Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

HCP Hosts 1st Chelsea Fringe Festival in Canada
2017-05-28 14:30 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
For the first time in Canada, Victoria will host a Chelsea Fringe Festival event. Enjoy an afternoon of sun-soaked live music from some local talent, face painting, and art in The Gardens at HCP.
Featuring performances from Vic Horvath (Victoria – Folk/Blues), Tree Top Trio (Victoria – Jazz/Swing Guitar), and one of CBC's Best New Bands of 2016, Old.Soul.Rebel (Vancouver – Blues/Soul).
The Chelsea Fringe Festival is a not-for-profit community project intended to make garden culture more accessible to a wider community. The Chelsea Fringe Festival acts with the support of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show held in London UK annually.
The Chelsea Fringe attracts a wide variety of garden-related events and venues. From art exhibitions to folk music, children's school gardens to new public parks, there are events of every scale to entice the green fingered and culturally curious.
Since the first Chelsea Fringe in 2012, over 1100 individuals and organisations have participated, with events happening all over the UK as well as Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Japan and Australia. And now Canada joins the party.
Admission
Adults: $12.00
Students and Seniors: $9.00
Under 16: Free
Members of the HCP: Free

HCP Annual General Meeting
2017-05-28 14:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
AGM Notice & Information
Date: May 28th, 2017 – 2:00pm
Location: HCP Couvelier Pavilion
AGM
We are at that time of year again where we welcome and encourage our members to join us in reviewing the highlights of the previous year. There are many highlights to share, but we will do our best to keep it to approximately an hour.
Click here for the agenda: 2017 Notice of AGM May 28.
Click here for more information: 2017 HCP AGM Information.

The Art of Bonsai - For Kids
2017-05-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
The Art of Bonsai – if you have always wondered how these little plants stay small, come and learn a bit about the history of these beautiful art forms. Then begin to train a tree or shrub of your own. It can take years to reach its full potential as a Bonsai, but we can get started together!
Saturday, May 27 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Fee: $35 (includes a 1 gallon plant suited to Bonsai) Age: 8 – 14 years

Plant Identification & Culture Workshops
2017-05-27 13:00 - 16:00, 2017-04-29 13:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
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

Driftwood & Succulents Workshop
2017-05-27 13:00 - 14:30 | BC
with HCP Head Gardener, Linda Petite
Create a beautiful driftwood and succulent display to take home. Our head gardener Linda Petite will guide you through the process and share some tips about working with succulents. Driftwood and succulents will be provided.
HCP Members $25
Non Members $35

To register, call 250 479 6162.

The Herbal Kitchen - Cooking With Wild Edibles Workshop
2017-05-20 13:30 - 16:30 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Lily Fawn
Come spend the afternoon learning to find and identify medicinal edible herbs. Wild plants are nutritious, tasty and a great way to increase your health and cut your grocery bill. In this workshop you will learn about the many delicious, healthy and nutritionally-packed wild edible, medicinal plants that are yours for the picking! This class will focus on healthy edible weeds that grow all around us. You will learn how to identify and harvest these tasty edibles, as well as several different ways to prepare them. Take home recipes and enjoy a wild edible meal prepared during class.
HCP Members $45
Non Members $50
To register, call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: Lily Fawn
Herbalist, Lily Fawn, has been studying the art of blending herbs and teas since 1992. She is fun, knowledgeable 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.

Tomato Day
2017-05-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Join us from 9:00 to noon for Tomato Day and choose from a variety of options.
You will find:

organically grown tomato starts along with other veggies, edible flowers, and herbs

Click 2017 Tomato Day list to find the variety of tomatoes that will be sold.

The long weekend in May is traditionally the time to plant your garden, so come early for the best selection!

Free admission to the Gardens during the sale!

Willow Tension Tray Workshop
2017-05-14 10:00 - 16:00 | BC
with Joan Carrigan
Learn the art of basket weaving with artist Joan Carrigan. Willow is highly valued as a basket making material. We will begin with a discussion about how to grow, harvest and prepare willow for weaving. This project offers a wonderful introduction to working with willow and in the process you will create a gorgeous center piece perfect for serving or displaying your fresh garden produce.
HCP Members $120
Non Members $140
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 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

Rock, Wood, Crevice Garden Presentation
2017-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Gordon Mackay
Learn why these garden styles are becoming so popular with Gordon Mackay, PHC College instructor. Gordon will share many examples of rock wood and crevice gardens to get your imagination going. Participants will learn about techniques used to install a crevice and rock garden and hopefully be inspired to try these at home in their own gardens.
HCP Members $35
NonMembers $45
To register, call 250 479 6162

Garden Stepping Stones
2017-05-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Garden Stepping Stones – these are a beautiful and practical way to make a pathway through a favourite garden, soggy area or across a lawn or vegetable garden. Bring an adult to help you make a lasting piece of art for your garden or as a gift for MOM!
Saturday, May 13 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Fee: $25 (materials included) Age: 5 – 12 years

Converting Lawn To Native Meadow Workshop
2017-05-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Kristen Miskelly
Back due to popular demand! This workshop will provide practical advice on how to convert conventional lawn to meadow habitat using a variety of techniques. Kristen Miskelly, biologist and owner of Saanich Native Plants, will guide participants through developing a site plan, site preparation, planning materials, and maintenance. Participants will go home with some of the tools needed to embark on their own lawn to meadow restorations.
Members $45
Non-Members $60
To sign up: Please call 250 479 6162.

Cancelled - Willow Club Chair Workshop
2017-05-07 09:00 - 17:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
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 Classic Willow Club Chair. This is a great introduction to rustic building. All tools and materials will be provided. Dress appropriately and bring a packed lunch.
HCP Members $225
Non-Members $250

To register, call 250 479 6162.

Cancelled - Fill Your Boots Succulent Workshop
2017-05-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
This workshop will give you another way to love that old favourite pair of boots. Bring along an old pair of boots to use as planters for a creative arrangement of succulents. Our Head Gardener Linda Petite will guide you through the process and teach you some tips about working with succulents. Succulents and soil are provided.
HCP Members $30
Non-Members $45
To register, call 250 479 6162.

Kids Garden Club
2017-05-06 09:45 - 11:45 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
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.
2017 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

Propagating Plants Workshop
2017-04-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Gordon Mackay
In this workshop participants will learn about the main types of plant propagation - from cuttings, seed, division and layering. Due to current trends and demand, sufficient time will be made for fruit tree propagation which can be done by grafting and budding. The focus will be on hardy outdoor plant material. Participants who have a grafting knife should bring it along as there will be opportunities to practice grafting and taking cuttings.
HCP Members $35
Non Members $45
To register, call 250 479 6162

Propagating 101
2017-04-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Propagating 101 is a fun way to grow plants from cuttings. If you like to watch things grow, you will love trying these experiments at home. Learn about taking cuttings, natural growth hormones, and what kind of growing medium to use to grow lots of plants from cuttings on your own!
Saturday, April 29 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Fee: $20 (materials provided) Ages: 8 to 14 years

Medicinal Herb Walk & Wildcrafting Workshop
2017-04-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Lily Fawn
Join Herbalist and Teacher, Lily Fawn for a lovely medicinal herb walk and wildcrafting adventure at the Gardens at HCP. Tour the beautiful medicinal herb garden, native plant garden and the conservation areas. Learn about wildcrafting, foraging, herbs as medicine and how/when to to pick wild medicinals. Additionally the class will include a harvest which we will use to prepare an edible herbal snack to share or take home.
HCP Members $40
Non Members $45
To register, call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: Lily Fawn
Herbalist, Lily Fawn, has been studying the art of blending herbs and teas since 1992. She is fun, knowledgable 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.

Pesticide Applicator Exam
2017-04-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Pesticide Applicator Exam (Landscape General Category): Monday, April 24, 6-9pm
For those who have completed the BC Pesticide Applicator's License Course, or who are just required to take the exam.
Cost if you sign up for the exam only: $110
To sign up please contact College Administration at (250) 479-3210, or via email form:

2017 Spring Plant Sale
2017-04-23 09:00 - 16:00, 2017-04-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
April 22rd & 23th from 9 am – 4 pm each day. Many unique plants propagated in-house and the full plant list can be downloaded here as a Word document (Spring Plant Sale Availability 2017) or a PDF (Spring Plant Sale Availability 2017).
Admissions into the Gardens is free on plant sale day and Master Gardeners will be available to answer your questions. All proceeds raised from the plant sale support the development of our not-for-profit teaching gardens.

Pesticide Applicator Course
2017-04-22 09:00 - 16:30 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Landscape General Category
This course is full - please contact us to get on the wait list for the next course.
Course: Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, 9am – 4:30pm
Exam: Monday, April 24, 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:

Oval Potato Basket Workshop
2017-04-16 09:30 - 17:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Joan Carrigan
This is a variation of a Rib basket. Rather than having a single handle this variation has 2 built in side handles. We will be using willow for the hoop and a combination of dyed reed and seagrass for the weaving. This class is suitable for experienced basket weavers and those new to weaving. Joan is an excellent teacher and artist and taking her classes can become addictive.
HCP Members $120
Non Members $140
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 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.

Good Friday - Admission by Donation
2017-04-14 09:00 - 17:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Come visit our lovely spring blooms on Good Friday (April 14). We are open from 9:00 to 5:00. Admission is by donation!

The Nature of the Native Plant Garden Workshop
2017-04-08 13:30 - 16:30 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Kristen Miskelly
Many people are interested in environmentally friendly and low maintenance gardens that will attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to their garden. By gardening with native plants, you can bring the beauty of southern Vancouver Island into your own backyard while also providing numerous other benefits.
Kristen Miskelly, biologist and owner of Saanich Native Plants, will provide information on our local ecology, caring for and maintaining a native plant garden, native plant identification, propagation techniques, and benefits of native plants to wildlife.
Special emphasis will be placed on the use of edible, deer resistant and drought tolerant species.
$45 HCP Members
$60 Non Members
To sign up: Please call 250 479 6162.

Growing Plants for Our Native Pollinators
2017-04-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Growing Plants for Our Native Pollinators is a one session program to learn about the plants that pollinator's love and how to grow them. There are seeds and starts for creating your own Native Pollinator Garden at home.
Saturday, April 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Fee: $20 (materials provided) Ages: 5 to 12 years

Kids Garden Club
2017-04-01 09:45 - 11:45 | BC

Around the World in 80 Plants presentation with Stephen Barstow
2017-03-31 13:00 - 17:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Hatchet & Seed is excited to welcome Stephen Barstow, author of Around the World in 80 Plants to the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific in Victoria BC.
Stephen Barstow is an edible plant enthusiast and collector from Malvik, Norway. He grows an astonishing 2000 varieties of edible plants, many of them perennial vegetables, in his backyard.
Around the World in 80 Plants (2014) is an exploration of perennial vegetables from around the world, published by Permanent Publications. In 2003, he was awarded the title of "Extreme Salad Man" after he created a salad using 537 varieties of edible plants from his garden. He is a frequent contributor of Permaculture Magazine, and is the national coordinator of the Norwegian Seed Savers Society.
Located in the Pavillion on the beautiful grounds of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, this presentation & garden walkabout will focus on edible ornamental plants, or 'edimentals'. We'll explore the diversity of perennial vegetables and common edible ornamentals that grow well in our climate.
This talk is a rare opportunity and is not to be missed!
Cost is $35 and tickets can be found on our Eventbrite Link:https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/around-the-world-in-80-plants-wstephen-barstow-tickets-32789491251

Cedar and Willow Cat's Head Basket Workshop
2017-03-26 09:30 - 17:00 | BC
with Joan Carrigan
This basket is woven with cedar bark spokes and willow bark is woven in a continuous twill pattern. We will shape the basket in the style of the Cat's Head basket associated with the Shaker tradition. These baskets start with a square base and are woven in a unique way to achieve a rounded shape. The rim of this basket is a decorative variation using yellow cedar bark three strand twining.
HCP Members $120
Non Members $140
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 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.

Grow your Own Cut Flower Garden Workshop
2017-03-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Eiddwen Thomas
Learn the secrets of growing your own flowers for cutting and arranging with floral designer, Eiddwen Thomas. Eiddwen is the owner of Cartref Gardens, a commercial cut flower farm in North Saanich. Growing your own flowers can be a very rewarding and creative experience. You can select which flowers you want to grow according to your own style and taste. Having your own flower garden will ensure fresh quality for the very best of flowers for your home, special events or for gifting. Growing your flowers organically can also provide benefits to the local environment. This class is part of a seasonal series and can be taken on its own. Participants in the Spring class will learn what to do in April/May for their own cutting garden. This session will include what plants can be grown in the Spring for cutting, starting your own seeds, locating the site for your cutting garden and preparing the soil. Details for the Summer, Fall and Winter classes will be on our website soon.
HCP Members $45
Non Members $60

Instructor Bio. Eiddwen Thomas
Eiddwen is a local floral designer, flower farmer and owner of Cantref Gardens. She has grown many different kinds of flowers and other materials for cutting and especially loves doing floral design for weddings and special events. She has a flower stall at the Sidney Market and the Peninsula Country Market. Eiddwen has been the curator for the cutting garden at the Horticultural Centre for the Pacific for several years.
