Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping
2026-04-12 12:30 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION | WORKSHOP | 2 HOURS
Have you ever wanted to start keeping bees but didn't know where to start? Would you like to see improved fruit production in your garden along with the potential of having your own honey? Learn the basics of beekeeping with Gordon Mackay.
In this workshop we will cover the basics of how to start your first colony. We will look at the various parts of the hive and what is involved in setting up and maintaining your colony in your first year. We will talk about some of the potential challenges and ways to mitigate these. The favourite plants that honey bees are attracted to will also be covered.
Date & Location
Sunday April 12, 2026 - 12:30-2:30 pm
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
$40.00 HCP Members
$45.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?

Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: Gordon Mackay
The instructor is Gordon Mackay who has been keeping bees since the 1990's. He was originally inspired by the incredible organizational skills and work ethic of bees when he was a horticultural student at Threave School of Gardening in southwest Scotland. Keeping bees has led to a strong desire to learn more and he has twice attended the beekeeping courses led by Andrew Abrahams at the Black Bee Sanctuary on Colonsay Island, Scotland.
Gordon hopes to share some of his enthusiasm and experience working with the bees. Along with being a beekeeper, Gordon is also an arborist and nurseryman, with a particular addiction to dwarf conifers and alpine plants.

Black & White Art: 3-week watercolour series with Richard Wong - April 2026
2026-04-16 13:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | Art Classes | 3 hour class or 3-class series
This 3-week watercolour course on Thursday afternoons is designed to help you focus on a single technique. The use of just one colour (black) in watercolour paintings can boost visual impact. Explore this timeless appeal in a three week series with Richard Wong, who will guide you through each step. Richard's classes are fun and relaxing, and suitable for all levels.
You can register for one class, or the series of three.
Your registration includes admission to the Gardens at HCP on the day of your class (last admission 3:30). Bring your receipt and arrive early to enjoy the grounds and be inspired by nature.

Thursday Apr. 2, 1:00-4:00 PM: Garlic
Thursday Apr. 9, 1:00-4:00 PM: Lobster
Thurs Apr. 16, 1:00-4:00 PM: Heron

Register Online or call 250-479-6273
PLEASE NOTE: When registering, please first select whether you require supplies (+$10 per session.) If you bring your own supplies, there is no additional charge. A materials list will be provided in advance of the class for those who wish to bring their own supplies.
Fees & Registration
$50/single class; OR $150 for 3-class course package (students bring their own supplies*)
$60/single class; OR $180 for 3-class course package (includes $10 for supplies provided by instructor)
*Art Supplies required if you are bringing your own

masa paper (several 8"x10" pieces). Option: regular 140lb watercolour paper
Black watercolour: black - Richard will be using Windsor & Newton "Neutral Tint" in his demos.
paint brushes (medium and small), pencil, eraser, paper towels, containers for rinse water

Registration now open for the Series or individual sessions here.
Sign up HERE to receive updates on Richard's classes.

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

Plant Identification & Culture with Jane Tice
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-23 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-27 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-25 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-29 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-31 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-28 13:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | 3-hour class
This is a monthly class in which participants will be introduced to 20 new plants in each session.
If you are a new gardener, new to Victoria or just want to brush up on your plant knowledge, this is a great place to get started. This is a monthly class where participants will be introduced to 20 new plants which fit with our local climate. Plants are selected for our local growing conditions and the value they bring to the garden. Part of the class will be in the classroom and part will be out in the gardens to view the plants for that month. Dress for the weather and bring something to take notes.
You registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP (9:00 am-3:30 last admission)
Please register ahead - minimum enrollment is required.

HCP Members $40.00 per session
Non-Members $50.00 per session

Location
Meet in The Classroom, located in the parking lot to the left of the cafe - 505 Quayle Rd, Saanich.
Please dress for the weather as part of the class takes place outdoors in the Gardens at HCP.
2026 Drop-in Session Dates
Click a date below to register online, or call 250-479-6162. Links will be live as registration opens
2026 Drop-in Dates
Click a date below to register online, or call 250-479-6162.
Jan 31, 2026
Feb 28, 2026
Mar 28, 2026
April 18, 2026
May 23, 2026
June 27, 2026
July 25, 2026
Aug 29, 2026
Sept 26, 2026
Oct 31, 2026
Nov 28, 2026
Dec 12, 2026 **Early class prior to winter garden closure**

Cancellations:
This class requires a minimum of 6 registrants in order to run. If the minimum is not met, the class will be canceled or postponed.
Please contact communityed@hcp.ca if you would like to cancel your registration. Cancellations less than one week prior to the class date are not eligible for a refund.

Creative Eco-Mindfulness Workshop Series
2026-04-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-24 13:00 - 15:00
Adult Community Education | Arts & Wellness | 2-hour workshop (Series of 3)
Unite your love of art and nature during this series of creative mindfulness two-hour workshops!
Through expressive arts, eco-mindfulness practices, and supportive community, we will take good care of eco-anxiety/grief and nurture hope in relationship with the earth.
A little different each time, the three workshops will feature guided deep relaxation, gentle movement, journaling, collaging, and singing.
No prior experience or training in any art forms is required. Following the workshop, participants will have the option to spend an additional hour on a self-guided nature walk around the gardens.

Dates & Location
The Classroom & Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria V9E 2J7
Please Note: This workshop is one of three in a series. You may register for individual workshops, or for all three. To register for all three, use the March 8 link below and select the series price (available until March 6)
Sunday, March 8, 1:00-3:00 pm (Classroom & Gardens) - This link can also be used to register for the series of three workshops.
Sunday, April 19, 1:00-3:00 pm (Classroom & Gardens)
Sunday May 24, 1:00-3:00 pm (Garden Only)
Registration & Fees
Register Online selecting the date link above or call 250 479 6162
Non Members $50.00
*HCP Members $45.00
**Accessible Pricing: $30.00
*Login to your HCP account to access membership discounts.
**Accessible Pricing is available to both members and non-members. If you can afford the full regular or member price, your contribution will help others who might not otherwise be able to access this program. If your require additional financial assistance and wish to attend this program, please contact communityed@hcp.ca.

About the Facilitator
Anna Bigland-Pritchard is a multi-genre singer, songwriter, music director,
voice teacher, and Expressive Arts Facilitator whose creative practice resides
at the intersection of creativity, connection, and care for the earth. She has a
BMus and a Post-Bacc Diploma in vocal performance, and performs opera,
musical theatre, indie-folk, and ecologically-guided vocal improvisation. She
is currently completing a certificate through the Winnipeg Holistic Expressive
Arts Therapy Institute. Anna is co-creator of Gay4Nature Collective, an eco-
indie opera+ collective based in lək̓ʷəŋən territory (Victoria BC), with whom
she co-created award-winning short film, Green. Anna also performs vocal
looping as part of her indie folk music project, rose house, often collaborating
with contemporary dancers. Anna regularly leads creative mindfulness
workshops and singing/choral classes, including a monthly live music and
restorative yoga class with Across The Water Wellness called
Rest and Resonate, and the Queer and Trans Choir Project with Em Postl. You can
find out about upcoming events and performances at abpcreative.ca
Accessibility
-There is parking available beside the classroom, a bike lock rack, and public
transit access nearby.
-There are no steps to the classroom, there is a ramp on the wooden deck
into the classroom.
-The nearest washroom for the classroom is down four steps near the
entrance to the cafe. There is an accessible washroom in the gardens not
much farther. The washrooms are not gendered.
-Please give us at least 48hrs notice if you'd like us to reserve an accessible
parking spot beside the classroom
-Masks are welcome. Windows will be open and there will be an air purifier
running. Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell or have been in contact
with someone who could be contagious. Anna, the facilitator will likely not be
masking for ease of presentation, but regularly masks elsewhere, and some
KN95s will be available.
Cancellations
This class requires a minimum registration to run. If you need to cancel, please contact communityed@hcp.ca. Refunds may not be available for cancellations less than 7 days prior to the class.

Spring Plant Sale 2026
2026-04-25 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-26 09:00 - 16:00
Spring Plant Sale 2026
Plant list to be published in April
Gates open at 9:00 am
Last Entry at 3:30 pm

Introduction to Permaculture
2026-05-02 09:00 - 12:30
Adult Community Education | Horticulture | 3.5 hour workshop
Bethany Couture will introduce you to the amazing world of permaculture, a holistic approach to land and life management that emphasizes sustainability, self-sufficiency, and diversity. This class introduces you to the core principles and ethics of permaculture, exploring its practical applications in urban and rural settings. It will teach you how to cultivate flourishing, food-yielding ecosystems with techniques like proper plant selection, companion planting, composting, soil management, water conservation, and more. Discover how permaculture can help you work in harmony with nature, fostering ecological abundance while reducing environmental impact. This class provides a comprehensive foundation for anyone looking to learn more about permaculture and how to integrate it into their life and garden.
Registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP.
Date & Location
Saturday, May 2, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
The CLASSROOM at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road

Fees & Registration
$60.00 HCP Members
$65.00 Non-Members Interested in becoming a member?
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

About the Instructor:
Bethany Couture
Bethany Couture is a holistic horticulturalist from Victoria BC. Through her studies, she realized there must be more sustainable ways to cultivate sustenance from the land, which led her down the path of permaculture and wove together her passions for horticulture, herbalism, mycology, self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. She is the lead steward of the permaculture garden at the Horticulture Center of the Pacific and is the permaculture instructor at the Pacific Horticulture College. She also runs her own horticulture business, Garden Alchemist, which designs landscapes abundant with edible, medicinal, and native plants.

Tomato Morning 2026
2026-05-16 09:00 - 12:00
Tomato Morning
May 16
9:00 am till Noon

Arts & Music in the Gardens
2026-08-08 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-09 09:00 - 16:00
Arts & Music in the Gardens
Food, Fun & Festivities!
August 8 & 9

Tickets = TBA
Vendors, Musicians = TBA
