Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

HCP Kids - Half Day Camp Aug 5 to 8
2025-08-05 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-06 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-07 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-08 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Half Day Camp August 2025 in Junior Master Gardener plot!
The program is 9-12 daily and includes active gardening in our own HCP Kids Teaching Garden where we grow food crops.
For children between 5 and 12 years (School age)

Dates: Aug 5 to 8
Times: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Fees: $100.00 or $80.00 with a Family Membership
Register: Online or Call 250-479-6162

Camp has three openings!!

Morning Yoga in the Gardens (Thursdays)
2025-08-07 10:00 - 11:15, 2025-08-14 10:00 - 11:15, 2025-08-21 10:00 - 11:15, 2025-09-04 10:00 - 11:15, 2025-09-11 10:00 - 11:15, 2025-09-18 10:00 - 11:15
Adult Community Education | Health & Wellness| 60-75 minute Session
Come and enjoy an outdoor Hatha Flow practice, lead by Hayley from Cedar and Soul Movement. Hayley is a passionate instructor who believes everyone can benefit from the teachings of yoga and nature. Yoga brings our bodies, minds and souls into alignment helping us to navigate life with more clarity and ease. Combined with the beauty of nature, this is sure to be and experience that will leave you feeling grounded and nourished.

Hatha Flow is a foundational style of yoga where we focus on alignment and breath control while moving at a steady and consistent pace. This balanced approach to yoga helps to stretch and strengthen the entire body while keeping you in the present moment. These classes will be one hour long and are for all levels of experience.
Please arrive before class with enough time to park, pay the drop-in fee at the front desk, walk 2-5 mins to that day's garden location, and get yourself set up and settled. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle as well as any other props you may need. Layers are suggested so you can remain comfortable during class. Drop-in price includes yoga session as well as entrance to the gardens so you are welcome explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings after class.
An indoor location is available in the event of rain.
Time & Location
Thursdays, 10:00-11:15 am (beginning June 19, 2025)
Various locations at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria BC
Registration & Fees
Registration is not required. Please pay at office upon entry to the gardens.
Drop-in fee includes admission to the garden on the day of the class.
$16.00 HCP Members
$20.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?
If you have any questions please email Hayley at hayley@cedarandsoulmovement.com

Arts & Music in the Gardens
2025-08-09 - 2025-08-10
Purchase Tickets HERE

HCP Kids - Full Day Camp Aug 11 to 15
2025-08-11 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-12 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-14 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-15 09:00 - 16:00
Full Day Camp August 2025 in Junior Master Gardener plot!
The program is 9-4 daily and includes active gardening in our own HCP Kids Teaching Garden where we grow food crops.
For children between 5 and 12 years (School age)

Dates: Aug 11 to Aug 15
Times: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fees: $225.00 or $200.00 with a Family Membership
Register: Online or Call 250-479-6162

Registration is closed; Camp is fully booked

Master Gardener Training Info Session (zoom)
2025-08-27 06:30 - 19:00
Master Gardener Training Program at HCP
Information Session (Zoom) Wed. Aug 27 @ 6:30 PM
Are you a serious home gardener who would like to increase their knowledge of horticulture and sustainable gardening practices? Please join this free, 30-minute information session with Annette Wall (VMGA) and Janet Munsil (HCP) for a introduction to the Master Gardener Training Program at HCP, and information on how to register. The session will be followed by a Q&A. Click here join the Master Gardener Training Info list and you will be sent the zoom link prior to the session, or email janet@hcp.ca to be sent a link.
For more information, visit our MG Training webpage.

INDOORS TODAY: Morning Yoga in the Gardens (Thursdays)
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:15
Adult Community Education | Health & Wellness| 60-75 minute Session

INDOORS TODAY (Classroom) DUE TO RAIN
Come and enjoy an outdoor Hatha Flow practice, lead by Hayley from Cedar and Soul Movement. Hayley is a passionate instructor who believes everyone can benefit from the teachings of yoga and nature. Yoga brings our bodies, minds and souls into alignment helping us to navigate life with more clarity and ease. Combined with the beauty of nature, this is sure to be and experience that will leave you feeling grounded and nourished.

Hatha Flow is a foundational style of yoga where we focus on alignment and breath control while moving at a steady and consistent pace. This balanced approach to yoga helps to stretch and strengthen the entire body while keeping you in the present moment. These classes will be one hour long and are for all levels of experience.
Please arrive before class with enough time to park, pay the drop-in fee at the front desk, walk 2-5 mins to that day's garden location, and get yourself set up and settled. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle as well as any other props you may need. Layers are suggested so you can remain comfortable during class. Drop-in price includes yoga session as well as entrance to the gardens so you are welcome explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings after class.

Time & Location
Thursdays, 10:00-11:15 am (beginning June 19, 2025)
Various locations at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria BC
Registration & Fees
Registration is not required. Please pay at office upon entry to the gardens.
Drop-in fee includes admission to the garden on the day of the class.
$16.00 HCP Members
$20.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?
If you have any questions please email Hayley at hayley@cedarandsoulmovement.com

Plant Identification & Culture with Jane Tice
2025-08-30 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.
2025 Drop-in Session Dates
Click a date below to register online, or call 250-479-6162.
September 27, 2025, 1-4 pm
October 25, 2025, 1-4 pm
November 29, 2025, 1-4 pm
December 13, 2025, 1-4 pm
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.

Clay and Foliage Workshop
2025-09-06 13:00 - 16:00
ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION | ARTS WORKSHOP | 3 HOURS
**This workshop is full. To join the waiting list, please email janet@hcp.ca.**
Enjoy a delightful afternoon working with clay, foliage and flowers of the HCP, with instructor Monika Burrell. Participants will be guided in the making of a mug or a bud vase with a garden theme. We can imprint stems, leaves and flowers into the soft clay to achieve individual pieces that will be uniquely yours. Capturing intricate veins and delicate textures of the vegetation in a process that is as satisfying as it is beautiful. This project is a hybrid of printmaking with the design of the clay surface and sculpture as we piece the form together to make a 3D object.
The projects created in this workshop will then be fired and glazed by the instructor and returned three weeks after the workshop. Your finished piece will be microwave and dishwasher safe, made with food-safe, non-toxic materials. All the materials and tools for this project are provided; however, please bring an apron or wear clothes that you don’t mind getting messy. No previous clay experience is necessary.
Your registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP on the day of the class (last admission 3:30 pm)
Date & Location
Saturday Sept 6, 1-4 PM
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
$70.00 HCP Members
$80.00 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
2025-09-07 09:30 - 16:30
﻿Adult Community Education | Basketry | Full-day Workshop
**This workshop is full. To join the waiting list, email janet@hcp.ca.**
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
Sunday, Sept. 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

College Info Session
2025-09-15 17:00 - 18:30
Need more information about our Landscape Horticulture Program offerings, please join us for our Info Session on Monday, September 15th from 5-6:30 pm in the Couvelier Pavilion. Be sure to bring your questions and enter the draw for $100 off your tuition!

Watercolour Painting with Richard Wong: House Finch
2025-09-18 13:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | Art Class | 3-hour Workshop

If you like painting birds, join artist Richard Wong for a class and learn how to paint the House Finch in vibrant watercolour. Richard
cultivates a relaxing, fun, stress-free learning where everyone is welcome. Suitable for all levels, beginners are especially encouraged.

Please note new reduced tuition rate!

Date & Location
Thursday, September 18, 1:00-4:00 pm
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road

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

Fall Plant Sale (Members & Volunteers only)
2025-09-19 09:00 - 16:00
Fall is the perfect time for planting, the soil is still warm and the fall rains are on the way!
All plants are reduced by 25% and the ever popular bargain bin will have plants at a 50% discount(what I refer to as ‘pot bound specials’, plants that just need to get out of the pot to thrive) Victoria Master Gardeners, HCP staff, volunteers and PHC students are on site as well to answer your gardening questions and help you choose the right plant for your garden.
The plant availability list will be available on the website prior to the sale.

HCP Fall Plant Sale
2025-09-20 09:00 - 16:00

One-Day Mini Bee School with the Native Bee Society of BC
2025-09-21 09:00 - 16:30
Adult Community Education | Pollinators | Full-day Workshop
**This course is full. To join waiting list email janet@hcp.ca , or join the Mini Bee School Interest list to be notified when Spring 2026 course offering is available (TBC)**
Have you always wanted to know how to ID the amazing diversity of native bees buzzing around your flowers? Where do they nest, what do they eat, and how can you support them? Join the Native Bee Society of BC's Bee Biology and Identification workshop in at the HCP on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
This fascinating one-day workshop, lead by NBSBC's Bonnie Zand, will take place in the HCP Pavilion to provide you with identification strategies for common native bees, as well as in depth information on their nesting, overwintering, and flower preferences.
This adult workshop is suitable for beginner to intermediate students and will focus on recognizing common bumble bee species and common solitary bee genera. We will be examining bee specimens using low magnification digital microscopes, focusing on features that can be observed in the field and in photographs.
This workshop will cover:

How to use digital microscopes and handle specimens
Bee anatomy, terminology
Bees Vs Flies Vs Wasps Vs Honeybees
Practice Identification sessions
Overview of Bee diversity - families/common genera
Bumblebee ID
Biology and ID of short tongue bees
Biology and ID of long tongue bees
Habitat enhancement and support for native bees

This workshop is hosted by Adult Community Education at the HCP.
Date & Location
Sunday, September 21, 2025 - 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (includes 1 hour for lunch)
The Pavilion at the HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Registration & Tuition
$250.00 Regular/Professional
$200.00 HCP Members
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250-479-6273

$200.00 NBSBC Members*
$175.00 Students*

Nature-Based Expressive Arts: connecting with nature to promote natural creativity
2025-09-21 13:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | Arts & Wellness | 3-hour workshop
**This workshop is full. To join the waiting list, email janet@hcp.ca.**
Join Registered Horticultural Therapist and Expressive Artist Cliff Thorbes for a restorative and creative session. This unique session will include a garden walk, a creative writing activity, and a simple botanical craft - designed to help you connect with nature on a deeper level, experience more fully the present moment, and explore your natural creativity.
Date & Location
Sunday, September 21, 1:00-4:00 pm
The Classroom at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria V9E 2J7
Registration & Fees
Members $40.00
Non Members $45.00
Register Online or call 250 479 6162
Cancelations
This class requires a minimum registration to run. If you need to cancel, please contact communityed@hcp.ca regarding a refund. Refunds may not be available for cancellations less than 7 days prior to the class.

HCP Kids - Pro-D Day Camp Sept 2025
2025-09-22 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 September 2025 in Junior Master Gardener plot!
Limited to 18 participants. For children between 5 and 12 years (School age)

Date: 22 Sept
Time: 9:00 to 4:00 pm
Fee: $45/child and $40/family membership
Registration: Online or call 250-479-6162

Gathered Harvest: an autumn floral design workshop
2025-09-26 18:00 - 20:30
ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION | WORKSHOP | 2.5 HOURS (Evening)
**Once Space Available**
Join Katherine Olmstead, Canadian International Master Florist, for a hands-on floral design workshop, where you will create your own harvest-inspired centerpiece using seasonal materials like sunflowers, fruiting branches, gourds, and locally sourced blooms, all arranged in a rustic vessel with eco-friendly mechanics. Participants will enjoy a relaxed, fun, and inspiring environment, connecting with their creativity and the natural world while gaining a beautiful introduction to vegetative floral design.
Workshop Highlights:

All tools and materials provided
Warm apple cider and seasonal treats
Step-by-step instruction rooted in European floral techniques and botanical storytelling
Focus on texture, colour, shape, and the interplay between living and freshly cut elements
Learn material knowledge, design composition, and practical floral design skills
Suitable for professional florists, floral hobbyists, and creatives of all kinds
Take home your finished floral centerpiece!

Additional Info:
Feel free to bring small personal decorations or your own tools to customize your design for your autumn table.
Your registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP (9:00-3:30 last entry)
Date & Location
Friday September 26, 6:00-8:30 pm
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
$95.00 HCP Members
$110.00 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.

Circles of Stillness: A Slow Stitch Workshop
2025-09-27 09:00 - 12:00
Adult Community Education | Art & Craft | 3-hour Workshop
**This workshop is full. Email janet@hcp.ca to join the waiting list and be notified of future classes by this instructor.**
Slow stitching is the practice of hand stitching with no specific end goal in mind. Part
contemporary embroidery, part abstract collage, slow stitching involves combining colours,
layers and textures with the meditative rhythm of simple hand stitching as a nourishing ritual to
ground, inspire and play.
Join instructor Megan Spedding to explore the process and benefits of slow stitch through the circular form.
Inspired by the unique ways circles are expressed in nature, participants will use basic slow stitch to embellish circles in various ways, reflecting on the meaning of the symbol. A backing cloth will be provided so that the finished swatches can be displayed together as a one-of-a-kind sampler.
Supplies will be provided, but participants are invited to bring and/or share any materials they
may wish to work with.
Time & Location
Saturday Sept. 27, 9:00 am - noon
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria BC
Registration & Fees
Registration includes admission to the garden on the day of the class.
$60.00 HCP Members
$70.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?
REGISTER ONLINE or by phone at 250-479-6162

Instructor Bio
Megan Spedding is a Cowichan Valley-based textile artist whose hand stitch work is inspired by nature, ritual, repurposed materials and the raw edges of imperfection.
In 2020, Megan began exploring the meditative practice of slow stitch, an intuitive form of needlework combining freeform fabric collage with conventional embroidery, and has continued to evolve and deepen her practice since. She has a deep love of nature and spends as much
time as possible outdoors, photographing and observing her surroundings, and has begun incorporating her own plant-dyed and printed textiles in her work as she unearths ways of connecting her love of nature with her mindful stitch practice.
Samples of Megan’s work can be found on Instagram at Instagram.com/threadspells and on her blog at www.unfurlingcreative.com.
