pumpkins.
Date: Saturdays - October 01 - 12:30-1:15 October 08 - 12:30-1:15 October 08- 2:30-3:15
Age: All ages welcome
Fee: $30/family or group up to 5
Register: Click on date to register

Mythical Creatures Workshop
2022-10-15 13:30 - 15:00
Dragons, gnomes and more! Do you know someone who loves to create adventures? These gardens are playtime options that explore creative expression. We begin with a garden walk for inspiration to begin our adventure together. Using hardy plants and natural materials these mini gardens each become unique and suited to playtime. Want to join a child for this workshop? Register yourself and make your own garden to take away. All materials are provided.
* This workshop can also be booked for a child's birthday as a Private Workshop by contacting youthprograms@hcp.ca to learn more!
Date: Saturday, October 15
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00
Age: 4+ years
Fee: $25/garden/member, $30/garden/non-member
Register: HERE

HCP Home Learners' Drop In Program
2022-10-17 09:30 - 11:30
Backyard Birds (5 -14 years)
Children are curious about birds, their behaviours, calls, and food choices. Join us for an interactive time in our garden spaces as we explore the engaging world of birds together. We will learn about their lifecycle, habitats, and foods while gaining confidence to recognize them by their unique behaviours, sizes and colourings.
Date: Monday, October 17, 2022
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Ages: 5 - 14 years
Fee: $25
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Our Garden - Fall Series
2022-10-24 09:15 - 12:15
This 2-part series offers hands-on skill development and understanding of plants and their needs for fall and winter. We will learn about the importance of soil development and amending while we tend the HCP Kids Garden for its fall maintenance during week 1. For week 2 the focus will be on planting of late fall crops and the use of cover crops and covers for winter protection. We will end off with a Cob Oven celebration.
Dates: Mondays October 24 & 31, 2022
Time: 9:15 am - 12:15 pm
Ages: 8 - 14 years
Fee: $70/participant
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Wreath Making for Families
2022-11-25 13:00 - 14:30
Wreath making for families offers a family-friendly pace and technique allowing children to participate in creating a masterpiece to take home or gift! This takes place in our own youth area where we feature outdoor covered space (and washroom facilities) to keep us all comfortable and enjoying the process. All materials are provided and participants are encouraged to bring along their own secateurs (hand pruners). Some people like to use garden gloves, but do plan on using form fitting ones as flexibility is essential. Each child/youth needs to be accompanied by a participating adult to make a wreath.
Age: Suggested for 4+ years, All children and youth need to be accompanied by an adult
Fee: $35/wreath
Click on a date and time below to register:
Date & Time: Friday, November 25 (1:00pm - 2:30 pm)
Date & Time: Saturday, November 26 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Date & Time: Saturday, November 26 (1:00 pm - 2:30 pm)
Date & Time: Friday, December 02 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Date & Time: Saturday, December 03 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)

Winter Break Camp
2022-12-19 08:00 - 17:00
We are offering a 3-day camp as the winter break begins and we will be featuring a balance of indoor and outdoor time. The theme is of nature and garden nature crafts suited for gift-giving or sharing with your friends, families and loved ones this winter. This camp is dependent on registration to run.
Days: December 19, 20, 21, 2023
Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: 5 - 12 years (school age)
Fee: $120
Register: HERE

Habitat Series
2023-02-01 09:30 - 11:30
Come explore the different habitats in and around the gardens while connecting to other home learners in your community. Through hands-on activities, games, and crafts, we will discover the many plants and animals that live in neighbouring wetlands, forests, meadows, and of course, a backyard garden! Please note, this is a drop-off program. See you at The Gardens!
Dates: Wednesdays February 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Ages: 5 - 14 years
Fee: $85
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Our Nature Connections - Short Series/Drop In Program
2023-02-09 09:30 - 11:30
Every moment in the garden provides opportunities for connections with nature, and the many parts that contribute to its existence and evolution. This program of exploration will allow us to observe plants, both native and invasive species and to learn how they survive/thrive. Discover uses for some and ways to remove others, as we strive to heal the land.
Dates: Thursdays February 9, February 23, March 9, 2023
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Ages: 5-14 years
Fee: $20/day

Stories in the Garden
2023-02-14 10:00 - 23:00
Imagine a gentle nature walk with your child to calm and inspire you both! This rain or shine outdoor program on our endless pathways provides us with many social and nature connections. This is followed by a story time that encourages the development of listening skills and small group interactions. Plan to bring along your favourite story blanket and snack to enjoy during the story with your child and invite a friend. Pre-registration is required to determine if this program will run.
Dates: Tuesdays, February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Age: 3+ (recommended)
Fee: $50/4 sessions (family rate for 1 or more children)
Register: HERE or call 250 479 6162

Family Day at HCP
2023-02-20 09:00 - 15:00
Join our HCP family on Monday, February 20 for activities and exhibits in and around the gardens for a day of celebration! Enjoy the seasonal interest in our many demonstration gardens on a self-guided walk or on a tour. Visit with our local partners and see what they have to share … time to get composting? Improve on your results? Need more information on local environmental initiatives and projects? Why do we want birds in our backyard? How to conduct your own Backyard Bird Count? Check out local vendors at our Family Market! See what fun activities for you to try … Pop Up Workshops by our Youth Programs team, activities and garden adventures to experience. Pack a picnic, visit our canteen, bring your binoculars and join our celebration of families outdoors. Rain or shine, indoors and outdoors this Family Day at HCP!

Fairy Garden Workshop
2023-02-25 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for some fun and creative time as we enter the world of fairy garden making! Your child will be introduced to garden design as we visit various gardens looking for inspiration, collecting items in nature to create furnishings with. and followed by a hands-on lesson to make their own garden to take home. These miniature gardens offer hours of play potential for children of all ages. This workshop will include an indoor garden version suited to keeping in a child's room. Plant care, planting techniques, and furnishing making will all be featured. Consider signing up with your child and making one of your own!
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2023
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Age: 4+ years (6 and under must be accompanied by a parent)
Fee: $30/child, $25/accompany adult
Register: HERE or call 250 479 6162

Seed Starting for Kids
2023-03-04 10:00 - 11:30
Seeds are an easy, inexpensive and fun way to grow plants for food and flower production. This hands-on workshop provides a step-by-step approach to sowing into trays. These seed starting basics are skills that create confidence to grow healthy plants that can be used in containers or garden beds. Each child will plant up a tray to take home to grow their own flowers and edible plants.
Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023
Time:10:00 am - 11:30 am
Age: 5+ years
Fee: $30/participant
Registation: ONLINE or by phone 250 479 6162

Growing Together for Families - (3 part series)
2023-03-04 13:30 - 15:30
Have you thought about growing your own food crops, but are overwhelmed? Let's work together in the HCP Kids Teaching Garden and transform an area into a garden plot. Learn about soils, productive garden planning, maximizing yields, managing pests, seeds and starts as well as seed saving. Join us along with your family for this 3 part workshop to build skills and understanding to make your own food production possible. This workshop series is also a great way to improve your garden experience. Bring along your own garden gloves.
Date: March 4, 11, and April 8, 2023
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Age: All welcome!
Fee: $125/family
Registration: ONLINE or by phone 250 479 6162

Our Garden - Spring Series
2023-03-06 09:15 - 12:15
Fast forward to spring and once again it is time to use our hands-on mentoring techniques to prepare our garden space for new additions to the garden and to plant them. Week 1 will include the use of overwintering crops for soil development, preparing plots, and harvesting of fall and winter crops. During week 2, we will seed trays for a variety of vegetable crops to plant out in the future. Summer planning will also be an important part of this spring series.
Dates: Mondays March 6 & 13, 2023
Time: 9:15 am - 12:15 pm
Ages: 8 - 14 years
Fees: $70/participant
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Fairy Garden Furnishings
2023-03-12 10:00 - 11:30
Making your own fairy garden furnishings can be fun and easy with a little guidance. In this class we will take a walk together to forage natural materials that can be made into fun and functional furnishings for existing and future fairy gardens. We will explore doors, gates, transitions and theme related furnishings. Participants will also have access to supplies to make featured items and will be encouraged to source out their own special materials in nature going forward. Imagination is a wonderful tool as we learn to create items for these playful and whimsical gardens!
Date: Sunday, March 12, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Age: 7-12 years
Fee: $30/participant
Registration: Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Spring Break Camp - Week 1
2023-03-20 09:00 - 16:00
Date: March 20-24, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Age: 5 - 12 years (school age)
Fee: $185
Registration: ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Spring Break Camp - Week 2
2023-03-27 09:00 - 16:00
Date: March 27-31, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Age: 5 - 12 years (school age)
Fee: $185
Registeration: ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Garden Nature Academy - Spring 2023
2023-04-06 09:00 - 11:30
The Garden Nature Academy is a half day program on Thursday's. The outdoors offers safe and seasonal opportunities for your preschooler to explore through play, games, songs, and activities!
These outdoor sessions will include time in our vegetable garden, as well as numerous pathways, and native plant forest areas to explore. The small group sizes and our experienced nature educators help to create a nurturing and engaging environment for young children to learn, play and grow!
Date: Thursday's, April 6 - June 15, 2023 (No class April 27)
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Age: 3 - 6 years
Fee: $275/ 11 weeks
Registration: Register HERE or call 250 479 6162

HCP Kids Garden Club
2023-04-08 09:30 - 11:00
Do you know a child or youth who loves the outdoors and thrives in the garden? Our HCP Kids Garden provides many opportunities for land-based engagement activities, including seed starting and propagation, planting, garden maintenance, pollinator habitats, and so much more. Each weekly class will have us in this amazing teaching garden where we grow our own food crops. Hope you can join us with your pre-k learner or drop-off (or join) your school age child. There are lots of takeaways, including seeds, transplants and more! Please pack your child's own garden gloves if you have some and bring along a water bottle (and snack if needed:)
Date: Saturday's, April 8 - June 3, 2023 (No class April 29)
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Age: 3 - 14 years
Fee: $120/ 9 weeks
Registration: Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Fairy Gardens Spring 2023
2023-04-15 13:30 - 15:00
Fairy Garden Workshop
Join us for some fun and creative time as we enter the world of fairy garden making! Your child will be introduced to garden design as we visit various gardens looking for inspiration, collecting items in nature to create furnishings with. and followed by a hands-on lesson to make their own garden to take home. These miniature gardens offer hours of play potential for children of all ages. Plant care, planting techniques, and furnishing making will all be featured. Consider signing up with your child and making one of your own! For ages 4 and up (6 and under must be accompanied by an adult)
April 2023 - Mushroom Hollow

Time: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Fee: $30 for 1 garden/ $55 for 2 gardens
Register: Here or Call 250-479-6162

Stories in the Garden
2023-05-09 11:00
Imagine a gentle nature walk with your child to calm and inspire you both! This rain or shine outdoor program on our endless pathways provides us with many social and nature connections. This is followed by a story time that encourages the development of listening skills and small group interactions. Plan to bring along your favourite story blanket and snack to enjoy during the story with your child and invite a friend. Pre-registration is required to determine if this program will run.

Dates: Tuesdays, May 9, 16, 23, 30 & June 6, 13, 2023
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 am
Age: 3 - 6
Fee: $75.00/6 sessions (for 1 or more children) or $60.00 for Family Memberships

Register: HERE or call 250 479 6162
