Floral Clay Jewellery
2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION | ARTS WORKSHOP | 2 HOURS
Instructor: Monika Burrell
In this workshop we will create delicate white stoneware beads for jewellery using natural objects pressed into flat pieces of clay. The intricate patterns of leaves, flowers and stems are highlighted by liquid underglaze colour which we will flood into the texture and wipe away revealing the contrast of the design. We will have time to explore what textures suit the student before we commit to the final pieces. Each participant will make a pendant and a set of earring beads. Wire will be embedded into each bead for attaching to jewellery findings. This is a one day class where the students create, decorate, colour and refine the beads. I will then fire the work in my kiln and return them with a clear shiny glaze over your surfaces three weeks after the workshop has completed.
No previous clay experience is necessary.
Tools required

Small water container

Hand towel

A couple of inexpensive brushes that come to a point

A small sponge

Your registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP on the day of the class (last admission 3:30 pm)
Date & Location
Sunday Oct. 12, 1:00-3:00 PM
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
$85.00 HCP Members
$95.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?

REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: Monika Burrell
My name is Monika Burrell and I primarily work in clay making both sculpture and functional pottery. Clay has had a central role in my life for over 30 years and I live and work on the Saanich Peninsula. My work in clay is shaped by the local seascape and landscape, as these elements often appear in the designs on my pots. As well as making pottery, I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching pottery classes and workshops for over 25 years. My work for sale can be found at www.Emburr.etsy.com and my clay process can be viewed on instagram http://instagram.com/emburrs/

Watercolour Painting with Richard Wong: Sunset
2025-10-16 13:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | Art Class | 3-hour Workshop
Learn how to capture vibrant sunsets in our fall class with watercolour instructor Richard Wong. Richard cultivates a relaxing, fun, stress-free learning where everyone is welcome. Suitable for all levels, beginners are especially encouraged.
Registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens, so come early and be inspired by the autumn display. (last admission 3:30)
Please note new reduced tuition rate!

Date & Location
Thursday, October 16, 1:00-4:00 pm
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road
(This class will not be offered online.)
Fees & Registration:
$50.00 (art supplies not included, see supply list below)
$60.00 (art supplies included)
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

If You Are Bringing Your Own Art Supplies:
- 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
- New: **old toothbrush**

Sign up to the Community Education e-news for information on Richard's upcoming 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

ART from the HEART: mixed-media on paper
2025-10-18 10:00 - 14:00
Adult Community Education | Arts | 4-hour workshop (break included)
Immerse yourself in nature and colour with artist, author, and inspiring instructor Wendy Picken. Using what Wendy describes as “fingerpainting without the paint,” explore the mixed medium technique she has developed over the past 30 years, and learn to create joyful, beautiful flowerscapes utilizing china markers, pastels, coloured pencil and wax. If you've taken a class with Wendy in the past, she's excited to share some colourful NEW ideas for the first time.
Suitable for beginners, for those with no art experience, artists interested in new techniques, and those who have taken the class in the past and wish to refresh and explore in a fun, supportive environment.
All supplies and materials are included. Class size limited.
Registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP.
Date & Location
Saturday, October 18, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (break included, bring a lunch)
The CLASSROOM at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road
Registration & Fees
HCP Members $85.00
Non-Members $95.00 Interested in Membership?
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

ART from the HEART: mixed-media on paper
2025-10-18 10:00 - 14:00
Adult Community Education | Arts | 4-hour workshop (break included)
Immerse yourself in the rich jewel-tones of summer with artist, author, and inspiring instructor Wendy Picken. Using what Wendy describes as “fingerpainting without the paint,” explore the mixed medium technique she has developed over the past 30 years, and learn to create joyful, beautiful flowerscapes utilizing china markers, pastels, coloured pencil and wax. For those of you who have taken a class with Wendy before, she has exciting NEW things to share in this edition.
Suitable for beginners, for those with no art experience, artists interested in new techniques, and those who have taken the class in the past and wish to refresh and explore in a fun, supportive environment.
All supplies and materials are included. Class size limited.
Registration includes all day admission to the Gardens at HCP.
Date & Location
Saturday October 18, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (break included, bring a lunch)
The CLASSROOM at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road
Registration & Fees
HCP Members $85.00
Non-Members $95.00 Interested in Membership?
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Using Ornamental Grasses in Your Garden
2025-10-19 12:30 - 15:30
Adult Community Education | Horticulture Workshop | 3 Hours
with Mike Rogers
This workshop will consist of both a classroom session and an outdoor demonstration of planting, care and maintenance in the garden. Each will be approximately ninety-minutes 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.
Dates & Location
Sunday, October 19, 12:30-3:30 PM
Meet in THE CLASSROOM at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
The second half of this class will take place in the Gardens, rain or shine. Please dress for the weather.
Fees & Registration
$45 HCP Members
$50 Non-Members
REGISTER ONLINE 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.

HCP Kids Pro-D Day Camp Oct 2025
2025-10-24 09:00 - 16:00
Join us for an outdoor garden experience where we will busy ourselves with seasonal gardening activities in our very own Junior Master Gardener plot! There will also be exploration of the many natural systems that keep our gardens growing, garden arts and crafts and more! Pro-D Day Camp October 2025 in Junior Master Gardener plot!
Limited to 18 participants. For children between 5 and 12 years (School age)

Date: 24 October 2025
Time: 9:00 to 4:00 pm
Fee: $45/child and $40/family membership
Registration: Online or call 250-479-6162

Plant Identification & Culture with Jane Tice
2025-10-25 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-29 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.

Last Saturday of each month – 1-4pm.
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.
Jan 31, 2026
Feb 28, 2026
Mar 28, 2026
April 18, 2026 **Note earlier than usual date for April**
May 30, 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. Registrations less than one week prior to the class date are not eligible for a refund.

**CANCELLED**Floral Pumpkinpiece: A hands-on workshop
2025-10-25 18:00 - 20:30
ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION | WORKSHOP | 2.5 HOURS (Evening)
Sorry, this workshop has been cancelled.
Enjoy the magic of autumn with Katherine Olmstead, Canadian International Master Florist, in a hands-on floral design workshop where pumpkins become your vessel. Learn techniques to scoop, prepare, and design directly into a full, real pumpkin using seasonal blooms, mossy branches, ornamental gourds, wispy grasses, cool-textured foliage, and other natural treasures. This workshop will be a fun, relaxed evening of creative "play" and learning as you craft your own artful, one-of-a-kind centerpiece.
Workshop Highlights:

All tools and materials provided
Halloween treats and seasonal refreshments
Step-by-step instruction rooted in European floral techniques and botanical storytelling
Pumpkin-specific design techniques, including scooping, gridding, and arranging materials for stability and longevity
Focus on texture, colour, shape, seasonality, and the interplay between living, dried, and freshly cut elements
Learn material knowledge, design composition, and practical floral design skills
Suitable for professional florists, floral hobbyists, and creatives of all levels
Take home your finished, artful pumpkin centerpiece

Additional Info:

Feel free to bring small personal decorations or your own tools to customize your arrangements

Your registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP (9:00-3:30 last entry)
Date & Location
Saturday October 25, 6:00-8:30 pm
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
$80.00 HCP Members
$95.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?

REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: Katherine Olmstead IMF

Katherine Olmstead is a floral designer, horticulturist, and marketing strategist based in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2023, she became the first Canadian to earn the title of International Master Florist, graduating from the Boerma Institute in the Netherlands under the mentorship of Gregor Lersch, a globally celebrated floral artist.
Originally from Toronto, Katherine draws inspiration from her diverse travels and the natural beauty of her home on Vancouver Island. She is passionate about blending her botanical knowledge with artistic creativity to design sustainable and innovative floral pieces for events, creative projects, wearable fresh floral fashion, and installations.
Katherine is enthusiastic about promoting sustainability and sharing her expertise through teaching and mentorship. Her workshops offer participants a chance to connect with local nature, develop artistic skills, and explore their creativity in a welcoming, hands-on environment. When she’s not designing in a studio or working in a local flower shop, Katherine enjoys experimenting with other artforms and types of expression to add on to her floral toolbelt.

Indigo Shindigo - Shibori Indigo Dye Workshop
2025-10-26 11:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | Textiles Workshop | 5 hours
**This workshop is full. To join the waiting list, please email janet@hcp.ca.**
INDIGO SHINDIGO is a 5 hour long workshop where participants will learn hands-on Japanese shaped-resist dye
techniques called Shibori with a natural indigo dye vat. These shaped resist forms including
stitched, bound, and clamped: Nui, Kanoko, Kumo and Itajime. The patterns and shapes created
using different shibori techniques are all beautiful and endless!
All participants will leave with a beautifully indigo-dyed organic cotton scarf (or 3 bandanas) and
will learn about the alchemy and history of this magical natural plant dye. In learning these
techniques, participants are encouraged to embrace the process over product - we will be
creating in the Ukiyo (Floating) World.
Participants are asked to bring the following:

an old bath towel
rubber dish gloves
an apron or clothes that can handle dye
bottled water
a bagged lunch
a waterproof bag
pencil
scissors
needle threader and seam ripper

Date & Location
Sunday, October 26 - 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
All day admission to the garden is included in your registration (last admission 3:30 pm)
$110.00 HCP Members
$120.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?

REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: Yarrow Aiko Koontz
Yarrow Aiko Koontz is a multidisciplinary artist, skilled in natural dyeing, foraging, and stitching. With a Fine Arts Degree from Emily Carr University, a Fashion Arts diploma from Vancouver Community College, and a Permaculture Design Certificate, she weaves her expertise into her daily practice.
Since 2015, Yarrow has studied with the Maiwa School of Textiles, familiarizing herself with natural dyes, tannins, mordants, traditional Japanese shape resist techniques such Katazome and Shibori. In 2023, she deepened her craft in Japan with Bryan Whitehead, learning to create hand-sewn Hanten garments with hand-cut Katagami stencils and indigo.
Yarrow also enjoys foraging with her cat and is a member of the Vancouver Island Fibreshed, connected to the Fibershed Mothership in California.

PRIVATE GROUP BOOKING: Gathered Harvest: an autumn floral design workshop
2025-10-29 13:00 - 16:00
ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION | WORKSHOP | 3 HOURS (Evening)
Private Group Workshop with Katherine Olmstead IMF: Gathered Harvest
Please do not book a space in this workshop if you are not part of the pre-arranged group. A public class will be held on Sept 26.
Join Katherine Olmstead, Canadian International Master Florist, for a private 3 hour floral design class exploring the lines and textures of the harvest season. This workshop will include a live demonstration of seasonal artworks and the opportunity to explore a few unique mechanics to create a long-lasting arrangement to take home.
Workshop Highlights

Guided demonstration showcasing autumn-inspired, sustainable techniques
Hands-on creating with seasonal materials: fruiting branches, gourds, grasses, live plants, and locally sourced blooms
Focus on texture, line, and negative space inspired by the rawer fall season
Practical design skills: material knowledge, composition, and storytelling with botanicals
Relaxed, inspiring environment with warm apple cider and seasonal treats
Suitable for floral hobbyists, creatives, and professionals alike
Take home your finished harvest arrangement

Additional Info

All tools and materials provided (though participants are welcome to bring personal decorations or favourite tools)
Your registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP (9:00–3:30 last entry)

Date & Location
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 1:00–4:00 pm
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
**Please note, this is a private group workshop**
$95.00 HCP Members
$110.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?

REGISTER ONLINE

Instructor Bio: Katherine Olmstead IMF

Katherine Olmstead is a floral designer, horticulturist, and marketing strategist based in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2023, she became the first Canadian to earn the title of International Master Florist, graduating from the Boerma Institute in the Netherlands under the mentorship of Gregor Lersch, a globally celebrated floral artist.
Originally from Toronto, Katherine draws inspiration from her diverse travels and the natural beauty of her home on Vancouver Island. She is passionate about blending her botanical knowledge with artistic creativity to design sustainable and innovative floral pieces for events, creative projects, wearable fresh floral fashion, and installations.
Katherine is enthusiastic about promoting sustainability and sharing her expertise through teaching and mentorship. Her workshops offer participants a chance to connect with local nature, develop artistic skills, and explore their creativity in a welcoming, hands-on environment. When she’s not designing in a studio or working in a local flower shop, Katherine enjoys experimenting with other artforms and types of expression to add on to her floral toolbelt.

Mason Bee Cocoon Harvest & Cleaning Workshop
2025-11-01 10:00 - 12:00
with Janet Munsil
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.
If you have questions, please contact communityed@hcp.ca

Date & Location
Saturday, Nov. 1, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Classroom at HCP, 505 Quayle Road
Fees & Registration
$15.00 Regular
$10.00 HCP Members
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Christmas Ornaments in Clay
2025-11-02 13:00 - 16:00
ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION | ARTS WORKSHOP | 3 HOURS
Instructor: Monika Burrell
Two ornaments will be created in this workshop and one will sparkle with reflected light and the other will make tinkling and rattling sounds. The first ornament will be created with a pattern of holes in different sizes and shapes made from flat slabs of clay. The design of the holes in the ornament will allow lights to twinkle through the ornament when they are completed and hung. The second ornament will have leaves and berries pressed into the flat clay that will leave an impression and later highlighted with the glaze. Join the workshop to see how these will create sound. Wires will then be fired into the clay to string the ornaments on. The completed ornaments that have been fired in my kiln will be returned approximately 2-3 weeks after the workshop. Your ornaments could be used as Christmas tree decorations, or woven into a wreath as a focal piece.

For this workshop please bring:

A small water container ( like a recycled yogurt container)
Small circle cookie cutters if you have some
An apron or clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
A hand towel
A large sponge for clean up

Your registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP on the day of the class (last admission 3:30 pm)
Date & Location
Sunday Nov. 2, 1:00-4:00 PM
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
$85.00 HCP Members
$95.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?

REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: Monika Burrell
My name is Monika Burrell and I primarily work in clay making both sculpture and functional pottery. Clay has had a central role in my life for over 30 years and I live and work on the Saanich Peninsula. My work in clay is shaped by the local seascape and landscape, as these elements often appear in the designs on my pots. As well as making pottery, I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching pottery classes and workshops for over 25 years. My work for sale can be found at www.Emburr.etsy.com and my clay process can be viewed on instagram http://instagram.com/emburrs/

Classic Wicker Basket with Joan Carrigan
2025-11-07 09:30 - 16:30
Adult Community Education | Basketry | Full-day Workshop
**This workshop is full. To join the waiting list, email janet@hcp.ca. Please include your phone number.**
Come spend the day with basketry instructor Joan Carrigan learning how to weave a classic round wicker basket. We will start with a radiating spoke base and weaving the sides with a focus on shaping and design elements and incorporating some natural materials with the natural and dyed reed on hand. This classic bowl shape will be ready to put on display and use for your fall harvest.
Your registration includes admission to The Gardens at HCP - bring your lunch and enjoy the grounds.
Tool List

Sturdy sharp scissors – like kitchen scissors,
finer tip scissors or angled wire cutters,
spray bottle
an old towel.

Dates & Location
Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 | 9:30 PM-4:30 PM
The Classroom at HCP, 505 Quayle Road
Fees & Registration
HCP Members $130
Non-Members $145 Thinking about becoming a member?
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250.479.6162

Basket Weaving with Soft Materials
2025-11-09 09:30 - 16:30
ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION | WORKSHOP |FULL-DAY
**This class is full. To join the waiting list contact janet@hcp.ca**
Explore weaving baskets with soft materials such as cattail leaves, rush, sedge and daylily leaves with expert instructor Joan Carrigan. These materials are lovely to weave with and offer the opportunity to explore a variety of twining patterns. We will focus on control of shaping this basket without the use of a mold. The ancient skill of making cordage will also be explored. Discussion will cover the identification of useful plants you might find in the garden, sustainable harvest practices and preparation for weaving. Suitable for all levels.
Tools to bring: scissors, ruler, cotton string, spray bottle, an old towel.
Your registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP (9:00-3:30 last entry)
Date & Location
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
$130.00 HCP Members
$145.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?

Register ONLINE or call 250-479-6273

Space is limited to 10 participants.

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.

Willow Chair Workshop with Andrew Kent - Nov. 16
2025-11-16 09:00 - 17:00
Adult community education | full day workshop
Join artisan Andrew Kent from The Willow Way for this full day workshop. In one day, with Andrew'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.
While these chairs can be made alone, bringing a helper is recommended. The registration fee is for up to 2 participants making one chair together.
Please note that you will need to bring your own lunch and snacks to this full day workshop. Admission to the Gardens at HCP is included in your registration.
Location & Date
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
REGISTER ONLINE or phone 250-479-6162 register.
Fees include materials.
HCP Members | $285
Non-Members | $305 Interested in becoming an HCP Member?

Cancellation & Refunds
Note that this class requires a minimum of 2 registrants (not including helpers) in order to run. If the minimum is not met, the class will be canceled or postponed. Please contact communityed@hcp.ca if you need to cancel your registration. Note that registrations less than one week prior to the class date may not be eligible for a refund if registration minimums are not met.

Instructor Bio: Andrew Kent
The Willow Way's roots go back all the way to 1993 when I made my first willow chair in a workshop with Kate Lawes. Over the next five years, Kate and I opened and ran a store in downtown Nanaimo, attended many large and small shows, and hosted numerous willow furniture workshops. Many of the designs I use are traditional, coming from Kentucky by way of Pemberton, BC. Some are then updated with design ideas suggested by the materials themselves.
I grew up on a rural island and have always felt at home in the woods. A keen mountain biker, I am passionate about the outdoors and Vancouver Island. Many of my days are spent hunting for materials, foraging local species of willow and alder, and finding the best shoots and whips for each piece, which directs the creative construction.
From forest to finished product, the entire willow furniture process is an adventure and ever-evolving, which to me is the real beauty of this work. Most of the materials are natural and not milled, which means not one project is the same and it's always a new experience.
I think people respond to my work because it is more than just your average rustic furniture – it is handmade with materials that are otherwise not utilized. My passion for nature and for the creative process comes through in each piece.
Andrew Kent

HCP Kids Pro-Day Camp Nov 2025
2025-11-21 09:00 - 16:00
Join us for an outdoor garden experience where we will busy ourselves with seasonal gardening activities in our very own Junior Master Gardener plot! There will also be exploration of the many natural systems that keep our gardens growing, garden arts and crafts and more! Pro-D Day Camp November 2025 in Junior Master Gardener plot!
Limited to 18 participants. For children between 5 and 12 years (School age)

Date: 21 November 2025
Time: 9:00 to 4:00 pm
Fee: $45/child and $40/family membership
Registration: Online or call 250-479-6162

Wreath Making for Adults
2025-11-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-22 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-11-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-23 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-11-29 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-29 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-11-30 10:00 - 11:30
Learn to create a unique and beautiful handmade wreath from scratch in this 90-minute hands-on workshop. Workshops are instructed by the HCP Head Gardener, Linda Petite, assisted by experienced HCP wreath-making volunteers, and take place in the covered polytunnels beyond public access at the HCP. All materials are provided. (Prices are per person/one wreath)
Registration is limited to 20 participants per workshop.

Morning Session: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Registration now open.
Fees: $80 or $70 for HCP Members
Register Online by clicking on the date or by calling 250-479-6162

Click here to view list of dates/times available and register online

Waiting List
If the workshop you would like to attend is full, email janet@hcp.ca to be added to the waiting list. Please include your full name, phone number, workshop date and number of attendees.

HCP Kids - Wreath Making for Families
2025-11-28 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-11-29 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-29 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-11-30 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for this annual gathering to prepare a wreath for your home. Using a selection of greenery along with friendly guidance, create a unique wreath to enjoy or gift! These small sized workshops offer a slower and easier pace for small hands to lend assistance with. All materials provided. One registration is for a family with up to 4 participants.
Please note there is a limit of two wreaths per family.
Family Wreath Making - click on the date to register

Friday Afternoon 28 Nov 2025
Saturday Morning 29 Nov 2025
Saturday Afternoon 29 Nov 2025
Sunday Morning 30 Nov 2025
Sunday Afternoon 30 Nov 2025
Saturday Morning 6 Dec 2025
Fee: $45 or $40/Family membership

Opulent Ink & Glass Ornaments
2025-11-29 10:00 - 12:15
Adult Community Education | Arts | 2.25 hour workshop

Join Instructor Heidi Walter for a fun and creative workshop where you will make opulent holiday decorations using alcohol ink on glass ornaments. You need no prior experience to create a beautiful and unique work of art for the holidays - perfect for decorating or as a special gift.
Alcohol ink creates a beautiful stained glass effect, and metallic ink brings out the shimmer. You'll have the opportunity to make 2-3 full size glass ornaments. This workshop is suitable for beginners, for those with no art experience, and artists interested in new techniques.

All supplies and materials are included.
See Heidi's work on Instagram: @vividartgirl and on Facebook: Heidi Vividartgirl
Date & Location
Saturday, Nov. 29, 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
The CLASSROOM at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road
Registration & Fees
Registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP.
HCP Members $80.00
Non-Members $90.00 Interested in Membership?
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Willow Stars and Star Lanterns Workshop
2025-11-30 10:00 - 15:00
**This workshop is sold out. To join the waiting list, email janet@hcp.ca. Please include your phone number**
Adult Community Education | Basketry | 5 hours
Tis the season to make some willow stars and star lanterns! Instructor Joan Carrigan will have willow on hand to make an assortment of decorative stars of various sizes as well as a willow hanging mobile which when strung with fairy lights makes a magical lantern. The shape of the mobile is a dodecahedron which incorporates the star pattern. Many variations within these shapes are possible. They make great gifts and will brighten up your home throughout the winter season.
Tools to bring: Secateurs/pruners, package of small elastic bands, measuring tape.
Date & Location
Saturday, Nov. 30, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Classroom at the The Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
PLEASE NOTE: Registration for this class opens at 9:00 am on Oct. 16.
HCP Members $130.00
Regular $145.00
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
**If the workshop is full, email janet@hcp.ca to be put on the waiting list. Please include your phone number. **

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.
