Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

Pro D Day Camp
2022-02-18 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
An outdoor garden experience where we take on seasonal gardening tasks and activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden. There are also opportunities to explore the vast wilderness areas to experience the natural systems that keep our gardens growing, get our hands busy with garden arts and crafts and more. Limit: 15
Feb 18, 2022
Times: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Ages: 5 to 12 years (school age)
Fee: $40/child
Register: Click on camp date to register or call 250 479 6162

Garden Friends
2022-02-17 10:00 - 11:30
Children love to explore our gardens while observing and experiencing nature. Together, we will engage in a series of nature activities. Each session includes a garden wander, sharing circle and story time. Bring a snack and picnic blanket for story time and dress for the weather.
Dates: Every Thursday from February 17 – March 10, 2022
Time: 10:00 to 11:30am
Age: 3 to 6 years old, plus parent/guardian
Fee: HCP Members $55/Non-Members $65 (price is for full series)
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

ONLINE: Knotless Netting – Dressing a Stone and Making a Pouch Workshop
2022-02-12 10:00 - 15:00
Online via Zoom with Joan Carrigan.
This ancient stitching technique has been used to make pouches and bags in many parts of the world. In this workshop, participants will start by learning design variations of knotless netting using waxed threads worked over a smooth stone – thus Dressing a Stone. The second project will be creating a Small Pouch with the option of making it into a necklace. Traditionally this style of basket was made with plant fibre cordage. Included in the material kit will be a small bundle of daylily leaves so we can cover the process of making Cordage. All the supplies for this course will be mailed to you as a kit, except for the stone - instructions on the size and best shape of stone will be provided.
The kit for this class will be mailed to you directly and the cost of shipping within Canada is included. There will be an additional cost for shipping outside Canada.
Please note that these workshops are popular and classes are kept small to ensure individual attention. If you are unable to secure a spot for this date, please add your name to the wait list as we will run a second date if a wait list develops.
Note that refunds for cancellations are not possible once your kit has been mailed.
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 has fueled her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has fueled her enthusiasm for the sculptural and creative potentials that the medium offers. Her inspiration comes from the plant materials she respectfully harvests from nature. Joan's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Joan teaches extensively both close to home and in Europe and finds this to be a very rewarding aspect of her career.

Home Learners Program (ages 5-7)
2022-02-04 09:30 - 11:30
Habitat Series
Calling all home learners! HCP is excited to offer a science program just for you! Come explore the different habitats in and around the gardens while connecting to other home learners in your community. Through hands-on activities, games, and crafts, we will discover the many plants and animals that live in neighbouring wetlands, forests, meadows, and of course, a backyard garden! Please note, this is a drop-off program. See you at The Gardens!
Dates: Fridays for 4 Weeks: from February 4 to 25, 2022
Time: 9:30am to 11:30am
Age: 5 to 7 years old
Fee: $80 for members, $100 for non-members (price is for full series)
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Garden Nature Academy
2022-01-25 09:00 - 23:30
The outdoors offer safe and seasonal opportunities for your preschooler to explore through play, games, songs and activities! These outdoor sessions will include time in our vegetable garden, as well as numerous pathways and native plant forest areas to explore. The small group sizes and our experienced nature educators help to create a nurturing and engaging environment for young children to learn, play and grow!
Dates: Tuesday's for 8 Weeks: from January 25th to March 15th, 2022
Time: 9:00am to 11:30am (Morning)
Age: 3 to 4 years old
Fee: $160 (price is for full series)
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Gardens Closed
2022-01-07 08:00 - 2022-02-02 09:00
Gardens closed for the month of January. We will re-open on February 3rd.

Wreath Making for Families
2021-11-27 13:00 - 14:30
This annual workshop is a must for a fun and nature oriented family activity. Our yards can provide a bounty of greens, unique branching, cones, and seed heads that we use to create a long-lived outdoor decor piece for your home or garden. Learn how to use a frame to construct these as a family team. Let us provide all the materials and you bring along your own garden gloves and hand pruners.We recommend one adult for each child/youth participating.
Date: Friday, November 26, 2021
Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021
Date: Friday, December 3, 2021
Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021

Time:1:00 - 2:30 pm
Ages:Family Unit (up to 4)
Fee: $30/wreath
Register: Click on the date above or phone (250) 479-6162

Miniatures & Cards Watercolour Workshop
2021-11-27 10:30 - 15:30
Join Richard for this festive watercolour workshop. Paint, learn and have fun together. Try something different as Richard shows you how to paint lovely watercolour miniatures on Japanese art paper that will double as original greeting cards. This is a great opportunity to learn and practice Richard's special painting techniques and processes. All levels are welcome, including beginners. A sample image is provided here. Richard will have a number of new images for the class to work with.
Fees include entry to the gardens. Please bring your own packed lunch, otherwise the restaurant is open, but busy on weekends.
We will be following provincial health orders for this class, including masks, distancing etc.
Richard Wong is a professional wildlife artist with international credentials. His art is popular. His classes are fun, relaxed and fully supported, even within a pandemic!
Learn more about Richard: www.richardwongwatercolors.ca
Workshop Fee $95
Call 250 479 6162 to register or register online 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

Wreath Making Workshop
2021-11-26 13:00 - 15:00
Join us to create a beautiful wreath. In this class you will have access to a wide variety of beautiful materials, step by step instruction and a festive environment. Be prepared to get creative and have fun!
This year our classes will be held in our greenhouses and we will be following provincial health orders for Covid. Participants will be spaced so as to observe physical distancing rules, however if you are in the same "bubble" you can sit together.
Note that if provincial health orders prohibit in person classes, then we will contact participants with the option to receive a take home wreath making kit or to receive a full refund.

HCP Members $50
Non Members $60
Classes are sold out! Please call if you would like to go on the waiting list - 250 479 6162.

Wreath Making for Families
2021-11-26 13:00 - 14:30
This annual workshop is a must for a fun and nature oriented family activity. Our yards can provide a bounty of greens, unique branching, cones, and seed heads that we use to create a long-lived outdoor decor piece for your home or garden. Learn how to use a frame to construct these as a family team. Let us provide all the materials and you bring along your own garden gloves and hand pruners.We recommend one adult for each child/youth participating.
Date: Friday, November 26, 2021
Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021
Date: Friday, December 3, 2021
Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021

Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Ages: Family Unit (up to 4)
Fee: $30/wreath
Register: Phone (250) 479-6162

Wreath Making Workshop
2021-11-26 10:00 - 12:00
Join us to create a beautiful wreath. In this class you will have access to a wide variety of beautiful materials, step by step instruction and a festive environment. Be prepared to get creative and have fun!
This year our classes will be held in our greenhouses and we will be following provincial health orders for Covid. Participants will be spaced so as to observe physical distancing rules, however if you are in the same "bubble" you can sit together.
Note that if provincial health orders prohibit in person classes, then we will contact participants with the option to receive a take home wreath making kit or to receive a full refund.
Classes are sold out! Please call if you would like to go on the waiting list - 250 479 6162.

In-Person: Wicker Basket with Nature's Bounty Workshop
2021-11-14 09:30 - 16:30
Instructor: Joan Carrigan
Explore the exciting design possibilities of the wicker basketry technique. In the process of weaving this basket, participants will learn control of shaping as well as a variety of weaving patterns. There will be an assortment of natural materials to incorporate with the dyed round reed used to weave this basket. The rich variety of possibilities makes for a fun and creative experience.
Tools List: sharp sturdy scissors, measuring tape, spray bottle, an old towel.
We will be following provincial health orders for Covid for all in-person classes.
HCP Members $120 / Non Members $140
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online
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 has fueled her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has fuelled 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.

Pro D Day Camp
2021-11-12 09:00 - 16:00
An outdoor garden experience where we take on seasonal gardening tasks and activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden. There are also opportunities to explore the vast wilderness areas to experience the natural systems that keep our gardens growing, get our hands busy with garden arts and crafts and more. Limit: 15
Nov 12, 2021
Times: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Ages: 5 to 12 years (school age)
Fee: $40/child
Register: Click on camp date to register or call 250 479 6162

3 Season Planters (Youth Program)
2021-11-06 10:30 - 11:30
Let's get creative with our bulbs and perennials and plant up a container garden for interest and edibles during Fall, Winter and Spring! These little gardens will have all they need to provide colour through the cooler seasons on your step or in your garden and provide a “surprise” factor when the bulbs show themselves! Bring along your enthusiasm to plant and we provide the rest!
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am
Age: 4+ years (under 6 with an adult)
Fee: $25/members, $30/non-members
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

In-Person: Twill Basket with Wood Base and Handle Workshop
2021-11-06 09:30 - 16:30
Instructor: Joan Carrigan
This lovely storage or carry basket is woven with a spiraling twill weave. It has a wood base in the Nantucket-style, the sides are woven with cane over reed splints and has a wood handle for carrying.
Tools List: sharp sturdy scissors, an old towel, spray bottle, approx. 12 clothes pins, knife for carving.
This is an in-person class. We will be following provincial health orders for Covid for all in-person classes.
HCP Members $120 / Non Members $140
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online
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 has fueled her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has fuelled 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.

HCP Home Learners Program
2021-11-05 09:30 - 11:30
Calling all home learners! HCP is excited to offer a program just for you! Come explore the different habitats in and around the gardens while connecting to other home learners in your community. Through hands-on activities, games, and crafts, we will discover the many plants and animals that live in neighbouring wetlands, forests, meadows, and of course, a backyard garden! Please note, this is a drop-off program. See you at The Gardens!
Dates: Fridays for 4 Weeks: from November 5 to November 26, 2021
Time: 9:30am to 11:30am
Age: 8 to 12 years old
Fee: $80 for members, $100 for non-members (price is for full series)
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Pumpkin People (Youth Program)
2021-10-30 13:00 - 15:00
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. All registration fees will be donated to a local charity. Maximum: 5 groups per time slot
Date: Saturday, October 30, 2021
Time: 1:00pm – 1:30, 1:45pm – 2:15pm, 2:30pm – 3pm
Fee: $25/group (up to 5 participants)
Register: click on the time slot above or phone (250) 479-6162

Annual Harvest Festival
2021-10-30 10:00 - 12:00
Join us at HCP on October 30th for our Annual Harvest Festival! Come plant a fall bulb, make a bird feeder, look for migrating birds in the wetland, and learn what our local bats are doing in the fall season with Habitat Acquisition Trust. Explore and celebrate all the colourful changes with us in The Gardens!
Fall Bird Migration Walk – Honk honk! The geese are flying south! Join HCP's nature educator, Erica, on a wetland walk to learn about bird migration in the fall. Erica will share which birds are heading south, how they know where to go, and the many obstacles these animals face on their long journey. Binoculars will be available (Max. 12 people)
Batty Talk with HAT – Do you want to learn more about bats? HAT will be hosting a bat chat at the Harvest Festival to answer all your burning bat questions! Check out our display and onsite bat box.
Date: October 30, 2021
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Fee: $25/group (fee includes entrance into the gardens)
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

In Person: Rush Flower Vase/Wine Bottle Basket
2021-10-27 09:30 - 16:30
Instructor: Joan Carrigan
Using lake rushes (tule) create your own vase or wine bottle carrying basket. We will discuss the harvesting and preparation of rush which is a traditional European basket material. We will be using a mold to weave over, and participants will have the choice of including different open and closed weave patterns such as variations of plaiting, twill and twining and cross warp.
This basket has a handle for carrying but it can also be designed to be a flower vase without a handle. Either way it is a lovely material to weave with. Open to all levels of experience.
HCP Members $120 / Non Members $140
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online
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 has fuelled her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has fuelled 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.

Fairy Gardens (Youth Program)
2021-10-23 13:30 - 15:00
Every fairy garden workshop is a bit different. If you are new to these fun mini gardens, this is a great one to start with! We will be using plants suited to these miniature gardens that will hold up to endless garden adventures. These gardens are meant to be played in! All materials are provided! Maximum: 10
Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021
Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Age: 4+ (under 6 with an adult participant)
Fee: $25/members, $30/non-members
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Pro D Day Camp
2021-10-22 09:00 - 16:00
An outdoor garden experience where we take on seasonal gardening tasks and activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden. There are also opportunities to explore the vast wilderness areas to experience the natural systems that keep our gardens growing, get our hands busy with garden arts and crafts and more. Limit: 15
Oct 22, 2021
Times: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Ages: 5 to 12 years (school age)
Fee: $40/child
Register: Click on camp date to register or call 250 479 6162

CANCELLED: Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping
2021-10-17 13:00 - 15:00
Sunday, October 17 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Instructor: Gordon Mackay
As beekeeping becomes even more popular in recent times, the importance of some introductory knowledge becomes even more important prior to getting our honey bees.
This workshop is aimed at providing new beekeepers with knowledge that will help them with setting up their first colony of honey bees next spring.
We will be covering; equipment required, methods to purchase bees, swarming, potential pests and diseases (yes we will be talking about the dreaded Varroa mite...!) and also look at a few recommended flowering plants for our local area which are important nectar, pollen and propolis sources for honey bees.
Participant Fee
Members $40/Non-Members $45

Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online
Instructor Bio: Gordon Mackay
During his time as a horticulture student on the two year program at Threave School of Gardening in Scotland, Gordon was deeply inspired by honey bees. It was only a matter of time before this interest became an obsession.
Gordon is currently on the Executive Committee of the Cowichan Beekeepers Society and has completed the BC Bee Masters Certification.
He was fortunate enough to be able to attend the 2019 National Honey Show and Conference in the UK. He has been a student of Andrew Abrahams at the Colonsay Black Bee Reserve in Scotland, a world renowned island where the population of black native honey bees are protected, researched and maintained by Andrew. Colonsay is one of the few places in the world to be free from the Varroa mite.

Terrarium Gardens (Youth Program)
2021-10-16 13:30 - 15:00
This class is an introduction to tropical gardening in an easy way that children can manage and enjoy. We will learn about the individual needs of these interesting plants and create a safe environment for them to grow in while using a glass container that is being reused or upcycled. This indoor garden will feature a Thanksgiving theme. Once you make one you may have to go home and look for more containers to make into gardens for yourself and others. These make great gifts! Maximum: 10

Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021
Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Age: 6 + years
Fee: $25/members, $30/non-members
Register: Phone (250) 479-6162

Garden Friends (Parent & Child)
2021-10-14 10:00 - 23:30
Children love to explore our gardens while observing and experiencing nature. Together, we will engage in a series of nature activities. Each session includes a garden wander, sharing circle and story time. Bring a snack and picnic blanket for story time and dress for the weather.
Dates: Every Thursday from October 14th to November 4th, 2021
Time: 10:00 to 11:30am
Age: 3 to 6 years old, plus parent/guardian
Fee: HCP Members $55/Non-Members $65 (price is for full series)
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Garden Arts and Crafts (Youth Program)
2021-10-09 13:30 - 15:00
The gardens are full of opportunities to collect and use natural materials. In this workshop we will learn to use, reuse, and upcycle as we create art for our gardens, gift-giving and homes. Learn to use and press flowers for gift tags, pound botanicals, and more! This is a fun outdoor inspired class that includes foraging and time collecting and learning about our valued plants and what they provide. Maximum: 10
Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021
Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Age: 6+ years
Fee: $25/members, $30/non-members
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Mason Bee Maintenance
2021-10-09 13:00 - 16:00
Saturday, October 9 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Tom Leahy
This informative class with Mason Bee expert, Tom Leahy. Tom will cover all you need to know to keep your mason bee cocoons healthy. Many people start out with great enthusiasm in the spring, but in the fall they are not quite sure what to do with the cocoons. If you have a nesting box with cocoons, bring it along and get the job done with Tom's guidance. If you don't have your own cocoons, don't worry, we will have plenty for you to practice with. Tom will cover how to harvest the cocoons from various homes including wooden or plastic trays, cardboard, bamboo or paper tubes and drilled holes. After that the group will clean the cocoons and homes. Tom will also cover how to overwinter cocoons to help with their survival for the Spring. Leave with the job done and confidence about taking care of your bees. Time permitting, Tom will cover additional care topics and participant questions.
HCP Members $20 /Non Members $25
Register online below or call 250 479 6162 to register
Register Online

Garden Friends (Parent & Child)
2021-10-07 10:00 - 11:30
Garden Friends is a half day program for parent and child that runs on Thursday's for 4 consecutive weeks. Children love to explore our gardens while observing and experiencing nature. Together, we will engage in a series of nature activities. Each session includes a garden wander, sharing circle and story time. Bring a snack and picnic blanket for story time and dress for the weather. Limit: 8 children. For ages 3 to 6
Dates: Thursday's in September (September 9th to Oct 7th) (September 30th there is NO program due to holiday)
Time: 10:00am to 11:30 am
Age: 3 to 6 years
Fee: $55/4 sessions for members or $65/4 sessions for non-members
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Gardens Closed
2021-09-30 09:00 - 16:00
Gardens Closed for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In Person: Market/Harvest Basket
2021-09-29 09:30 - 16:30
Instructor: Joan Carrigan
This is a very sturdy rectangular splint woven basket with wood handle. It has an attractive plain and twill weave pattern and is a basket ready to be put to use. Great for shopping, garden produce, garden tools, storage etc. This basket is woven with natural flat reed. Discussion covering staining and dyeing options will be presented.
HCP Members $120 / Non Members $140
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online
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 has fuelled her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has fuelled 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.

Pro D Day Camp
2021-09-27 09:00 - 16:00
An outdoor garden experience where we take on seasonal gardening tasks and activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden. There are also opportunities to explore the vast wilderness areas to experience the natural systems that keep our gardens growing, get our hands busy with garden arts and crafts and more. Limit: 15
Date:
Sep 27, 2021
Times: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Ages: 5 to 12 years (school age)
Fee: $40/child
Register: Click on camp date to register or call 250 479 6162
