The Nature of the Native Plant Garden Workshop
2018-03-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Kristen Miskelly
Native plants in home gardens are not only beautiful, but also a way to help maintain local biodiversity, promote positive human connections, and foster an appreciation of nature. Participants will learn about Victoria's local ecology, including its abundance of unique plant species well-suited to home gardens, and the wildlife that depend on them. Edible, deer resistant, and drought tolerant species will be highlighted.
Please add your name to the interest list if the class is full. If we have enough interest, a second class will run on Sunday, March 25.
Members $45
Non-Members $60
To register, call 250 479 6162

Willow Chair Workshop
2018-03-25 09:00 - 17:00
with Andrew Kent
Join artisan Andrew Kent from The Willow Way for this full day workshop. In one day, with Andrew Kent's expert instruction, you can make and take home your own Bent Willow Rustic Chair. This is a great introduction to rustic building. Learn how to make a square frame from pieces of alder & work with different sizes of willow to create your chair. All tools will be provided.
HCP Members $250
Non Members $275
To register, call 250 479 6162

JMG Spring Break Camps
2018-03-26 09:00 - 2018-03-29 16:00
Junior Master Gardener Camp (JMG)
Come grow with us! This dynamic program educates youth about horticulture, health, nutrition, environmental science, leadership and life skills using fun and creative activities. Flexibility is a key component of the JMG program that enables it to be adapted to meet the needs and interests of different individuals and organizations. It is perfectly suited to Afterschool Childcare Programs, 4-H, Home School groups, or any number of interest groups as a program enhancement. If you are interested in having a JMG program at your school, recreation centre, home school group, or other, please contact our School and Youth Programs Coordinator.
At HCP we have been offering this international, licensed program since 2005. See our list of upcoming JMG Camps below, including JMG Pro-D Day Camps, Spring Break Camps, Summer full and part day camps. This program is facilitated by Victoria Master Gardeners Association members.
SPRING BREAK CAMPS
Dates: March 19 – 23 and March 26 – 29, 2018
Times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $180/5 day camp, $145/4 day camp
Ages: 5 ½ years – 12 years
Registration: register at Saanich Recreation (250-475-7600)
JMG PRO – D DAY CAMPS
Dates: Friday, February 23 and Friday, April 20, 2018
Times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $38/child
Ages: 5 ½ years – 12 years
Registration: register at HCP office (250-479-6162) **see sign up sheet Pro-D Day Camps**
SUMMER CAMPS (JMG and Garden Arts)
Dates: July 9 -13 (JMG full days), July 23 – 27 (Garden Arts half days),
August 7 - 10 (JMG full days), 2018
Times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (full days), 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (half days)
Cost: $180/5 day camps, $145/4 day camps, $95/5 half day camps
Ages: 5 ½ years – 12 years
Registration: register at Saanich Recreation (250-475-7600)

Easter At The Gardens
2018-04-01 10:00 - 14:00
Spend Easter at The Gardens. Admission by donation with family activities for all to enjoy. Come and meet the hens from Rent The Chicken and don't miss the free talk on Keeping Backyard Hens at 1pm with Kate from Rent The Chicken. For more information on Rent The Chicken visit their website.

Easter Monday - Admission by Donation
2018-04-02 09:00 - 17:00
Admission by donation - 9am - 5pm on Easter Monday.

The Art of Bonsai - Design and Care Workshop
2018-04-07 09:00 - 12:00
with Mark Paterson
Come learn the art of bonsai with Mark Paterson, President of the Vancouver Island Bonsai Society in the first of a three part series. Each part can be taken on its own or as part of the series.
In Part one, Mark will teach you how to apply bonsai techniques to a 1 gallon sized plant which you get to take home with you. You will learn bonsai history, design and care. The class will also cover how to choose potential bonsai stock and how to use plant training to increase aesthetic value and monetary value to your new plant.
Part Two, May 26 will cover Root Cutting.
Part Three, September 29 will cover later season and Winter care.
HCP Members $140/ Series or $60/Part 1
Non Members $160/ Series or $70/Part 1
To register, call 250 479 6162

Native Plants & Their Uses
2018-04-07 13:00 - 14:30
Have you ever considered what role our Native Plants have had in forests, meadows and streams? Let's take a walk and talk through the Native Plants Garden and learn to recognize some of the many plants that were used by First Peoples and discuss their many uses.
Ages: 5 + years
Fee: $15/child

Healthy Soils Workshop Series: Effective Microbes for the Garden
2018-04-07 13:00 - 15:00
With Christina Nikolic
This class can be taken on its own or as part of our Healthy Soils Series. Using probiotics in the garden? If you already like the concept of compost tea, you will love learning about Effective Microorganisms (EM). These cultures have similar health benefits in the garden as yogurt has in the gut. Explore how to make and use a fascinating microbial inoculant. Participants should bring a clean empty 1-liter plastic bottle with lid to take away a sample of their own.
Classes in the Healthy Soils series include:
Soil Basics for the Home Gardener – Sunday – March 11 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
Effective Microbes for the Garden – Saturday – April 7 – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Compost Tea for the Garden – Sunday – April 29 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
Selecting Fertilizers & Mulches for the Organic Garden – Sunday – May 27 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
Individual Classes - HCP Members $35/Non-Members $40
Entire Series (4 Classes) - HCP Members $100/Non-Members $130

Instructor Bio: Christina Nikolic
Christina's background is in landscape design and gardening. She is a senior instructor at Gaia College, where she teaches the Organic Master Gardener and Ecological Landscape Design courses. Christina is a SOUL Certified Organic Land Care Professional and has been serving on the board of directors of SOUL (Society for Organic Urban land Care) for nearly a decade. Currently she runs The Organic Gardener's Pantry, retailing fine organic fertilizers, soil amendments, and beneficial microbes across Canada.

Advanced Pruning Workshop
2018-04-08 09:00 - 12:00
with Ryan Senechal
If you are a hands-on gardener hesitant to prune small trees and shrubs for fear of injuring or undesirably altering the appearance, this course with certified arborist Ryan Senechal is designed to give you the skill you need. In 2 sessions, basic pruning techniques will be reviewed and applied to advanced pruning strategies to encourage desirable structure, reduced maintenance & long term plant health. Your confidence and comfort will grow as you observe and practice field examples of pruning successes and common mistakes. This course will be outside, please dress accordingly and bring your secateurs. All other equipment will be supplied. Class size will be limited to ensure individual instruction.
HCP Members $90
Non-Members $110
2 Sessions:
Sundays, April 8 & 15 @ 9:00 pm - 12:00 pm
To register, call 250 479 6162

Hypertufa Planters I
2018-04-14 13:00 - 14:30
Hypertufa Planters 1
Come ready to get dirty and design a planter made from concrete and other natural materials. Hypertufa creates a very light weight and strong medium that is weather proof. We will discuss features needed in a planter and how to achieve them. These planters will need time to dry and part 2 will be held on Saturday, April 28 to complete this project. Bring along work gloves if you like. All materials are provided. Parent participation is required.
Date: Saturday, Apr 14, 2018
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Ages: 7 + years
Fee: $15/child
Hypertufa Planters 2
The planters will now be dry and ready for us to add texture, prepare and plant into them. We will be using seasonal annuals and herbs for this project. It will be suited for your garden or gift giving (for Mother's Day????). Parent participation is required.
Date: Saturday, Apr 28, 2018
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Ages: 7 + years
Fee: $15/child

Earth Day - Biodiversity Fair
2018-04-19 09:30 - 14:30
Earth Day is a time to get outdoors and see your community. Find out what amazing things are happening to inspire us to be good stewards of our planet!! The Gardens at HCP is hosting a day filled with demonstrations, activities and walks showcasing the importance of biodiversity to ensure natural sustainability for all life forms. We hope you can join us, be inspired and make a difference!! Admission by donation. This event is suitable for schools and the public.

Spring Plant Sale
2018-04-21 09:00 - 16:00
Saturday April 21 & Sunday, April 22 from 9 am – 4 pm each day. Many unique plants are propagated from the gardens.
Here is the the list of available plants, click to download: HCP Spring Plant Sale 2018
Admissions into the Gardens is free on plant sale day and Master Gardeners will be available to answer your questions. All proceeds raised from the plant sale support the development of our not-for-profit teaching gardens.

Twining with Soft Materials
2018-04-28 09:30 - 16:30
with Joan Carrigan
Soft materials such as rush, sedge and flower leaves offer the basket maker a beautiful material for fine twining. We will be weaving a small bowl-shaped basket with a radiating spoke base, variations of twining for the sides and lovely twined border. We have plenty of access to these basket materials found either in our gardens or local ditches and ponds.
Please add your name to the interest list if the class is full. If we have enough interest, a second class will run on Sunday, April 29.
HCP Members $120
Non Members $140
To register, call 250 479 6162
Instructor Biogaphy: Joan Carrigan
Joan Carrigan is a full time basketmaker and basketry teacher living on Salt Spring Island, BC. Over the past 25 years, her passion for baskets has led her to study, travel and explore many different techniques and materials within the medium. Joan studied Fine Art and Art History at the University of Guelph and her love of history has fueled her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has fueled her enthusiasm for the sculptural and creative potentials that the medium offers. Her inspiration comes from the plant materials she respectfully harvests from nature. Joan's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Joan teaches extensively both close to home and in Europe and finds this to be a very rewarding aspect of her career.

Hypertufa Planters II
2018-04-28 13:00 - 14:30

Healthy Soils Workshop Series: Compost Tea for the Garden Workshop
2018-04-29 10:00 - 12:00
with Christina Nikolic
This class can be taken on its own or as part of our Healthy Soils Series. First, what is compost tea, and why is everyone raving about it? Compost tea is the controlled extraction of microorganisms and nutrients from a small amount of high-quality compost and additional nutrient sources into water. The tea can be sprayed on the soil and plants in order to inoculate the landscape with these beneficial microorganisms. Learn about the benefits of compost tea and how to brew it with Christina Nikolic from the Organic Gardeners Pantry. Each participant will take home some compost tea to use in their own gardens.
Classes in the Healthy Soils series include:
Soil Basics for the Home Gardener – Sunday – March 11 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
Effective Microbes for the Garden – Saturday – April 7 – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Compost Tea for the Garden – Sunday – April 29 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
Selecting Fertilizers & Mulches for the Organic Garden – Sunday – May 27 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
Individual Classes - HCP Members $35/Non-Members $40
Entire Series (4 Classes) - HCP Members $100/Non-Members $130

Instructor Bio: Christina Nikolic
Christina's background is in landscape design and gardening. She is a senior instructor at Gaia College, where she teaches the Organic Master Gardener and Ecological Landscape Design courses. Christina is a SOUL Certified Organic Land Care Professional and has been serving on the board of directors of SOUL (Society for Organic Urban land Care) for nearly a decade. Currently she runs The Organic Gardener's Pantry, retailing fine organic fertilizers, soil amendments, and beneficial microbes across Canada.

Kombucha Workshop
2018-05-05 09:00 - 12:00
With Kristy & Mark Mackenzie-Moore
Is there an inner brewmaster hiding in you? This half day course in the art of kombucha tea will instruct you on the proper mixing ratios and techniques to brew your own kombucha. We will explore kombucha with all of our senses. You will get to sample and learn to make primary and secondary fermented kombucha. By the end of the workshop you will be sent home with everything you need for your very own personal kombucha brewing. Please bring a 1 litre glass canning jar with lid and a small notebook and pencil.
HCP Members $25
Non Members $30
To register, call 250 479 6162

Eat Your Weeds (Wild Edible Herb Walk & Lunch)
2018-05-06 09:00 - 13:00
with Lily Fawn
Join Herbalist and teacher, Lily Fawn for a medicinal herb walk and wild edible adventure in the Gardens at HCP. Wild plants are a nutritious tasty way to increase your health and reduce your grocery bill. This class will teach you about edible, medicinal weeds that grow all around us. You will learn how to identify, harvest and several different ways to prepare them into meals. Take home recipes and enjoy a wild edible lunch prepared during class. ​
An Introduction to edible and medicinal herbs found at the HCP gardens
Ethics of Wildcrafting / Harvesting– Basics
Plant Identification and Herbal Harvest
Wild edibles lunch
HCP Members $50
Non Members $55
To register, call 250 479 6162
You may also enjoy Lily Fawn's Herbal Medicine Making Workshop in June.
Instructor Biography: Lily Fawn
Herbalist, Lily Fawn, has been studying the art of blending herbs and teas since 1992. She is fun, knowledgeable and full of innovative ideas. The success of her recipes spread among the local community until she was encouraged to create a line of products to be available in stores. Lily started her own company called Earth's Herbal Products Inc, an ever-growing line of fresh plant apothecary and herbal teas that are healthy, natural, medicinal, self-stable and tasty. Lily values community, organic farming, wildcrafting, folklore, holistic health and sharing her knowledge via educational events like tea parties and workshops.

VCM Mother's Day Musical Garden Tour
2018-05-12 10:00 - 16:00
May 12 & 13 - 10:00am - 4:00pm. Enjoy discounted admission to the Gardens at HCP or purchase a two-day pass for exclusive passage to ten hand-picked, enchanting springtime oases while enjoying music from Victoria Conservatory of Music students, faculty and guest musicians.

More information: http://vcm.bc.ca/victoria-garden-tour/

Mothers For Mother Earth
2018-05-13 10:00 - 16:00
World Tree and Creatively United present a celebration of Mother Earth through art, fashion and displays. Bring your own tea cup to enjoy organic beverages, take a goddess photo in the Gardens, or test drive an electric vehicle!

More information: https://creativelyunited.org/mother-earth-event

Tomato Day
2018-05-19 09:00 - 12:00
Join us from 9:00am to 12:00pm for Tomato Day and choose from a variety of options.
Organically grown tomato starts along with other veggies, edible flowers, and herbs will be available.
Free admission to the Gardens during the sale! To view the list of tomatoes - click this link.

Concrete Hands Planters
2018-05-19 13:00 - 14:30
These hands are fun and easy to make and can be used for succulents displayed on a step, outdoor table, or in a garden bed. Each planter is as unique as the gardener creating them. Plan to get a bit messy. All materials are provided.
Ages: 5 + years
Fee: $15/child

Tea Cup Fairy Gardens
2018-05-26 13:00 - 14:30
We will begin with an enchanted walk through the Gardens gathering natural materials and inspiration to create your own take home Fairy Garden. There will have a chance to explore a variety of materials such as clay, moss, and twigs. Parents/guardians are welcome to stay and participate and required to stay with children under 6 years.
Ages: 3+
Cost: $15

Willow Frame Tray Workshop
2018-05-27 09:30 - 16:30
with Joan Carrigan
This woven tray or platter utilizes willow for the frame and willow bark for the weaving. Prepared willow frames will be available for the class, yet each participant will learn the process of making one which they can keep for future use. Dyed cane will be used for the spokes which are attached to the frame at one end. Design and weaving variations will be presented.
Please add your name to the interest list if the class is full. If we have enough interest we may run an additional class on Saturday May 26.
HCP Members $120
Non Members $140
To register, call 250 479 6162

Instructor Biography: Joan Carrigan
Joan Carrigan is a full time basketmaker and basketry teacher living on Salt Spring Island, BC. Over the past 25 years, her passion for baskets has led her to study, travel and explore many different techniques and materials within the medium. Joan studied Fine Art and Art History at the University of Guelph and her love of history has fueled her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has fueled her enthusiasm for the sculptural and creative potentials that the medium offers. Her inspiration comes from the plant materials she respectfully harvests from nature. Joan's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Joan teaches extensively both close to home and in Europe and finds this to be a very rewarding aspect of her career.

Healthy Soils Workshop Series: Selecting Fertilizers & Mulches for the Organic Garden
2018-05-27 10:00 - 12:00
with Christina Nikolic
From seaweed and manure to leaves and rock dusts, there are plenty of yummy fertilizers to feed to the soil, so it will grow healthy plants. And best of all, many of these are plentiful and cheap or even free. Christina will give an overview of what's out there, where to find it, and what it's good for. She will have samples on hand and can give tips and details on application techniques and dilution rates too. Participants will come away with a full menu of choices for soil care and nutrition.
HCP Members $35/Non-Members $40

Instructor Bio: Christina Nikolic
Christina's background is in landscape design and gardening. She is a senior instructor at Gaia College, where she teaches the Organic Master Gardener and Ecological Landscape Design courses. Christina is a SOUL Certified Organic Land Care Professional and has been serving on the board of directors of SOUL (Society for Organic Urban land Care) for nearly a decade. Currently she runs The Organic Gardener's Pantry, retailing fine organic fertilizers, soil amendments, and beneficial microbes acros

Introduction to Garden Design Workshop Series
2018-05-28 18:30 - 21:00
with Patty Brown
This 9-session course with PHC instructor Patty Brown is designed for the homeowner and for those with an interest in landscape design. Students will learn to draft and design a residential landscape plan to scale. Two field trips will be used to look at existing landscapes and plant choices. Topics covered will include design principles and processes, garden styles, site analysis, plants as design elements and landscape materials. For the practical side of this course, it is ideal to have a project or area to design so to apply and practice each step.
HCP Members $250
Non-Members $295
Mondays 6:30pm - 9:00pm: May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 9, 16
Sunday Field Trips 9:30am - 12:00pm: June 24, July 8
To register, call 250 479 6162

Picnic in the Gardens
2018-05-30 17:00 - 20:00
Our annual summer Picnic in the Gardens has returned! Bring a picnic and enjoy your dinner in a beautiful setting while listening to live local music. Admission by donation.
Last Wednesday of every month, 5:00pm - 8:00pm: May 30, June 27, July 25, and August 29
The Gardens at HCP's summer picnic series is back! Enjoy the magic of the Gardens with cooler temperatures and magical evening light. Admission by donation and live music starts at 5:00pm, with the evening wrapping up at 8:00pm. Kicking off the party on May 30th is the Folk duo - Little Crow. June 27 we have James Cecil performing, July 25, we have Steve Palen and Matt Stern on August 29. There are benches throughout the Gardens, but you may prefer to bring your own camp chair or blankets.
Bring your own picnic or order take-out from Charlotte & The Quail to enjoy. Please note that The Gardens at HCP are not licensed and alcohol is not permitted on the grounds, but our friends at Charlotte & The Quail would be delighted to serve you beer, wine and cider inside the restaurant or on their patio! Reservations strongly encouraged.
Volunteers from the Victoria Master Gardener Association will be onsite to answer all your plant and gardening questions!

Willow Chair Workshop
2018-06-03 09:00 - 17:00
with Andrew Kent
Join artisan Andrew Kent from The Willow Way for this full day workshop. In one day, with Andrew Kent's expert instruction, you can make and take home your own Bent Willow Rustic Chair. This is a great introduction to rustic building. Learn how to make a square frame from pieces of alder & work with different sizes of willow to create your chair. All tools will be provided.
The workshop is suitable for one person or two people to make one chair.
HCP Members $250
Non Members $275
To register, call 250 479 6162

Grow your Own Cut Flower Garden Workshop - Summer
2018-06-24 09:00 - 12:00
with Eiddwen Thomas
The Summer workshop is part of a seasonal four part series on Grow Your Own Cut Flower Garden. Each class can be taken on its own or as part of the series. In the glorious month of June you will learn about what can be cut now from your garden. The instructor will be talking about roses and peonies along with other flowers for cutting. Participants are also invited to bring examples of what is presently blooming in their own gardens for group discussion. This workshop will also focus on what you can be starting now for glorious blooms next year in your garden. This is a great opportunity to get together with like minded people who are passionate about beautiful flowers! The instructor, Eiddwen Thomas of Cartref Gardens is a flower farmer/floral designer who has a small garden, less than an acre, where she has grown flowers commercially for 15 years - www.cartrefgardens.ca
Subsequent workshops:
Fall season - Sunday September 9th from 9 am to 12 noon.
Winter season - Sunday January 20th 2019 from 9 am to 12 noon.
HCP Members $55
Non Members $60
To register, call 250 479 6162
Instructor Biography: Eiddwen Thomas
Eiddwen is a local floral designer, flower farmer and owner of Cantref Gardens. She has grown many different kinds of flowers and other materials for cutting and especially loves doing floral design for weddings and special events. She has a flower stall at the Sidney Market and the Peninsula Country Market. Eiddwen has been the curator for the cutting garden at the Horticultural Centre for the Pacific for several years.

Stories in the Shade (Youth Programs)
2018-07-03 10:00 - 22:45
STORIES IN THE SHADE is a bi-weekly story time designed around a theme that explores subjects such as gardens, bugs, and nature through stories and related crafts. Children under 5 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Date Tuesday, July 3, 17, 31, August 14 Time: 10:00 am – 10:45 am Cost: $5/child, free admission for an accompanying adult Ages:2+ years (designed for younger children, however, siblings are welcome)
Please reserve your spot for both of these programs by calling the Office at HCP 250-479-6162

Nature Around Us Walk and Talk (Youth Programs)
2018-07-03 11:00 - 11:45
NATURE AROUND US is a Walk & Talk session geared to the exploration of plants, insects and diversity in the gardens. Participants will tour the gardens at HCP as they discover more about the natural world around them.
Date: Tuesday, July 3, 17, 31, August 14 Time: 11:00 am – 11:45 am Cost: $5/child, free admission for an accompanying adult Ages: 5+ years (designed for older children, however, younger siblings are welcome)
Please reserve your spot for both of these programs by calling the Office at HCP 250-479-6162
