Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

Cancelled - Starting With Seeds - Part 1
2017-03-04 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Starting with Seeds is a kid-friendly seed starting workshop in 2 parts! The first shows a few different ways to germinate seeds. The second gives a chance to plant the germinated seeds into containers. There will be lots of seedlings to take home and grow for transplanting into your home garden or containers. The plants will be a mix of easy to grow flowers and vegetables that are compatible.
Saturday, March 4 (Part 1) 1:00 to 3:00pm Saturday, March 11 (Part 2) 1:00 to 3:00
Fee: $35 (materials provided) Ages: 3+ (under 5 with an adult) to 12 years

Kids Garden Club
2017-03-04 09:45 - 11:45
Once a month we meet for seasonal gardening activities in our very own JMG Garden Plot! Our growing season starts early, and there is always lots to do!! When the weather is not quite ideal, we can work indoors to start seeds, learn to propagate plants, plan our home gardens, build trellising, and lots more. When the weather cooperates, we spend every minute creating garden beds, amending soil, mulching, planting, weeding, staking, and watering! These are great skills to get your garden enthusiast growing their own food at home. There are lots of take homes, from seeds to plants and harvests whenever available.
CLUB DATES: Saturday's from 9:45 am – 11:45 am on March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, Sept 9, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2

Plant Identification & Culture Workshops
2017-02-18 13:00 - 16:00, 2017-01-21 13:00 - 16:00
With Diane Pierce
One Saturday a month 1pm - 4pm
Jan 21, Feb 18, March 18, April 29, May 27, June 17, July 15, August 19, Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 2

Learn all about plants with Diane Pierce, expert gardener, designer and writer. Diane will introduce you to 25 newplants in each session. You will learn Latin & common names, plant descriptions, cultural requirements, general maintenance and landscape uses. This is an ongoing course & can be joined at any time, all year long, one Saturday a month.
HCP Members $35.00 per session or $350 for 12 sessions
Non-Members $45.00 per session or $450 for 12 sessions
To register, call 250 479 6162

FAMILY DAY WEEKEND EVENT AT HCP - CANCELLED
2017-02-11 10:00 - 14:00
Due to weather-related conditions in the Gardens, the Family Day Weekend Event had to be cancelled.
Our special Family Event will be held on Saturday, February 11, from 10-2pm.
Family Day is observed to celebrate the importance of families and family life. Come and share The Gardens at HCP Saturday, February 11 for our special family event. There will be family-friendly activities planned between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm (the gardens will be open between 10-4). These will be free with your donation for admission + contribution of a non-perishable food item to help another family. Participate in a habitat exploration hike, take a bird walk, learn about endangered species in the area, plant a seed, make a puppet and more! Dress for the weather and enjoy the many seasonal delights of our Winter Gardens.

Willow Chair Workshop
2017-01-29 09:00 - 17:00
with Andrew Kent
Join artisan Andrew Kent from The Willow Way for this full day workshop. In one day, with Andrew Kent's expert instruction, you can make and take home your own Bent Willow Rustic Chair. This is a great introduction to rustic building. Learn how to make a square frame from pieces of alder & work with different sizes of willow to create your chair. All tools will be provided.
HCP Members $250
Non Members $275
To register, call 250 479 6162

Wicker Basket with a Wood Base Start Workshop
2017-01-22 09:30 - 16:30
with Joan Carrigan
Explore the sculptural design possibilities of the Wicker Basketry technique when starting with a wood base. Bases will be provided along with dyed round reed and a selection of natural materials to incorporate into this sculptural basket. In the process of weaving this basket, participants will learn control of shaping as well as a variety of weaving patterns. The rich variety of colour and design options makes for a fun and creative experience. Suitable for all levels of experience – including beginner.
Cost:
$120.00 HCP Members
$140.00 Non Members
Call the office to register 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 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.

Saanich Seedy Saturday
2017-01-14 10:00 - 14:00

Red Seal Preparation Workshop
2017-01-07 12:30 - 16:30
(Rescheduled from November 5, 2016)
For those who want to challenge the Red Seal Landscape Horticulture Exam - this course helps you to prepare for the exam!
Instructor Egan Davis will give you an overview of the exam:
- Scope of exam
- Interpreting the National Occupational Analysis
- Challenging exam content for BC candidates
- Horticulture math skills
- Exam writing tips
- Study Techniques
- Practice Exam - 50 questions
Instructor: Egan Davis
Cost: $75 - includes a booklet to help you prepare for the exam

To sign up: Please phone 250-479-3210, or email collegeadmin@hcp.ca. Full payment is required with registration.

For information on challenging the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam, please see:
http://www.itabc.ca/program/horticulturist-landscape
(Scroll down to the section titled 'Challenge Certification/Recognize Prior Experience')

Saanich Seedy Saturday
2017-01-05 08:00 - 17:00
Haliburton Farms, with support from the Gardens at HCP and the District of Saanich, presents Saanich Seedy Saturday on January 14th, 10 am - 2 pm.
- Talk "Creating a Buzz: Attracting and Feeding Bumblebees in Your Garden" is at 11 am & 1 pm by Lori Weidenhammer, author of 'Victory Gardens for Bees'
- Quality local vendors with seeds, starts, plants, and more
- seed swap table
$5 admission includes the Gardens at HCP

Festive Table Centrepiece Workshop
2016-12-11 10:00 - 12:00
Garden and floral designer Patty Brown will teach you how to create an exquisite holiday centerpiece using fresh greens and natural materials that will become the focus of conversation not just decoration. You will learn about the tools, supplies and floral products required to create your own arrangement in this hands on workshop. Take home a one of a kind centerpiece that will last for weeks with minimal care. Bring secateurs (hand pruners). All other materials supplied.
HCP Members $25
Non Members $35

To register, call 250 479 6162

Nature Weaving
2016-12-10 13:00 - 15:00
Use natural materials and basic weaving skills to create a unique art form.
Date: December 10
Time: 1-3 pm
Cost: $35
Ages: 8-12 years
For registration, please call the HCP office at 250-479-6162.

Pesticide Applicator Course and Exam
2016-12-10 09:00 - 2016-12-11 16:30
Landscape General Category
Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11, 9am – 4:30pm
Exam: Monday, December 12, 6-9pm
Cost for the course is $400, which includes the textbooks and the exam fee. Note that you can sign up to write the exam only for a cost of $110.
To sign up please contact College Administration at (250) 479-3210, or via email form:

Reindeer Workshop
2016-12-10 01:00 - 16:00
Bring your little elves to Santa's workshop! This is a great activity for children, families, grandparents and adults too! Participants receive a reindeer kit and then set about creating their own Rudolph with guidance from instructor Lonnie Paton. This is a drop in class and space is limited. Spots are given on a first come first serve basis, so come early and enjoy a walk in the gardens before class.
$20 per Reindeer/ Drop in Only/ Limited Spaces!

Bark Woven Pouch Workshop
2016-11-20 09:30 - 16:30
with Joan Carrigan
Learn the traditional art of basket weaving with Joan Carrigan. Joan is a skilled basketweaver and teaches both locally and in Europe.
This technique of woven pouch is like weaving a magic trick and is super fun to create. Participants will explore 2 scales in this technique, a large pouch woven with willow bark strips and a small pouch woven with cedar bark and waxed linen thread. The large pouch can be used as a wall basket or a purse with a strap attached and the small basket can be made into a necklace or a tiny treasure basket. Discussion will cover how to harvest and prepare tree barks.
HCP Members $115
Non-Members $135

To register, 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.

Yoga for Everyone
2016-11-13 09:30 - 11:00
Join us for a gentle class of Yoga and meditation at the gardens on November 13th at 9:30 am. The gardens provide a tranquil space to slow down and practice the art of being in the moment. The combination of Yoga and nature is a dynamic duo. One of Nature's gifts is its inherent ability to relax our nervous systems allowing us to rest and heal. No experience is necessary and beginners are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a Yoga mat and blanket.
HCP Members: $10
Non-Members: $15
Call to register: 250-479-6162

Terrarium Gardens
2016-11-12 13:00 - 15:00
Explore the world of plants, how they grow, & what you need to build & maintain your own wee garden! Bring a large glass container to transform!
Date: November 12
Time: 1-3 pm
Cost: $35
Ages: 5-11 years
For registration, please call the HCP office at 250-479-6162.

A Harvest Hoot
2016-10-29 10:00 - 12:00
A HARVEST HOOT IS SOLD OUT

The Gardens at HCP is presenting a Harvest Hoot - a non-scary and education program for your children.
The cost is $15 per FAMILY and includes pumpkin carving, Halloween activities and crafts and a live OWL and other birds of prey from The Raptors centre.
Call 250-479-6162 to register your child today or e-mail youthprograms@hcp.ca for more information.

Permaculture Basics
2016-10-29 10:00 - 12:00
with The Compost Education Centre

The Compost Education Centre has been teaching children and adults how to compost and grow their own food for over 20 years. They will be offering some of their great workshops at the HCP this summer. Permaculture is a sustainable design theory modeled on natural ecosystems. This workshop touches on permaculture history, ethics and principles, and scale-able ways to apply the theory to your garden and home.
HCP Members $18
Non-Members $25
To register, call 250 479 6162.

Bean Pot Basket Workshop
2016-10-29 09:30 - 16:30
with Joan Carrigan
Learn the traditional art of basket weaving with Joan Carrigan. Joan is a skilled basketweaver and teaches both locally and in Europe. Participants will create this attractive bean pot basket with swing handle. It is a traditional splint woven basket with a twined base. This basket has an old world feel but it's rounded shape and size is classic and perfect for everyday storing and displaying. Basket weaving classes a creative and social experience with participants enjoy each others company while learning this beautiful art form.
HCP Members $115
Non-Members $135
To register, 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.

Growing Medicinal Mushrooms Workshop
2016-10-26 18:00 - 20:30
with Danielle Stevenson
Learn about medicinal mushrooms, and how to grow them with Danielle of D.I.Y. Fungi. This workshop will offer an introduction to the amazing world of medicinal mushrooms, and how to grow your own. We'll explore the nutritional and medicinal properties of Reishi, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane, Maitake, Shiitake and Oyster mushrooms, and how to prepare them in cooking, teas, broths, capsules and tinctures.
HCP Members $50
Non-Members $60
To register, call 250 479 6162.

Herbs to Beat the Winter Blues Workshop
2016-10-23 13:00 - 15:30
with Lily Fawn
Learn the gentle approach to care for yourself and reduce stress with Lily Fawn, owner and creator of Earth's Herbal Products. As we transition from the warm to the cold seasons, it is a good time to check in with yourself and offer up a supportive treatment for the nervous system. Learn about specific herbs, aromatherapy, different kinds of nervines “what are they” and more. Create your own tea ritual for relaxation. Make your own and take home, tinctures, oils and teas.
HCP Members $55.00
Non-Members $65.00

Instructor Bio: Lily Fawn
Herbalist, Lily Fawn, has been studying the art of blending herbs and teas since 1992. She is fun, educated and full of innovative ideas. The success of her recipes spread among the local community until she was encouraged to create a line of products to be available in stores. Lily started her own company called Earth's Herbal Products Inc, an ever-growing line of fresh plant apothecary and herbal teas that are healthy, natural, medicinal, self-stable and tasty. Lily values community, organic farming, wildcrafting, folklore, holistic health and sharing her knowledge via educational events like tea parties and workshops.

Mushroom Companions to the Garden and Farm
2016-10-16 09:00 - 12:00
with Danielle Stevenson
Learn about mushrooms with Danielle of D.I.Y. Fungi. Highlights edible and medicinal mushrooms which can be grown in spaces you can't otherwise grow in, or can be companion planted in your gardens and orchards to boost plant growth and build healthy soil ecosystems. We'll walk through how to make a mushroom bed, mushroom pathways, logs, and companion plant within your veggie beds, and discuss the important role of mycorhizal fungi in the garden and orchard.
HCP Members $35
Non-Members $45
To register, call 250 479 6162.

Composting Basics
2016-10-15 13:00 - 14:30
with The Compost Education Centre
The Compost Education Centre has been teaching children and adults how to compost and grow their own food for over 20 years. They will be offering some of their great workshops at the HCP this summer. In this workshop participants will learn the basics of composting and discover which composting system will be best suited to them.
HCP Members $15
Non-Members $20
To register, call 250 479 6162.

Wonder of Watercolour
2016-10-08 13:00 - 15:00
Explore fall through the wonderful world of watercolours using garden inspiration with washes and dry brush techniques! Through dynamic demonstrations participants will learn a variety of water colour techniques they can then apply as they work to create their own garden inspired work to take home. Fun for all levels of experience, all materials provided.
Date: October 8
Time: 1-3 pm
Cost: $35
Ages: 8-12 years
For registration, please call the HCP office at 250-479-6162.

Fall Plant Sale
2016-10-01 09:00 - 16:00
Everything reduced by 25% or more
Victoria Master Gardeners on-site to answer your questions
Great selection propagated from unique plants from the HCP Gardens

Advanced Soils for the Home Gardener
2016-09-25 10:00 - 13:00
with Christina Nikolic
Moving past the basics, instructor Christina Nikolic from the Organic Gardener's Pantry will provide participants with additional tools for determining soil health. Get a step by step understanding on how to manage your soil holistically. Learn about soil tests and when they can be beneficial. Balanced soil nutrition including fertilizer choices, biostimulants and microbial inoculants will be covered in this workshop. Learn about weeds, pest and diseases and how they can be indicators of soil health. Participants will leave with a good understanding of soil management for their own home garden.
Note that there is a prerequisite for this workshop. Participants must have taken the Soil Basics for Home Gardeners workshop on June 5th.
HCP Members $30
Non-Members $35
To register, call 250 479 6162
Instructor Bio: Christina Nikolic
Christina's background is in landscape design and gardening. She is a senior instructor at Gaia College, where she teaches the Organic Master Gardener and Ecological Landscape Design courses. Christina is a SOUL Certified Organic Land Care Professional and has been serving on the board of directors of SOUL (Society for Organic Urban land Care) for nearly a decade. Currently she runs The Organic Gardener's Pantry, retailing fine organic fertilizers, soil amendments, and beneficial microbes across Canada.

Grow your own Oyster Mushrooms Workshop
2016-09-24 13:00 - 16:00
with Danielle Stevenson
This workshop will offer an introduction to the amazing world of mushrooms and cover what you need to know to grow your own mushrooms at home. We'll each inoculate a gallon bucket of oyster mushrooms to take home. Learning to grow mushrooms is a great way to grow your own food and medicine! Oyster mushrooms are a good source of protein, B vitamins, Vitamin D, iron and minerals, and have been shown to lower cholesterol and inhibit cancers.
Instructor, Danielle Stevenson is a fungi enthusiast with 4 years of mushroom cultivation experience and a owner of D.I.Y. Fungi.
HCP Members $45.00
Non-Members $50.00
To register, call 250 479 6162.

Small Trees for the Urban Garden Workshop
2016-09-18 13:00 - 16:00
with Diane Pierce
Learn to select trees that will compliment your garden and not outgrow their space which can be inconvenient and costly to correct. This workshop will be a guided walk through the Gardens at HCP with Diane Pierce, college instructor and plant expert. Diane will point out introduced and native trees which are well suited to the urban garden and which add colour and contrast. After the walk, participants will spend time in the classroom learning specifics about small trees which they can apply to their own garden plans.
HCP Members $25.00
Non-Members $35.00
To register, call 250 479 6162

Hydrangea Day
2016-09-18 11:00 - 15:00
Hydrangea Day - Lecture and Hydrangea Sale
Free lecture and slideshow at 11am:
Carmen Varcoe: Growing Hydrangeas in the Pacific Northwest
Sale starts after the lecture at 12pm.
Several varieties of Hydrangea macrophylla, H. paniculata, H. serrata, H. quercifolia
Sizes: 1 and 2 gallon
