Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

Tea Cup Fairy Gardens
2020-08-04 01:30 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
These gardens are fun to create and there are so many themes to explore. In this mini garden making session we will take an inspiring flower garden wander then collect and use natural materials to give the fairies a tiny tea cup getaway to remember! Adults are welcome to stay or drop off. Children under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided. Maximum 8.
Date: August 4
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Ages: 6+ years
Fee: $20/child
Register online below or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Butterflies & Flowers - Watercolour Workshop with Richard Wong
2020-07-30 13:00 - 16:00
Join us at the HCP for a lovely safe day art and music on Thursday, July 30, starting at 1:00pm! Bring a picnic lunch. First up at the Pavilion: sit back, relax and learn how to paint beautiful “Butterflies & Flowers” on Japanese art paper with our guest instructor, Richard Wong, 1:00 – 4:00pm. Then enjoy the rest of the day picnicking in the Garden and enjoying the sounds of a local musician. Everyone is welcome. Beginners are especially encouraged.
The $55.00 tuition includes workshop, all paint supplies and entry to the Garden. Class is limited to the first 14 to register.
Richard's classes are fun, relaxed and fully supported within a safe environment. Overhead projection will ensure social distancing requirements are met. Provincial Health guidelines will be followed. Hand sanitizers will be available. And all art supplies will be cleaned before and after use.
The image here is of a Western Tiger Swallowtail, beautiful butterflies common on Van Island and in Western Canada
Richard Wong is a local professional wildlife artist with international credentials. His art is popular. His classes are fun.
Learn more about Richard: www.richardwongwatercolors.ca

Register by calling 250 479 6162 or by using the online registration button below.
Register Online

Richard Wong, Artist Statement & Biography
“How I Became A Wildlife Artist”

This great adventure of mine started fairly innocently.
I spent a glorious 25 years with the provincial government of British Columbia working in finance and policy (Ministry of Environment). During that time, I came to appreciate our wildlife and natural environment, all so delicately balanced! Then it came time to
retire. So I did.
My life as a wildlife artist started soon thereafter. With time on my hands, and a Christmas gift of art supplies (from my wonderful spouse), I enrolled in art classes (2010). First it was traditional watercolor classes. Then it was Chinese brush lessons. I soon discovered Japanese art paper, and my career (second) as a professional wildlife artist began. Learning to paint, especially watercolor, allows me to capture the very essence of wildlife and nature like no other medium. Much of our wildlife is affected to the point where we are losing them rapidly. So I do what I can to spread this message of awareness: to paint and capture our wildlife in beautiful, vibrant watercolors; to teach others how to do this; and along the way, to engage and connect people and communities through my love of art. This love has taken me to Australia and the United States, where I've taught, presented and shown my work (Watercolor on Japanese Art Paper). I now paint (professionally), teach and sell from my lovely home base in Victoria, BC, Canada.
Wishing everyone a very lovely journey as we embark on yet another wildlife/art adventure full of wonder, excitement and discovery!
Sincerely,
Richard Wong
Professional Wildlife Artist
Watercolor on Japanese Art Paper

Terrarium Gardens for Kids
2020-07-30 13:00 - 14:30
Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Get creative as you learn about the needs of little plants and what better place to grow them than in an upcycled glass container. Bring along a glass bowl, vase, jar or other container and see what you can create! (containers up to 20 cm in size). Children under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult. You provide the glass container and we provide the rest. Maximum 8.
Date: July 30
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Ages: 6+ years
Fee: $20/child
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Herbal Creations
2020-07-28 13:30 - 15:30
We all know the name of a herb or two, but what can you do with them? Herbs can be used in many different ways! Together we will learn about these unique plants. Then we will harvest, learn to dry them and make self care products, crafts and edibles to take home and share with your family. Adults are welcome to stay or drop off. All materials are provided.
Date: July 28
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Ages: 7+ years
Fee: $25/child
Registration: Online or call 250 479 6162
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Plant Identification & Culture Workshops
2020-07-25 13:00
One Saturday a month 1pm - 4pm
January 25, February 15, March 21, April 18, May 23 (field trip - please pre-register), June 20, July 25, 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 July
Register Online for 12 Sessions

Paint Nights at the Gardens
2020-07-23 17:00 - 19:00
Hydrangea Flowers: July 23 - 5pm - 7pm
Picnic in the Gardens starts at 1pm, so consider arriving early for your class and bringing a picnic lunch while enjoying the sounds of a live local musician. At 5pm, move into the pavilion for your paint night experience.
At its core, our Paint Night offers a creative platform for individuals to create, experiment, learn, and socialize; all while working towards their own version of the same painting. You'll learn about working with Acrylics, mixing colours, the application of paint on canvas, and how to create good composition. There is no painting experience required as we'll lead you through the painting step-by-step!
We'll be featuring a new painting every month inspired by flowers, trees, and landscapes, alongside unique techniques. Whether you paint regularly, haven't painted in a while, or have never painted, painting workshops are a favourite among those who like to try new things, find creative expression, meet new people, and explore new sides of themselves.
HCP Members & Non-Members - $50.00
Register Online

Instructor Bio: Ilana Selivanov
Victoria based Artist, Ilana, has been honing her skills for the past several years as an Acrylic Painter as well as a Paint Instructor. Ilana's focus is primarily on creating images of enlarged flowers, trees and landscapes. Her work allows her to explore new places and learn new techniques, inviting the viewer to see nature in diverse ways. After travelling and residing in South East Asia for 2 years (2017-2019) learning from and working with local artists, Ilana launched the first Paint Night experience in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam in 2017. It is her passion for Art and community involvement that feeds her excitement and inspire her to create and teach.

Willow Chair Workshop
2020-07-19 09:00 - 17:00
Instructor: 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 techniques. 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.
This class requires previous building experience or a helper from your household. The fees cover one or two participants making one chair together.
HCP Members $250 / Non Members $275
Register online using the button below or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Fairy Garden Workshop – Camping Theme
2020-07-16 17:30 - 19:00
These gardens are fun to create and there are so many themes to explore. In this mini garden making session we will take an inspiring woodland wander then collect and use natural materials to give the fairies a camping trip to remember! Adults are welcome to stay or drop off. Children under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided. Maximum 8.
Date: July 16
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Ages: 6+ years
Fee: $20/child
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Eco Crafts
2020-07-16 13:00 - 14:30
Do you ever wonder how to reduce, reuse, and repurpose household items into new products? Bring along an old tee shirt to make a fabric tote bag to take your goods home in. Then create some amazing other items using household items.
Date: July 30
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Ages: 6+ years
Fee: $20/child
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Hummingbirds & Flowers - Watercolour Workshop with Richard Wong
2020-07-09 13:00 - 16:00
Join us at the HCP for a lovely safe day of art and music on Thursday, July 9, starting at 1:00pm! Bring a picnic lunch. First up at the Pavilion: sit back, relax and learn how to paint a beautiful “Hummingbird & Flowers” on Japanese art paper with our guest instructor, Richard Wong, 1:00 – 4:00pm. Then enjoy the rest of the day picnicking in the Garden and enjoying the sounds of a local musician. Everyone is welcome. Beginners are especially encouraged.
The $55.00 tuition includes workshop, all paint supplies and entry to the Garden. Class is limited to the first 14 to register.
Richard's classes are fun, relaxed and fully supported within a safe environment. Overhead projection will ensure social distancing requirements are met. Provincial Health guidelines will be followed. Hand sanitizers will be available. And all art supplies will be cleaned before and after use.
The image here is of an Anna's Hummingbird and Fuschia flower.
Richard Wong is a local professional wildlife artist with international credentials. His art is popular. His classes are fun.
Learn more about Richard: www.richardwongwatercolors.ca
DATE SOLD OUT - GO ON INTEREST LIST BELOW
Go on Interest List
ALTERNATE DATE: Thursday, August 13 - 1pm - 4pm - Event Page and Registration HERE.
Also see Richards next class - Butterflies and Flowers by clicking HERE.

Richard Wong, Artist Statement & Biography
“How I Became A Wildlife Artist”

This great adventure of mine started fairly innocently.
I spent a glorious 25 years with the provincial government of British Columbia working in finance and policy (Ministry of Environment). During that time, I came to appreciate our wildlife and natural environment, all so delicately balanced! Then it came time to retire. So I did.
My life as a wildlife artist started soon thereafter. With time on my hands, and a Christmas gift of art supplies (from my wonderful spouse), I enrolled in art classes (2010). First it was traditional watercolor classes. Then it was Chinese brush lessons. I soon discovered Japanese art paper, and my career (second) as a professional wildlife artist began. Learning to paint, especially watercolor, allows me to capture the very essence of wildlife and nature like no other medium. Much of our wildlife is affected to the point where we are losing them rapidly. So I do what I can to spread this message of awareness: to paint and capture our wildlife in beautiful, vibrant watercolors; to teach others how to do this; and along the way, to engage and connect people and communities through my love of art. This love has taken me to Australia and the United States, where I've taught, presented and shown my work (Watercolor on Japanese Art Paper). I now paint (professionally), teach and sell from my lovely home base in Victoria, BC, Canada.
Wishing everyone a very lovely journey as we embark on yet another wildlife/art adventure full of wonder, excitement and discovery!
Sincerely,
Richard Wong
Professional Wildlife Artist
Watercolor on Japanese Art Paper

National Pollinator Week at the Gardens
2020-06-25 10:00 - 20:00
National Pollinator Week is June 22 - 28. We invite visitors to come and observe pollinators at the Gardens. Our pollinators have been busy with the first bee sightings occurring during the last week of February. Since then we have installed several mason bee nesting boxes. These were generously funded by the Victoria Master Gardener Association. The nesting boxes will be a learning tool and used to monitor cavity nesting bees and learn best practices for nesting box design and maintenance. These brightly painted nesting boxes can be viewed in the 3 B's Garden (Birds, Bees & Butterflies), the Vegetable Garden and the Junior Master Gardener Plot. During pollinator week, we urge you to visit our nesting boxes and also observe plants for bee activity. See which plants are getting the most action and consider adding these to your garden.
Download this handy pollinator identifying guide by Island Pollinator Initiative - HERE - or pick up a printed copy at the Gardens. Please post your pollinator pictures online using the hashtag #hcppollinators. Let's see how many we can identify....and don't forget the butterflies and hummingbirds!
If you would like to support our Pollinator Project we will have a donation box at the Gardens during pollinator week. There will also be a take home activity - a Pollinator Watering Station which is available by donation while supplies last. Always remember to check our website for Youth Program workshops and camps which regularly feature pollinator related activities and learning such as creating pollinator gardens, watering stations, wildflower seed bombs and more.
For more ideas on pollinator related activities and the Gardens and at home, please visit our Pollinators at the Gardens Page - HERE.

Fairy Garden Design
2020-06-25 01:30 - 15:00
These miniature gardens are fun to make! Fairy Gardens can be made from purchased or recycled household items. They help us to use our imaginations and support creative play. This session will focus on the use of plants as a foundation. Participants will learn to sculpt pathways and gardens using drought tolerant plants, and natural materials to produce an easy to care for and pleasing result. This session is suited to older participants, and this will help develop their skills as a Fairy Garden designer. All materials are provided. Limit of 6 children.
DATE: Thursday, June 25, 2020
TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 pm
AGE: 7 – 12 years
FEE: $20
Register online below or call 250 479 6162.

Register Online

Introduction to Fairy Gardens
2020-06-20 13:30 - 15:00
Do you know a child who has wanted to make a fairy garden? Looking for a bit of inspiration? Join us for an introduction to making fairy gardens. Learn to select plants, upcycle, and get creative with a bit of guidance. Once you get started, the fun just continues! These gardens will make a great addition to an existing garden or be a stand-alone for play dates. Children under 7 years must be accompanied by a supervising adult. All materials are provided. Limit of 6 children.
DATE: Saturday, June 20, 2020
TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 pm
AGE: 4 – 10 years
FEE: $20
Register online below or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Grow Your Own – Pizza Garden
2020-06-20 10:30 - 12:00
More people are becoming interested in growing their own nutrient rich food. Join our garden group to create a take-away mini garden to nurture this summer. You will learn to plant transplants (baby plants), sow seeds, and water to grow your own food! Bring along your garden gloves for this hands-on growing experience. Children under 7 years must be accompanied by a supervising adult. All planting materials are provided. This is a great FATHER'S DAY activity to make and share! Limit of 6 children.
DATE: Saturday, June 20, 2020
TIME: 10:30 – 12:00
AGE: 4 – 12 years (Adult assistance with children under 7 is required)
FEE: $25
Register online below or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Gardens Open to the Public
2020-06-18 10:00 - 16:00
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!
