Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

Introduction to Gardening with Ornamental Grasses
2024-03-03 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Mike Rogers
The workshop will consist of both a classroom session and an outdoor demonstration of planting, care and maintenance in the garden. Each will be approximately one hour in duration.
During the classroom session, participants will be introduced to the joys of gardening with ornamental grasses. Some basic botany, the most popular grass varieties for our area, growth habits and planting considerations will be covered. At all times the emphasis will be on the practical aspects of growing beautiful plants whether in mass plantings or stand-alone feature specimens in a garden or container.
The outdoor demonstration will include planting a new grass in the garden and the annual activity of spring clean-up in anticipation of another year of evolving beauty. The workshop will conclude with a short tour of the garden to highlight some of the grasses talked about in the classroom session.
$40 HCP Members /$50 Non-Members
SOLD OUT Sign up for the Interest List and hear about the next workshop or call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio
Mike Rogers – “The Grass Man”
As a keen gardener, when Mike arrived in Victoria from Calgary a few years back, he felt like a kid in a candy shop and enjoys trying to grow anything that will thrive in our balmy Westcoast climate. When he moved into his current house on Craigflower Road in 2018, he quickly discovered that, located as he was between the golf course and the Esquimalt Gorge Park, the unfenced front garden was a deer “super-highway”. Consequently he began to look out for truly deer resistant plants to populate his garden. One group of plants that fit the bill was ornamental grasses and so has evolved a love affair with these wonderful plants.
Mike's adventures with ornamental grasses evolved into a series of articles in the Victoria Horticultural Society magazine Gardenry and that led to a number of speaking engagements – one of which gave rise to the moniker “The Grass Man” which he rather enjoys! Research for these articles and talks has resulted in the discovery of an ever expanding plethora of wonderful grasses and so the adventures continue.

Introduction to Fruit Trees Workshop
2024-03-02 09:00 - 12:00
with Gordon Mackay
Course participants will be introduced to pruning fundamentals and concepts for fruit trees, including apple, pear and the stone fruits. We will look at summer versus winter pruning and pruning old, mature trees versus young newly established trees.
Tree planting and early training will be covered along with various methods of growing fruit trees e.g. tall spindle, dwarf pyramid, ufo etc. and also the choice of tree rootstocks. These terms will be explained along with many more.
There will be ample opportunity to ask questions in this class and participants will have an opportunity to spend some time in the garden looking at fruit trees and viewing demonstrations of the various pruning cuts recommended for fruit trees.
HCP Members $40/Non-Members $50
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Instructor Bio: Gordon Mackay
Gordon grew up in the city of Glasgow, often called the ‘dear green place'. Inspired by his father at an early age to pursue horticulture, he was fortunate enough to be able to follow in his footsteps and completed the 2 year Diploma program at Threave School of Gardening in southwest Scotland. It was at Threave that his love and deep appreciation for all things plant related was fully realized. Working under the head gardener and plantsman Magnus Ramsay, it was soon to become apparent that pruning trees and shrubs was going to play a large part of this obsession. Further training was sought on the 3 year Diploma program at Pershore College of Horticulture in England. Since emigrating to Canada in 1994, Gordon had developed and established his own arboriculture business specializing in fruit tree pruning and tree care. He works part-time at a local retail garden centre; this somewhat helps to satisfy his plant obsession! He is also an instructor here at the Pacific Horticulture College. Gordon is also an avid beekeeper.

Line & Wash Watercolours on Japanese Art Paper with Richard Wong
2024-02-25 13:00 - 16:00
Join Richard Wong for an afternoon of creative fun and inspiration exploring "line &
wash" techniques with archival ink and watercolour. The addition of line and wash
adds a little more texture to your paintings and can result in very pleasing effects.
Richard has designed the classes in this three part series to be 'stand alone' with
at least two subjects covered at each class. However, best learning usually occurs
with practice and reinforcement at each class. Possible class subjects may include
Aspen, Chicory Flowers (see image), Cherries, Carolina Rose, Northern Flicker or
Clam.
Tuition (per workshop): $80.00 not including supplies /$90.00 includes paint
supplies but no pen
*Archival ink pens will be available from Richard at cost in class - bring $5.00
cash.*

Supplies Required If You Are Bringing Your Own
- Pigma 05 Micron black archival ink pens (will be provided in class at cost for
$5.00 - please bring cash.)
- masa paper (several 8x10" pieces). Option: regular 140lb watercolour paper
- winsor newton watercolours: bring all your colours
- paint brushes (medium and small), pencil, eraser, paper towels, containers for
rinse water
Registration: REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Line and Wash Watercolours on Japanese Art Paper Series Dates
Workshop #1 Sunday, February 25 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Workshop #2: Thursday, March 28 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Workshop #3: Friday, April 26 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
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

Family Day 2024
2024-02-19 09:00 - 14:00
You are invited to

Admission by donation

Join us and help Rocky Point Bird Observatory celebrate its 30th anniversary while participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count! Bring your binoculars and take part in Bird Walks, play Bird Bingo, check out the Interactive Display Table and Colouring stations.

HCP Kids - Pro-D Day Camp
2024-02-16 09:00 - 16:00
During these camps, we will busy ourselves with seasonal gardening activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden! There will also be an exploration of the many natural systems that keep our gardens growing, garden arts and crafts, and more!

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fee: $45
Date: 16 February 2024
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

HCP Kids - Seed starting with Kids
2024-02-10 10:00 - 11:30
As gardeners it never seems early enough to begin seed starting. This is an inexpensive way to produce food crops, herbs and flowers; we explore them all. There will be lots of seeds planted and brought home to continue growing and enjoying. This is a great skill to have as a budding gardener! Ages 5 to 14 (Parents welcome to attend)

Date: Feb 10
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Fee: $35 or $30 with Family Membership (Discount will be applied at payment stage)
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Community Clothing Swap
2024-01-20 10:00 - 14:00
NOTICE:
Due to weather the gardens are closed on January 18th, please bring donations on 19th or on the day of the event.
January can be a quiet month for gardeners, but a great time for other community events. Join us for a Community Clothing Swap happening at the HCP.
Please RSVP HERE if you are interested in attending or donating as this will help us with planning the event. If you sign up, you will a reminder email closer to the event.
Details below:
How to Donate:
Donations can be dropped off at the Gardens January 13 - 19 between 10am and 1pm.
Acceptable items for Donation:
Please note that not all items donated may be accepted, please see our donation rules below.
Donation Rules
Adult clothing, shoes and accessories only
Dog clothing & toys (yes for your furry friend)
Clean, quality items that are in good shape
A maximum of 20 items per person (please email me if you have more)
Unfortunately we are not accepting underwear and socks
Unfortunately we are not accepting homewares and children's items
We are also looking for the following items to be donated or borrowed.
Please email cheri@hcp.ca if you can help with any of these.
Full length mirrors x 2
Clothing rails
How to Shop:
Admission to the event is by donation and will include admission to the Gardens (suggested donation is $10). Donations will go to cover the cost of the event and to our community education programs.
Guests will receive one credit for each item donated which can be redeemed for one item of clothing at the event. If you run out of credits or did not donate any items, then there will be a charge of $2 per item.
Cash only and bring your own bag.
Other Considerations:
This is a drop-in event between 10am - 2pm. The event may close early if we run out of items.
This is a cash only event and we do not have an ATM on site.
Parking may be limited, so carpooling is recommended.
Please bring your own bag.
Volunteers will be running this event, so please be kind.
Leftover items after the event will be donated to local thrift stores, including SPCA , Victoria Women in Need (WIN) and Beacon Community Services.
If you have any questions, please contact me by responding to this message or emailing cheri@hcp.ca

Gardens Closed Today
2024-01-12 09:00 - 2024-01-18 16:00
Due to weather conditions. Please come again soon!

Closed for the Holidays
2023-12-17 09:00 - 2024-01-12 16:00
The Gardens will be closed for the holidays starting on Sunday, December 17 and re-opening on January 12th. Have a wonderful festive season! We look forward to seeing you on our return.

HCP Kids - Holiday Gift Making
2023-12-10 13:30 - 15:00
Holiday Gift Making
Please someone this holiday season with handmade gifts inspired by the garden! We will explore a variety of easy and unique gifts made with local materials that will be a delight to give and receive. All materials provided. For children between 6 and 14 years

Date: December 10
Time: 1:30 to 3:00 PM
Fee: $40 or $35 with Family Membership (Discount is applied at payment stage)
Register: On-line or call 250-479-6162

HCP Kids - Nature Centre piece
2023-12-09 10:00 - 11:30
Nature Centre piece Workshop
Using our gardens and natural spaces for inspiration, we will explore designs and a variety of materials to create a beautiful centre piece for your holiday season. All materials are provided.

Date: Saturday December 9
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Fee: $30/family membership $35/other
Register: On-line or Call 250-479-6162

BY DONATION: Open Invitation - Watercolour on Japanese Art Paper with Richard Wong
2023-12-07 13:00 - 16:00
This class is an open invitation to enjoy an afternoon of art making with our long time instructor, Richard Wong. Registration is by donation.
Richard Wong has graciously offered his instructional expertise for this class as a way of giving back. All donated proceeds from registrations, less the cost of art supplies, will go to the HCP.
We don't have the image student's will be working on for this class yet, but we do know you'll be pleasantly surprised. The theme is most likely winter related in keeping with the season.
Please know the market value of Richard's half day workshops are $80 (where students bring their own art supplies) or $90 (where art supplies are provided). This is for guidance only and not a requirement.
So when you register, please state whether you will be bringing your own art supplies or want the art supplies provided. This will help Richard prepare the paint kits needed.
Ps: Please know why Richard has so generously offered to do this is that he really wants to give back to the community (that's you) and to us at the HCP because we are a non-profit. Any donated registration funds will be gratefully accepted. Thank you so much ... from all of us at the HCP!
Registration: REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
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

HCP Kids - Wreathmaking for Families - 2023
2023-12-01 10:00 - 11:30
Wreath Making for Families

Join us for this annual gathering to prepare a wreath for your home this holiday season. Using a selection of greenery along with friendly guidance, create a unique wreath to enjoy or gift! These small sized workshops are meant for children and their families. We offer a slower and easier pace for small hands to lend assistance with. All materials provided.
One registration is good for up to 5 participants; for example mom, granddad and two children.
Fee: $40 or $35 with Family Membership (Discount will be applied at payment stage)
Register: by using the links provided or call 250-479-6162

Friday
Saturday Morning
Saturday Afternoon
Sunday Morning
Sunday Afternoon

Twining with Local Soft Materials Workshop with Joan Carrigan
2023-11-26 09:30 - 16:30
Soft materials such as Water Iris leaves and flowers or Rush offer the basket maker a beautiful material for fine twining. We will be using a combination of these materials to weave a basket with a radiating spoke base. Variations of twining will be presented and can be incorporated as you design your own basket. Focus will be placed on how to control the shaping of your basket. Soft materials such as these are readily accessible in our gardens, roadside ditches and ponds. Harvest and storing tips will be discussed. This basket is suitable for all levels.
Tools: sharp scissors, an old towel, spray bottle.
Fees: HCP Members $120/Non-Members $140

REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: 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 prompted her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has encouraged 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.

Unlimited Possibilities in the Garden with Trisha Klus
2023-11-25 10:00 - 15:00
with Trisha Klus
Get ready to make your own Artist's Book with a garden theme. We will create a hard covered book secured with a ribbon tie. Each page will be different and ready for your own special touch with pop-ups, pull outs, mini books, hidden panels and more. Although this workshop will have a garden theme, this book can be adapted in unlimited ways for a truly creative piece of art. All materials required to complete the project will be provided by the instructor, a supply list will be provided upon registration.
HCP Members $110/Non-Members $120
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: Trisha Klus
Trisha Klus is a paper and lettering artist specializing in calligraphy and hand bound artist's books. The love of letters and the written word are revealed in her work where the text often becomes part of the image for its own shape and beauty. Texture and structure are very important to her. Her goal is to create artwork and artist's books that tell a story in a graphic and meaningful way.
Since beginning her creative studies in 1995, Trisha's books and artwork have been published in Somerset Studio, Handcraft Illustrated, Bound & Lettered, The Alcuin Society's Amphora and The Canadian Philatelist. She has participated in group shows with the Fairbank Calligraphy Society, Printmakers Only Group, Canadian Book Binders and Book Artists Guild, The Warmland Calligraphers, The Escape Artists and The Sooke Fine Arts Show. In 2011 she had her first solo show. Her work in is the Special Collections Library at University of Victoria, the Special Collections Library at University of British Columbia, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, the National Library for Legal Deposit as well as in private collections. Formerly an Officer and one of the first women aircrew in the Canadian Military, Trisha is now happily settled on Vancouver Island.

Pro-D Day Camp
2023-11-20 09:00 - 16:00
During these camps, we will busy ourselves with seasonal gardening activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden! There will also be an exploration of the many natural systems that keep our gardens growing, garden arts and crafts, and more!

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fee: $45
Date: 20 November 2023
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Twining with Local Soft Materials Workshop with Joan Carrigan
2023-11-17 09:30 - 16:30
Soft materials such as Water Iris leaves and flowers or Rush offer the basket maker a beautiful material for fine twining. We will be using a combination of these materials to weave a basket with a radiating spoke base. Variations of twining will be presented and can be incorporated as you design your own basket. Focus will be placed on how to control the shaping of your basket. Soft materials such as these are readily accessible in our gardens, roadside ditches and ponds. Harvest and storing tips will be discussed. This basket is suitable for all levels.
Tools: sharp scissors, an old towel, spray bottle.
Fees: HCP Members $120/Non-Members $140

REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: 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 prompted her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has encouraged 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.

If you would like to receive email updates when new basketry classes with Joan open for registration, please sign up to be on our Basketry Enthusiast List below:
Basketry Enthusiast List

"Watercolour Miniatures" - Christmas & Winter Themes, Watercolour Workshop on Japanese Art Paper
2023-11-12 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for a delightful afternoon creating watercolour miniatures with Richard Wong (all new designs). Richard will guide you through several Christmas and Winter related miniature scenes that you can use as personalized greeting/Christmas cards. This workshop has become a popular annual gathering! Everyone is welcome.
$80.00 (art supplies not included - students bring their own), OR
$90.00 (art supplies included) [$80 tuition + $10 supplies]
Supplies (for students who are bringing their own):

masa paper (several 8x10" pieces to tear into tiny 3.75 x 5.25" pieces). Option: regular 140lb watercolour paper
winsor newton watercolours: bring all your colours
watercolour spray bottle (eg: 2 oz holbein from Opus)
paint brushes (medium and small), pencil, eraser, paper towels, containers for rinse water

Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

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

Admission By Donation
2023-11-12 09:00 - 16:00

Gardens Closed for Remembrance Day
2023-11-11 09:00 - 16:00
Gardens Closed for Remembrance Day, November 11.
Admission by Donation, November 12 & 13.

HCP Kids - Lantern Making with Pressed Flowers
2023-11-04 09:30 - 11:30
﻿Treasure each petal, leaf and flower in your garden as an art form with this lantern making workshop using pressed flowers. Together we will explore how to collect botanicals, press them, and the steps of making a paper lantern using pressed flowers. Each participant will make their own lantern to take away.

Date: November 4, 2023
Times: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Ages: 6 – 14 years
Fees: $35 or $30 with Family Membership
Register

Mason Bee - Fall Cocoon Harvest & Cleaning Session
2023-10-29 09:30 - 12:00
with Cheri Le Brun
If you have a mason bee nesting box out this Summer and are not sure what to do next, then this class is for you. Cleaning your nesting box and cocoons is vital for the health of the bees and an essential task for the mason bee keeper. The purpose is to save viable cocoons and safely store them over the winter away from pests and diseases. Cleaning your nesting box also prevents pests and diseases from spreading to other bees in your area.
Cleaning your nesting box can be fun and easy if you do it with a group. Bring your nesting box, cube or tubes to class and we can clean them together. If you don't have a nesting box of your own, we have one for you to clean, plus you get to take some cocoons home for your efforts! During this guided cleaning session, participants will get the opportunity to assess the success of their nesting box, clean their cocoons and prepare them for winter storage. You will also get to compare your nesting box type with other participants and learn how to identify pests and diseases. Participants will receive a handout to take home with instructions for next fall, or just join us again next year for the fall clean-up.
Any questions prior to the class can be directed to Cheri at communityed@hcp.ca
Participation Fee - $10
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
If this workshop is sold out, we have another session running on October 31st.

HCP Kids - Pumpkin People
2023-10-28 11:00 - 12:00
﻿We have a tradition at HCP to make a display featuring Pumpkin People in our lower field. Families and small groups are encouraged to sign up and add to this display by bringing along old clothing, hats, boots and such. We provide the pumpkins and straw to stuff the clothing and position the creations for the public to enjoy. This is also a wonderful time to celebrate the seasonal changes and harvests from our gardens. One registration is good for up to 5 participants.

Date: October 28
Time: 11:00 am
Fee: $30
Register: OnLine or Call 250-479-6162

A Gardener's Journal with Exposed Spine Binding Workshop
2023-10-28 10:00 - 15:00
with Trisha Klus
Exposed bindings are one of the most versatile structures for books. By learning just the basic stitching pattern, a whole world of possibilities opens for the participants to mix and match the different sewing patterns or to create their own. In this workshop the participants will create a blank journal with covers made from handmade papers. Exposed stitching will decorate the spine. This journal is perfect as a garden journal, a trip journal, for collage or sketching. Basic concepts of book binding will be discussed including tool usage, book binding terms and paper grain.
All materials required to complete this project will be provided by the instructor. A supply list will be available upon registration.
HCP Members $110/Non-Members $120
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Instructor Bio: Trisha Klus
Trisha Klus is a paper and lettering artist specializing in calligraphy and hand bound artist's books. The love of letters and the written word are revealed in her work where the text often becomes part of the image for its own shape and beauty. Texture and structure are very important to her. Her goal is to create artwork and artist's books that tell a story in a graphic and meaningful way.
Since beginning her creative studies in 1995, Trisha's books and artwork have been published in Somerset Studio, Handcraft Illustrated, Bound & Lettered, The Alcuin Society's Amphora and The Canadian Philatelist. She has participated in group shows with the Fairbank Calligraphy Society, Printmakers Only Group, Canadian Book Binders and Book Artists Guild, The Warmland Calligraphers, The Escape Artists and The Sooke Fine Arts Show. In 2011 she had her first solo show. Her work in is the Special Collections Library at University of Victoria, the Special Collections Library at University of British Columbia, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, the National Library for Legal Deposit as well as in private collections. Formerly an Officer and one of the first women aircrew in the Canadian Military, Trisha is now happily settled on Vancouver Island.

HCP Kids - Pumpkin People
2023-10-28 10:00 - 11:00
﻿We have a tradition at HCP to make a display featuring Pumpkin People in our lower field. Families and small groups are encouraged to sign up and add to this display by bringing along old clothing, hats, boots and such. We provide the pumpkins and straw to stuff the clothing and position the creations for the public to enjoy. This is also a wonderful time to celebrate the seasonal changes and harvests from our gardens. One registration is good for up to 5 participants.

Date: October 28
Time: 10 am
Register: OnLine or Call 250-479-6162

Family Event - Harvest Festival
2023-10-28 09:00 - 15:00
A day of Family friendly activities, exhibits and more!
Admission by donation.

Finger Painting without the Paint Workshop
2023-10-22 09:00 - 13:00
with Wendy Picken
Have FUN in the Gardens with Artist and Author Wendy Picken. Explore the mixed medium techniques she has developed over the past 30 years. Learn how to create beautiful flowerscapes while exploring the Gardens on paper. This class is suitable for beginners and is a great refresher for those who have taken the class before. All supplies are included.
Fees: HCP Members $75/Non-Members $85
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
This class is also available for private groups. More details HERE.
Instructor Bio: Wendy Picken
Wendy Picken is well known for her whimsical, bold and colorful floral work. She has been an artist on the Saanich Peninsula for the past 35 years. She has illustrated and self published 2 books for children, her latest release is titled ‘Rainbees & Honeybows'.

Pro-D Day Camp
2023-10-20 09:00 - 16:00
During these camps, we will busy ourselves with seasonal gardening activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden! There will also be an exploration of the many natural systems that keep our gardens growing, garden arts and crafts, and more!

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fee: $45
Date: 20 October 2023
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Home Herbalist Series - Fall Workshop
2023-10-16 13:00 - 16:00
Join Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Herbalist Racheal Schnarr for the Fall installment of the “Home Herbalist” series. During the first installment of this class we will review herbalism as a whole, then taste and review some of the best herbs to use during the upcoming cold and flu season. During the second installment we will make the traditional folk remedy of fire cider! You will leave this class with your own batch of fire cider and the confidence to make this revered traditional remedy for yourself, your family, and your friends.
HCP Members $55/Non-Members $65
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Instructor Bio: Racheal Schnarr
Racheal Schnarr is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N.) and Herbalist who studied at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and Pacific Rim College.
In addition to working as an R.H.N., Racheal operates a small botanical dispensary using herbs grown exclusively in her garden. She lives her passion of “connecting people with plants” both in her private business as well at Pacific Horticulture College as the College Administrator.
Through years of practicing clinical nutrition at multidisciplinary clinics as well as in her own private practice, she tapped into her passion for sharing the power of holistic nutrition and herbal medicine with her clients. Racheal's practice and classes are fun, hands-on, empowering, education based and are led in a supportive and open environment. Developing a deep relationship with plants, growing herbal medicine, ethical harvesting, food growing, food justice and living in reciprocity with the land on which we grow, forage, and learn are pillars in Racheal's practice and everyday life. She enjoys getting fresh air and her hands dirty when in her home garden, foraging the wild with her dog Josie, and occasionally working for her sister, a Landscape Horticulturist.

"Gratitude Blossoms" - Watercolour on Japanese Art Paper Workshop
2023-10-14 13:00 - 16:00
As the seasons change, fall brings an opportunity to express gratitude. Follow Richard Wong's gentle guidance to create your very own and personal "Gratitude Blossoms" to give away or keep. Choose to work with a "heart", as in this sample image, or with a "bee, "butterfly" or "songbird" image, which will be provided in class as options. Everyone is welcome!
$80.00 (art supplies not included - students bring their own), OR
$90.00 (art supplies included) [$80 tuition + $10 supplies]
Supplies (for students who are bringing their own):

masa paper (several 8x10" pieces). Option: regular 140lb watercolour paper
winsor newton watercolours: alizarin crimson or any red, sepia, quinacridone gold, indian yellow, neutral tint, winsor blue (red shade)
watercolour spray bottle (eg: 2 oz holbein from Opus)
paint brushes (medium and small), pencil, eraser, paper towels, containers for rinse water

Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

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
