Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

Gardens Open to the Public
2020-06-18 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Starting June 18th the Gardens and Plant Sale will be open to the Public.
Thursdays - Saturdays - 10am - 8pm & Sundays - 10am - 4pm
HCP Visitor Policies
Messaging to Visitors

If you have underlying medical conditions, it is recommended that you not visit our facility
Anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19, which primarily displays as a persistent cough, will not be permitted on the premises. If you are sick, please stay home.
If you have travelled outside Canada, you are not permitted on our premises until you have self- isolated for a minimum of 14 days.
If you live in a household with someone who has COVID-19, or is or is showing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
Physical distancing is required at all times (minimum 6ft/2M apart)
Failure to observe physical distancing risks the closure of the facility, and as such, you will be asked to leave the premises.
Washrooms on the premises are disinfected once per day; hand sanitizers are located at the front entrance.

**Please note we reserve the right to limit the number of people in the gardens**

Gardens Open to Members Only
2020-06-04 10:00 - 16:00
Starting May 21, the Gardens and Plant Sale will be open to HCP members.
Thursdays - Sundays: 10am - 4pm
If you would like to become a member, please use this link to sign up online.
Membership Application
HCP Visitor Policies
Messaging to Visitors

If you have underlying medical conditions, it is recommended that you not visit our facility
Anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19, which primarily displays as a persistent cough, will not be permitted on the premises. If you are sick, please stay home.
If you have travelled outside Canada, you are not permitted on our premises until you have self- isolated for a minimum of 14 days.
If you live in a household with someone who has COVID-19, or is or is showing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
Physical distancing is required at all times (minimum 6ft/2M apart)
Failure to observe physical distancing risks the closure of the facility, and as such, you will be asked to leave the premises.
Washrooms on the premises are disinfected once per day; hand sanitizers are located at the front entrance.

**Please note we reserve the right to limit the number of people in the gardens**

Forest Therapy Walks
2020-04-11 13:30 - 16:00
Come join Kelly Kiss, ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, to discover “Forest Bathing”, what it is, along with its health and wellness benefits. We will start off with a one-hour discussion, followed by a one -hour “light” version of a forest therapy walk.
Reconnect with yourself and nature through a mindful walk in the beautiful Gardens at HCP. Kelly will offer you a unique “forest bathing” experience, an “immersion” into the space of trees, plants and the beings of the forest and gardens. Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. Shinrin-Yoku means to “bathe in the atmosphere of the forest” and is a term that was originally used by the Japanese government in the 1980's, to describe the practice of spending time in nature to soak up its health benefits. If practiced regularly, “forest bathing” may improve your health, wellness and happiness! After a walk, participants have noticed that they feel calmer, more peaceful and more relaxed.
During a guided walk, Kelly will offer you a series of “invitations” or suggestions, to help you to slow down and connect with your senses. You are then invited to do what feels comfortable to you. Guides merely hold the space for the deepening and connection to happen. Moving slowly over a gentle landscape, the practice of forest therapy is accessible to people of all fitness levels, ages and abilities. All guided forest therapy walks are then concluded with a final gathering, where we share tea brewed with local plants, and a light healthy snack. For more information please see website at: www.salishseaforesttherapy.ca
HCP Members & Non-Members - $45.00
Spring Walk Dates:
April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online
Instructor Bio:
Kelly is a Certified Forest Therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Programs. She makes her home on Salt Spring Island and the Salish Sea with her son, animals and surrounded by nature. Kelly has been practicing and teaching the healing arts for over eighteen years and all of her life she has had a deep connection with trees. Currently she enjoys spending her days slowing down through meditation, yoga, walking, forest bathing, writing, spending time outdoors, and being creative.
A nature connection walk with Kelly will leave you feeling relaxed, peaceful, grounded and more alive!

Outdoor Fairy Garden Workshop **Full
2020-04-11 13:30 - 15:00
Miniature gardens are a magical way to bring plants into people's lives! We will start with containers and outdoor plants to create gardens to enjoy for years to come. These fairy gardens will allow for child play and rearranging to suit within the context of a larger garden. We will explore a few themes as part of our design using natural materials collected in our very own garden pathways during an introductory wander. We often have parents/family want to join us. *All younger children, 5/6 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (no fee) to assist with their project. Adults are welcome to stay and participate or drop off older children.
For children ages 5 & upDate: Saturday, April 11, 2020
Time: 1:30 to 3:00pm
Ages: 5 to 12 years
Fee: $15/child
Call 250-479-6162 to register or click the button below to register online.
Register Online

Meadowscaping for Biodiversity Workshop
2020-04-05 13:00 - 16:00
with Kristen Miskelly
Are you a homeowner or land manager interested in creating a native wildflower meadow in place of lawn or field? Join Kristen Miskelly of Saanich Native Plants to learn what you need to know to create a successful meadow, including which native species to use, how to prepare and plant your area, and how to keep it thriving for years to come.

Members $45
Non-Members $60
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Flower Crown Workshop
2020-04-05 09:00 - 11:30
Sunday - April 5 - 9:00am - 11:30am
Instructor: Linda Rambaud
Create your own flower crown and learn about colour combinations, techniques and floral apparel.
Registration closes March 30.
HCP Members $90 / Non Members $100
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register online

Mason Bees 101
2020-04-04 13:00 - 15:00
Saturday - April 4 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Instructor: Tom Lahey
Learn all you need to know to set up your own mason bee home. This workshop will cover all the ways we can promote pollination with the Blue Orchard Mason Bee. We will look at all the different types of bee housing, from paper tubes, cardboard tubes, routed wooden blocks, composite trays, bamboo, drilled blocks and more. We will also touch on other native bees that take over when the mason bee dies.
HCP Members $10 / Non-Members $15
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Hypertufa for Kids
2020-04-04 10:00 - 12:00
This hands-on craft takes time and some patience and is SO much fun! Hypertufa is a concrete substitute that looks just like concrete but weighs much less, making it easier to transport. We will begin by making our mix together and using some recycled containers for our forms. Come dressed for making a mess and learn how to make these super simple light weight and durable planters. It takes weeks for these to be ready for planting so remember we will be getting them made in this session.
DATE: Saturday, April 4, 2020
TIME: 10:00 – 12:00 pm
AGES: 7 - 14 years
FEE: $25/child
FEE: $15/adult attending with child and wanting to make a garden

Register by phone 250-479-6162
or online by clicking below
Register Online

Art of Bonsai - Design & Care Workshop
2020-04-04 09:00 - 12:00
Saturday - April 4 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Instructor: Mark Paterson
Come learn the art of bonsai with Mark Paterson, President of the Vancouver Island Bonsai Society. This is the first of a three part 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 23 will cover Root Cutting.
Part Three, September 19 will cover later season and Winter care.
HCP Members $140 / Series or $60/Part 1
Non Members $160 / Series or $70/Part 1
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online for Part 1
Register Online for Full Series

Mason Bees 101
2020-03-29 13:00 - 15:00
Saturday - March 29 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Instructor: Tom Lahey
Learn all you need to know to set up your own mason bee home. This workshop will cover all the ways we can promote pollination with the Blue Orchard Mason Bee. We will look at all the different types of bee housing, from paper tubes, cardboard tubes, routed wooden blocks, composite trays, bamboo, drilled blocks and more. We will also touch on other native bees that take over when the mason bee dies.
HCP Members $10 / Non-Members $15
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Cannabis Basics for the Home Grower
2020-03-28 13:00 - 16:00
Saturday - March 28 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Jo Wyld
Learn the basics of growing Cannabis for personal use with college instructor, Jo Wyld. This workshop will cover cannabis species and strains, how cannabis is used, starting from seed or clone, considerations and methods for growing outdoors or indoors, common pests and disease, harvesting and relevant legislation.
HCP Members $60 / Non-Members $65
Call 250 479 6162 to go on the interest list or use the button below.
Interest List Now Open. We will contact you to register once we have enough interested participants.
Interest List

Fairy Gardens for Kids **Full
2020-03-22 10:00 - 11:30
*This class is full. There is another class on April 11 if you are looking for a future class.
Miniature gardens are a magical way to bring plants into people's lives! We will start with small containers and tropical plants to create these indoor gardens to enjoy for years to come. Our gardens will allow for child play and rearranging to suit a theme. We will explore a few themes as part of our design using natural materials collected in our very own garden pathways during an introduction wander. We often have parents/family want to join us. See the information below to participate with us! *All younger children, 5/6 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (no fee) to assist with their project. If you would like to make a fairy garden of your own, please see the additional registration below.
DATE: Sunday, March 22, 2020
TIME: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
AGES: 5 + years – 12 years
FEE: $15/child
FEE: $15/adult attending with child and wanting to make a garden
*Register online or call us at 250-479-6162
Register Online

Floral Mobile Workshop
2020-03-22 09:00 - 11:30
Saturdays - March 22 - 9:00am - 11:30am
Instructor: Linda Rambaud
Learn about combining texture and colour to create a floral mobile. Your mobile can be hung indoors or outdoors. Over time the flowers and foliage will dry and you will be left with a beautiful dried arrangement.
Registration closes March 9.
HCP Members $90 / Non-Members $100
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

The Herbal Kitchen - Cooking With Wild Edibles Workshop
2020-03-21 13:00 - 16:00
Workshop Postponed. Please use the link below to add your name to the interest list. We will be in touch when a new date is set.
Instructor: Lily Fawn
Come spend the afternoon learning to find and identify medicinal edible herbs. Wild plants are nutritious, tasty and a great way to increase your health and cut your grocery bill. In this workshop you will learn about the many delicious, healthy and nutritionally-packed wild edible, medicinal plants that are yours for the picking! This class will focus on healthy edible weeds that grow all around us. You will learn how to identify and harvest these tasty edibles, as well as several different ways to prepare them. Take home recipes and enjoy a wild edible meal prepared during class.
HCP Members $55 / Non Members $65
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Plant Identification & Culture Workshops
2020-03-21 13:00 - 16:00
One Saturday a month 1pm - 4pm
January 25, February 15, March 21, April 18, May 23 (field trip - please pre-register), June 20, July 18, August 15 (field trip - please pre-register), September 19, October 17, November 21, December 5
Instructor: Diane Pierce
Learn all about plants with Diane Pierce, expert gardener, designer and writer. Diane will introduce you to 25 new plants in each session. You will learn Latin & common names, plant descriptions, cultural requirements, general maintenance and landscape uses. This is an ongoing course & can be joined at any time, all year long, one Saturday a month.

HCP Members $35.00 per session
or $350 for 12 sessions
Non-Members $45.00 per session
or $450 for 12 sessions

Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online for March
Register Online for 12 Sessions

Introduction to Forest Bathing
2020-03-21 10:00 - 12:00
Come join Kelly Kiss, ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, to discover “Forest Bathing”, what it is, along with its health and wellness benefits. We will start off with a one-hour discussion, followed by a one -hour “light” version of a forest therapy walk.
Reconnect with yourself and nature through a mindful walk in the beautiful Gardens at HCP. Kelly will offer you a unique “forest bathing” experience, an “immersion” into the space of trees, plants and the beings of the forest and gardens. Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. Shinrin-Yoku means to “bathe in the atmosphere of the forest” and is a term that was originally used by the Japanese government in the 1980's, to describe the practice of spending time in nature to soak up its health benefits. If practiced regularly, “forest bathing” may improve your health, wellness and happiness! After a walk, participants have noticed that they feel calmer, more peaceful and more relaxed.
During a guided walk, Kelly will offer you a series of “invitations” or suggestions, to help you to slow down and connect with your senses. You are then invited to do what feels comfortable to you. Guides merely hold the space for the deepening and connection to happen. Moving slowly over a gentle landscape, the practice of forest therapy is accessible to people of all fitness levels, ages and abilities. All guided forest therapy walks are then concluded with a final gathering, where we share tea brewed with local plants, and a light healthy snack. For more information please see website at: www.salishseaforesttherapy.ca
The introduction includes a 1 hour introductory talk followed by an optional 1 hour walk.
Talk Only – 10:00am – 11:00am – $5.00
Walk & Talk – 11:00am – 12:00pm – $45.00
Spring Walk Dates:
April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8
Register online or call 250 479 6162

Register Online
Instructor Bio:
Kelly is a Certified Forest Therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Programs. She makes her home on Salt Spring Island and the Salish Sea with her son, animals and surrounded by nature. Kelly has been practicing and teaching the healing arts for over eighteen years and all of her life she has had a deep connection with trees. Currently she enjoys spending her days slowing down through meditation, yoga, walking, forest bathing, writing, spending time outdoors, and being creative.
A nature connection walk with Kelly will leave you feeling relaxed, peaceful, grounded and more alive!

Advanced Pruning Workshop
2020-03-21 09:00 - 12:00
CANCELLED - We will be setting a new date in Fall
Saturdays - March 21 & 28 - 9:00am - 12:00pm
Instructor: 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 skills 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
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

By Donation Monday
2020-03-16 09:00 - 17:00
On the third Monday of every month, admission to the Gardens at HCP is by donation - a great opportunity to check out our beautiful gardens!

Cedar Bark Pouch Workshop
2020-03-14 09:30 - 16:30
Saturday - March 14 - 9:30am - 4:30pm
Instructor: Joan Carrigan
Come weave a beautiful individualized small pouch with plant materials harvested from the Pacific Northwest. I use my pouch to hold my cell phone so make sure you bring yours with you. We will begin with a discussion on how to respectfully harvest materials followed by a hands-on demonstration of how to prepare the materials including cedar bark, willow bark and sedge. Participants can design their pouch using different weave patterns presented which include a variety of plaiting, twining and twill variations. This course is good for beginners as well as experienced weavers.

HCP Members $120 / Non Members $140
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Hellebore Sunday
2020-03-08 12:00 - 15:00
Sunday, March 8 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm

We know Spring has truly arrived when it's Hellebore Sunday!
Helleborus provide winter color to the garden and best of all the deer won't eat them.
The sale starts at noon so come and get in line early as we sell out quickly.
Admission to the gardens is free during plant sales so make sure to take time for a walk through the Doris Page Winter Garden which is currently showcasing winter beauty.

Hellebore Sunday
2020-03-08 12:00 - 15:00
Sunday March 8 - 12pm - 3pm
More information coming soon!

The Backyard Orchard Workshop
2020-03-07 13:00 - 16:00
Saturdays - March 7 & 14 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Ryan Senechal
This workshop is for those serious about cultivating fruit and nuts in an urban space. Ryan Senechal will cover: selection of cultivars, planting, staking & training, soil, nutrients & watering, pruning, plant health & cultural controls, grafting & propagation. The focus will be on apple, cherry, pear, plum, peach, kiwi, Carpathian walnut, butternut, hazelnut, fig, blueberry & raspberry.
HCP Members $90 / Non-Members $110
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Gardens in Miniature Series
2020-03-07 09:30 - 12:30
Instructors: Mark Paterson and Gordon Mackay
Learn how to create a miniature living garden in a container. The series will cover everything from selecting containers, plants, hardscape elements and maintenance.
In Part 1 you will create your own container in Hypertufa containers. Hypertufa is a concrete substitute that looks just like concrete but weighs much less, making it easier to transport and perfect for miniature gardens. Participants will go through the process of creating the forms, mixing the materials, and setting the trough. Due to the curing period, participants will collect their creations at a later date. Participants will create two troughs approximately 12 x 12 inches in size. They will be planting their miniature gardens into them in part 2 & 3 of the series. Once the skill has been learned, participants may go home to create many more hypertufa containers.
Part 2 will cover crevice gardens and alpines. Participants will learn how to incorporate rocks in their design with Gordon Mackay.
Part 3 will cover Japanese style miniature landscapes with bonsai expert, Mark Patterson.
At the end of the series, participants will have two miniature gardens planted in containers they created and the knowledge to go home and create more. They will also know how to select the right plants and how to care for and maintain their gardens.
Part 1 - Hypertufa Troughs - March 7 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Part 2 - Crevice Gardens and Alpines - April 18 - 9am - 12pm
Part 3 - Japanese Style Miniature Gardens - May 2 - 9am - 12pm
HCP Members - $65/Class or $170 for the Series
Non Members - $75/Class or $195 for the Series
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online for Part 2
Register Online for Part 3

Cannabis Basics for the Home Grower
2020-02-29 10:00 - 13:00
Saturday - February 29 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Instructor: Jo Wyld
Learn the basics of growing Cannabis for personal use with college instructor, Jo Wyld. This workshop will cover cannabis species and strains, how cannabis is used, starting from seed or clone, considerations and methods for growing outdoors or indoors, common pests and disease, harvesting and relevant legislation.
HCP Members $60 / Non-Members $65
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Fairy Gardens for Kids
2020-02-23 10:00 - 11:30
Miniature gardens are a magical way to bring plants into people's lives! We will start with small containers and tropical plants to create these indoor gardens to enjoy for years to come. Our gardens will allow for child play and rearranging to suit a theme. We will explore a few themes as part of our design using natural materials collected in our very own garden pathways during an introduction wander. We often have parents/family want to join us. See the information below to participate with us! *All younger children, 5/6 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (no fee) to assist with their project. If you would like to make a fairy garden of your own, please see the additional registration below.
DATE: Sunday, February 23, 2020
TIME: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
AGES: 5 + years – 12 years
FEE: $15/child
FEE: $10/adult attending with child and wanting to make a garden
*Register online or call us at 250-479-6162
Register Online

Cannabis Basics for the Home Grower
2020-02-22 10:00 - 13:00
Saturday - February 22 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Instructor: Jo Wyld
Learn the basics of growing Cannabis for personal use with college instructor, Jo Wyld. This workshop will cover cannabis species and strains, how cannabis is used, starting from seed or clone, considerations and methods for growing outdoors or indoors, common pests and disease, harvesting and relevant legislation.
HCP Members $60 / Non-Members $65
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Grow Your Own Way Wellness Journey
2020-02-16 14:00 - 16:00
Sundays - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
January 26, February 16, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 14
Instructor: Marnie Dangerfield
This program is designed to allow you time in nature.... to slow down, pause, refresh and connect to your inner wisdom. There will be wellness practices led throughout,in a beautiful garden setting. The vision is for you to go through the year and connect to the seasons, to nature and to build community and connection with like-minded women. We will practice awareness/mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, kindness, journaling and intentional creativity®️ (among other things). The goal is to increase your overall well-being with new wellness habits. We'll focus on decreasing stress while increasing joy.
$45 per session for HCP Members & Non Members
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online for February
Instructor Biography: Marnie Dangerfield
Marnie is a Certified Life and Health Coach, born and raised in Victoria, BC. She is also a Certified Landscaper (through HCP) and loves to spend time in gardens. A lover of life, nature & all things health, wellness and kindness, she believe in cultivating kindness, compassion, love, joy & gratitude for a better life and world.
She believes that each one of us has unique gifts to share & that happier more resilient, aligned people, living a life on purpose, can create a massive shift, and spread love, kindness and understanding across the globe. By doing our inner work, respecting all beings, our earth, our environment & each other we can create positive change in the world.

Wicker Basket with Wood Base Workshop
2020-02-16 09:30 - 16:30
Sunday - February 16 - 9:30am - 4:30pm
Instructor: Joan Carrigan
Explore the sculptural design possibilities of the Wicker Basketry technique when starting with a wood base. Bases will be provided along with dyed round reed and a selection of natural materials to incorporate into this sculptural basket. In the process of weaving this basket, participants will learn control of shaping as well as a variety of weaving patterns. The rich variety of colour and design options makes for a fun and creative experience.
Please add your name to the interest list if the workshop is sold out as we may run a second date with enough interest.

HCP Members $120 / Non Members $140
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Plant Identification & Culture Workshops
2020-02-15 13:00 - 16:00
One Saturday a month 1pm - 4pm
January 25, February 15, March 21, April 18, May 23 (field trip - please pre-register), June 20, July 18, August 15 (field trip - please pre-register), September 19, October 17, November 21, December 5
Instructor: Diane Pierce
Learn all about plants with Diane Pierce, expert gardener, designer and writer. Diane will introduce you to 25 new plants in each session. You will learn Latin & common names, plant descriptions, cultural requirements, general maintenance and landscape uses. This is an ongoing course & can be joined at any time, all year long, one Saturday a month.

HCP Members $35.00 per session
or $350 for 12 sessions
Non-Members $45.00 per session
or $450 for 12 sessions
Register online or call 250 479 61 62
Register online for February
Register Online for 12 Sessions

Twill Tote Basket Workshop
2020-02-15 09:30 - 16:30
Saturday - February 15 - 9:30am - 4:30pm
Instructor: Joan Carrigan
Weave this lovely carrying basket for everyday use or keep as a decorative storage basket. This basket is woven with a twill weave using natural and dyed reed and has a sturdy swing handle. A great project for beginner weavers.
Please add your name to the interest list if the workshop is sold out as we may run a second date with enough interest.

HCP Members $120 /Non Members $140
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online
