Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

SEED STARTING for KIDS (KIT+VIDEO)
2021-02-20 00:00 - 2021-06-20 00:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Growing vegetables from seed is a fun way for children to become self reliant and aware of their own food security. This class includes the introduction to growing 6 different cool weather crops from seed, their maintenance and replanting information. Participants will learn about the best soils to use for starting seeds, how to water, when to harden off and how to plan for successive crops. Participants will take home a tray with their planted seeds and the potential to fill a small garden or several containers with seasonal vegetables.
*Family members are welcome to participate (in the safety of your home) for a virtual session which can be accessed at your convenience and an instruction sheet the workshop. Our take-home kits will be prepared as they are ordered and a pick- up date assigned for safe distribution.
Age: 6 years +
Fee: $20/child members, $25/child non-members
Take-home kits are the same price as in person workshop.
Registration: Online below or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Outdoor Fairy Gardens (KIT+VIDEO)
2021-02-20 00:00 - 2021-06-20 00:00
Using a selection of winter hardy plants, we will create an outdoor fairy garden for your deck, your balcony or garden. We will discuss winter hardy plants and how to grow them in small containers. These miniature gardens will provide a fun reason to move your child's play out of doors this season and makes a great destination to check on during the spring and summer too!
*Family members are welcome to participate (in the safety of your home) for a virtual session which can be accessed at your convenience and an instruction sheet the workshop. Our take-home kits will be prepared as they are ordered and a pick- up date assigned for safe distribution.
Age: 5+ years (under 7 with an adult)
Fee: $20/child members, $25/child non-members
Take-home kits are the same price as in person workshop
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Tea Cup Fairy Gardens (KIT+VIDEO)
2021-02-20 00:00 - 2021-06-20 00:00
The mystique of having fairies in our gardens has us all intrigued! Learn how to incorporate tiny plants and elements of design into these little gardens for indoor use. We will explore the needs of plants and how to care for them in a miniature setting while providing a magical place for wee garden visitors! WARNING: These can be addictive and SO FUN to create. Parents are welcome to attend.
*Family members are welcome to participate (in the safety of your home) for a virtual session which can be accessed at your convenience and an instruction sheet the workshop. Our take-home kits will be prepared as they are ordered and a pick- up date assigned for safe distribution.
Age: 5 years + (under 7 years accompanied by an adult)
Fee: $20/child members, $25/non-members
Take-home kits are the same price as in person workshop.
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Terrarium Gardens for Kids (KIT+VIDEO)
2021-02-20 00:00 - 2021-06-20 00:00
Get creative as you learn about the needs of little plants and what better place to grow them than in an upcycled glass container. Bring along a glass bowl, vase, jar or other container and see what you can create! (containers up to 20 cm in size). Participants will learn about maintaining a tropical plants garden, including propagation and restoration in this workshop. If you have attended a terrarium garden workshop with us before, consider bringing along your earlier version for a makeover. An adult must accompany children under 7 years of age. You provide the glass container and we provide the rest. Anyone from your household is welcome to share your screen!
*Family members are welcome to participate (in the safety of your home) for a virtual session which can be accessed at your convenience and an instruction sheet the workshop. Our take-home kits will be prepared as they are ordered and a pick- up date assigned for safe distribution.

Age: 5+ years (under 7 with an adult)
Fee: $20/screen/$25/non-members screen
(Workshop kits are included in price)
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

PRO-D DAY CAMPS
2021-02-12 09:00 - 16:00
PRO-D DAY CAMPS
Join us for an outdoor garden experience where we take on seasonal gardening tasks and activities in our very own JMG Garden. There are also opportunities to explore the vast wilderness areas to experience the natural systems that keep our gardens growing, as well as garden arts and crafts and more. Limit: 15
Dates: February 12; April 19; April 23; May 14; May 21
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Age: 5 - 12 years (school age)
Fee: $40/child
Registration: Online or by phone 250 479 6162
February 12
April 19
April 23
May 14
May 21

Zoom Class: Watercolours with Richard Wong – Nuthatch
2021-02-04 18:00 - 20:00
ONLINE VIA ZOOM: Watercolours with Richard Wong – Nuthatch
Relax, Paint and Connect. Enjoy a lovely learning experience online where you can relax, have some fun, paint and connect with others while learning how to create beautiful watercolours on Japanese art paper. You will receive tips on how to improve your painting, and you will be guided each step of the way, putting theory into practice as you follow and paint after each step is demonstrated.
Thursday, February 4 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm (PST)
Register online HERE or by calling 250 479 6162
Participant Fee: $20
Supplies: Richard will email participants with a supply list. Supplies can be purchased by participants or kits can be purchased directly from Richard for $75.
ONLINE CLASS INFORMATION
Who can participate?:
Classes are adult and family oriented, suitable for adults and families with an interest in learning how to create lovely watercolours. All levels are welcome, including absolute beginners. Moms, Dads, Grandparents and children are encouraged to paint together within households in front of one screen, all included in one tuition. Families with younger children should have an adult present to guide them.
How to register:
Participants can register online using the links below or call 250 479 6162.
How much does it cost?:
$20 per screen plus supplies, so the whole family can participate!
What supplies do I need?:
Participants will receive a welcome package soon after registration. This includes a shopping list, class image, further instructions and zoom invite link.
For those participants who don't want to go shopping for their own supplies, kits may be purchased directly from Richard for contactless pick-up at his home. $75/kit [includes class paint colours, 2 Chinese paint brushes (small, medium), pencil, kneaded eraser, some masa paper, a paint palette, copy of class image]
I don't know how to use Zoom? Can I still join?
Yes! Zoom is free for participants to download. If you have not used Zoom before, then we suggest you do this ahead of time. Your computer will require a mic and camera in order to use this application. For more information or to download Zoom, please visit their website HERE.

Fairy Garden Furnishings Workshop (KIT+VIDEO)
2021-02-01 13:00 - 2021-06-20 15:00
FAIRY GARDEN FURNISHINGS WORKSHOP (KIT + VIDEO)
Are you looking for ways to create your own Fairy Garden outdoors and furnishing it or to increase an existing garden. Join us for this creative activity time to build chairs, ladders, and other furnishings for your wee garden inhabitants. Use them in an existing garden or learn to create one or more garden rooms with them. Explore plants, natural materials and methods to create a whimsical setting in your garden or in containers. Parents/guardians are welcome to stay and participate.
*Family members are welcome to participate (in the safety of your home) for a virtual session which can be accessed at your convenience and an instruction sheet the workshop. Our take-home kits will be prepared as they are ordered and a pick- up date assigned for safe distribution.
Age: 5 years + (under 7 years accompanied by an adult)
Fee: $20/child members, $25/non-members
Take-home kits are the same price as in person workshop.
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Plant Identification and Culture Classes
2021-01-23 13:00 - 16:00
with Diane Pierce

Learn so much about plants with Diane Pierce, expert gardener, designer and writer. Diane will introduce you to 25 new plants 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. Classes will be held in person when possible or otherwise via zoom. Masks required for in-person classes.
Note that 12 packs of classes are no longer available to purchase in 2021. Those purchased in 2020 will be honoured.
HCP Members $35.00 per session
Non-Members $45.00 per session
To register, call 250 479 6162 or register online below
2021 Dates:
Saturdays - 1pm - 4pm:
May 15 (Via Zoom)
May Registration
June 19 (Venue tbc)
June Registration
July 17 (Venue tbc)
July Registration
August 21 (Government House Field Trip)
August Registration
September 11 (Venue tbc)
September Registration
October 16 (via zoom)
October Registration
November 20 (in person at HCP with Jane Tice)
November Registration
December 4 (in person at HCP with Jane Tice)
December Registration

Zoom Class: Watercolours with Richard Wong – Pears
2021-01-14 18:00 - 20:00
ONLINE VIA ZOOM: Watercolours with Richard Wong – Pears
Relax, Paint and Connect. Enjoy a lovely learning experience online where you can relax, have some fun, paint and connect with others while learning how to create beautiful watercolours on Japanese art paper. You will receive tips on how to improve your painting, and you will be guided each step of the way, putting theory into practice as you follow and paint after each step is demonstrated.
Thursday, January 14 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm (PST)
Register online HERE or by calling 250 479 6162
Participant Fee: $20 per screen
Supplies: Richard will email participants with a supply list. Supplies can be purchased by participants or kits can be purchased directly from Richard for $75.
ONLINE CLASS INFORMATION
Who can participate?:
Classes are adult and family oriented, suitable for adults and families with an interest in learning how to create lovely watercolours. All levels are welcome, including absolute beginners. Moms, Dads, Grandparents and children are encouraged to paint together within households in front of one screen, all included in one tuition. Families with younger children should have an adult present to guide them.
How to register:
Participants can register online using the links below or call 250 479 6162.
How much does it cost?:
$20 per screen plus supplies, so the whole family can participate!
What supplies do I need?:
Participants will receive a welcome package soon after registration. This includes a shopping list, class image, further instructions and zoom invite link.
For those participants who don't want to go shopping for their own supplies, kits may be purchased directly from Richard for contactless pick-up at his home. $75/kit [includes class paint colours, 2 Chinese paint brushes (small, medium), pencil, kneaded eraser, some masa paper, a paint palette, copy of class image]
I don't know how to use Zoom? Can I still join?
Yes! Zoom is free for participants to download. If you have not used Zoom before, then we suggest you do this ahead of time. Your computer will require a mic and camera in order to use this application. For more information or to download Zoom, please visit their website HERE.

Gardens Reopen
2021-01-14 10:00 - 16:00
The Gardens are open Thursdays - Sundays starting on January 14th - 10am - 4pm.
Please check our website if we have snowy conditions as we may be closed on those days.

Holiday Closure
2020-12-19 10:00 - 2021-01-13 16:00
The Gardens will be closed on Saturday December 19 and re-open on Thursday, January 14 - 10am - 4pm.
We look forward to seeing you again in the new year. Until then have a safe and happy festive season.

Advanced Pruning
2020-11-08 10:00
Sundays, November 8 & 15 - 10am - 1pm
Instructor: Ryan Senechal
Are you a hands-on gardener hesitant to prune small trees and shrubs in fear of injuring or undesirably altering them? This course with certified arborist Ryan Senechal will give you the skills you need to successfully prune your garden. In 2 sessions, basic pruning techniques and advanced strategies will be reviewed and applied to teach you how to achieve desirable structure, reduced maintenance & long term plant health in your garden. Your confidence and comfort will grow as you observe, learn, and practice proper pruning techniques and common mistakes to avoid. This is an outdoor workshop, please dress accordingly and bring your secateurs, all other equipment will be supplied.
HCP Members $90/Non Members $110
Register online below or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Advanced Pruning
2020-11-07 10:00 - 13:00
Saturday, November 7 & 14 - 10am - 1pm
Instructor: Ryan Senechal
Are you a hands-on gardener hesitant to prune small trees and shrubs in fear of injuring or undesirably altering them? This course with certified arborist Ryan Senechal will give you the skills you need to successfully prune your garden. In 2 sessions, basic pruning techniques and advanced strategies will be reviewed and applied to teach you how to achieve desirable structure, reduced maintenance & long term plant health in your garden. Your confidence and comfort will grow as you observe, learn, and practice proper pruning techniques and common mistakes to avoid. This is an outdoor workshop, please dress accordingly and bring your secateurs, all other equipment will be supplied.
HCP Members $90/Non Members $110
Register online below or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Random Bird's Nest Baskets Workshop
2020-11-03 09:30 - 16:30
Random weave is one of Joan's favourite styles of baskets. The structure is beautiful reminding one of bird's nests. It is strong, durable and lends itself to sculptural forms on both small and large scale. We will discuss and cover several ways of approaching this technique. Our base material will be round reed along with a selection of Joan's favourite vines and branches that can be used. A tour of the garden to discuss other possible plants for this technique may result in other materials we can incorporate into our baskets.
Tool list: sharp secateurs, an old towel, 5”-6” cable ties and/or long twist ties, flat piece of cardboard no smaller then 15” square (basically the side of a large box will do fine)
HCP Members $120 / Non Members $140
Register online below or call 250 479 6162
Register Online
Instructor Bio: Joan Carrigan
Joan Carrigan is a full time basketmaker and basketry teacher living on Salt Spring Island, BC. Over the past 25 years, her passion for baskets has led her to study, travel and explore many different techniques and materials within the medium. Joan studied Fine Art and Art History at the University of Guelph and her love of history has fueled her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has 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.

Plant Identification & Culture Workshops
2020-10-31 13:00 - 16:00
Saturday, October 31 - 1pm - 4pm
Saturday, November 21 - 1pm - 4pm
Sunday - December 13 - 1pm - 4pm

Instructor: Diane Pierce
Learn all about plants with Diane Pierce, expert gardener, designer and writer. Diane will introduce you to 25 new plants 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

Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online for October
Register Online for 12 Sessions

Hawk - Watercolour Workshop with Richard Wong
2020-10-29 12:30 - 15:30
Thursday, October 29 - 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Please join Richard for a lovely safe day of art Thurs, Oct 29 starting at 12:30pm! Admission to the Gardens is included, so consider bringing a lunch to enjoy in the Garden before heading over to the Pavilion to learn how to paint the “Red-tailed Hawk” on Japanese art paper. Everyone is welcome. Beginners are especially encouraged. Richard's classes frequently sell out so early registration is recommended.
Richard's classes are also fun, relaxed and fully supported within a safe learning environment. The HCP is committed to providing a safe learning environment. We will use overhead projection, individual tables, physical distancing and masks where needed to ensure that safety standards for Covid are met.
Richard Wong is a local professional wildlife artist with international credentials. His art is popular. His classes are fun. Learn more about Richard: www.richardwongwatercolors.ca
Class Fee: $55.00 (includes workshop, art supplies and Garden admission)
Call 250 479 6162 to register or register online below.
Register Online

Richard Wong, Artist Statement & Biography
“How I Became A Wildlife Artist”

This great adventure of mine started fairly innocently.
I spent a glorious 25 years with the provincial government of British Columbia working in finance and policy (Ministry of Environment). During that time, I came to appreciate our wildlife and natural environment, all so delicately balanced! Then it came time to retire. So I did.
My life as a wildlife artist started soon thereafter. With time on my hands, and a Christmas gift of art supplies (from my wonderful spouse), I enrolled in art classes (2010). First it was traditional watercolor classes. Then it was Chinese brush lessons. I soon discovered Japanese art paper, and my career (second) as a professional wildlife artist began. Learning to paint, especially watercolor, allows me to capture the very essence of wildlife and nature like no other medium. Much of our wildlife is affected to the point where we are losing them rapidly. So I do what I can to spread this message of awareness: to paint and capture our wildlife in beautiful, vibrant watercolors; to teach others how to do this; and along the way, to engage and connect people and communities through my love of art. This love has taken me to Australia and the United States, where I've taught, presented and shown my work (Watercolor on Japanese Art Paper). I now paint (professionally), teach and sell from my lovely home base in Victoria, BC, Canada.
Wishing everyone a very lovely journey as we embark on yet another wildlife/art adventure full of wonder, excitement and discovery!
Sincerely,
Richard Wong
Professional Wildlife Artist
Watercolor on Japanese Art Paper

International Bat Week (October 24 - 31)
2020-10-24 11:00 - 12:00
BAT INTERPRETIVE WALK
Join the Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT) on a walk-through HCP's natural areas and learn about our native and at-risk bat populations. Learn about the important role these animals play in our ecosystems and how you can enhance bat habitat close to home. There will also be a BAT Scavenger Hunt to challenge your bat knowledge through the gardens.
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2020
Time: 11am - 12pm
Age: Families (up to 4 each) TOTAL of 24 participants
Fee: By donation to Habitat Acquisition Trust's bat conservation programs
If registration is brisk and we reach our limit of 24 participants (we can only hope) that a second time would be added for another 1 hour session.
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Willow Chair Workshop
2020-10-18 09:00 - 17:00, 2020-09-29 09:00 - 17:00
Instructor: 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 techniques. 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.
This class requires previous building experience or a helper from your household. The fees cover two participants making one chair together.
HCP Members $250 / Non Members $275
Register online using the button below or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Three Season Planters Workshop
2020-10-17 10:30 - 23:30
Add some colour to your front step, a balcony garden, or deck with a planter designed for 3 season interest! This 3 in 1 container garden features fall and winter flowering annuals to provide colour now and through winter, and bulbs that will provide spring colour. Bring along your gardening gloves and we will provide the rest. Parents are welcome to attend! Limited to 8 participants.
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2020
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Age: 6+ years (under 7 with an adult)
Fee: $20/child
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Register Online

Willow Tension Tray Workshop
2020-10-06 09:30 - 16:30
Tuesday - October 6 - 9:30am - 4:30pm
Instructor: 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. Different types of trays will be explored including tension and rib style trays. This course offers an introduction to working with willow and your finished piece is certain to become a favourite.

HCP Members $120 / Non Members $140
Call 250 479 6162 to register or register online below.
Register Online

Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping
2020-10-04 10:00 - 13:00
Sunday, October 4 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Instructor: Gordon Mackay
As beekeeping becomes even more popular in recent times, the importance of some introductory knowledge becomes even more important prior to getting our honey bees.
This workshop is aimed at providing new beekeepers with knowledge that will help them with setting up their first colony of honey bees next spring.
We will be covering; equipment required, methods to purchase bees, swarming, potential pests and diseases (yes we will be talking about the dreaded Varroa mite...!) and also look at a few recommend flowering plants for our local area which are important nectar, pollen and propolis sources for honey bees.
Participant Fee $25
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online
Instructor Bio: Gordon Mackay
During his time as a horticulture student on the two year program at Threave School of Gardening in Scotland, Gordon was deeply inspired by honey bees. It was only a matter of time before this interest became an obsession.
Gordon is currently on the Executive Committee of the Cowichan Beekeepers Society and has completed the BC Bee Masters Certification.
He was fortunate enough to be able to attend the 2019 National Honey Show and Conference in the UK. He has been a student of Andrew Abrahams at the Colonsay Black Bee Reserve in Scotland, a world renowned island where the population of black native honey bees are protected, researched and maintained by Andrew. Colonsay is one of the few places in the world to be free from the Varroa mite.

Forest Therapy Walks
2020-10-03 13:30 - 16:00
Come join Kelly Kiss, ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, to discover “Forest Bathing”, what it is, along with its health and wellness benefits.
Reconnect with yourself and nature through a mindful walk in the beautiful Gardens at HCP. Kelly will offer you a unique “forest bathing” experience, an “immersion” into the space of trees, plants and the beings of the forest and gardens. Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. Shinrin-Yoku means to “bathe in the atmosphere of the forest” and is a term that was originally used by the Japanese government in the 1980's, to describe the practice of spending time in nature to soak up its health benefits. If practiced regularly, “forest bathing” may improve your health, wellness and happiness! After a walk, participants have noticed that they feel calmer, more peaceful and more relaxed.
During a guided walk, Kelly will offer you a series of “invitations” or suggestions, to help you to slow down and connect with your senses. You are then invited to do what feels comfortable to you. Guides merely hold the space for the deepening and connection to happen. Moving slowly over a gentle landscape, the practice of forest therapy is accessible to people of all fitness levels, ages and abilities. For more information please see website at: www.salishseaforesttherapy.ca
HCP Members & Non-Members - $45.00
Spring Walk Dates:
July 11, August 8, August 29, October 3
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register For October 3
Instructor Bio:
Kelly is a Certified Forest Therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Programs. She makes her home on Salt Spring Island and the Salish Sea with her son, animals and surrounded by nature. Kelly has been practicing and teaching the healing arts for over eighteen years and all of her life she has had a deep connection with trees. Currently she enjoys spending her days slowing down through meditation, yoga, walking, forest bathing, writing, spending time outdoors, and being creative.
A nature connection walk with Kelly will leave you feeling relaxed, peaceful, grounded and more alive!

Pumpkin People Activity for Families
2020-10-03 10:30 - 23:30
What are Pumpkin People? These outdoor creations, much like scarecrows, that we just love to have in the gardens for fall. This year, we are inviting FAMILIES to join us for a fun activity to make a Pumpkin Person and contribute to our display for fall guests to enjoy!! We will provide the supports and pumpkins along with bales of straw. You bring along some old clothes to dress up a pumpkin person and plan your own photo shoot! Limited to 6 families (or parent and child) per session.
Date: Saturday, October 03, 2020
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 pm OR 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Fee: $20/child + adult or family
Register online or call 250 479 6162.
Morning Session
Afternoon Session

Plant Identification & Culture Workshops
2020-09-26 13:00 - 16:00
One Saturday a month 1pm - 4pm
January 25, February 15, March 21, April 18, May 23 (field trip - please pre-register), June 20, July 18, August 15 (field trip - please pre-register), September 26, October 31, November 28, December 5
Instructor: Diane Pierce
Learn all about plants with Diane Pierce, expert gardener, designer and writer. Diane will introduce you to 25 new plants 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

Register Online for September
Register Online for 12 Sessions

Fox - Watercolour Workshop with Richard Wong
2020-09-24 12:30 - 15:30
Thursday, September 24th - 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Please join Richard for a lovely safe day of art this fall that starts at 12:30pm! Bring a lunch to enjoy in the Garden before heading over to the Pavilion to learn how to paint “Spirit Fox” on Japanese art paper. Within many indigenous cultures, Fox as spirit animal offers guidance to one for taking quick action, adaptability and mental alertness in dealing with everyday and life issues. Everyone is welcome. Beginners are especially encouraged. Richard's classes frequently sell out so early registration is recommended.
Richard's classes are also fun, relaxed and fully supported within a safe learning environment. Overhead projection will ensure social distancing requirements are met. Provincial Health guidelines will be followed. Hand sanitizers will be available. And use of masks will be recommended for instances where distancing is not possible. Tables, chairs and all art supplies will also be cleaned before and after use.
Richard Wong is a local professional wildlife artist with international credentials. His art is popular. His classes are fun. Learn more about Richard: www.richardwongwatercolors.ca
Class Fee: $55.00 (includes workshop, art supplies and Garden admission)
Call 250 479 6162 to register or register online below.
Register Online

Richard Wong, Artist Statement & Biography
“How I Became A Wildlife Artist”

This great adventure of mine started fairly innocently.
I spent a glorious 25 years with the provincial government of British Columbia working in finance and policy (Ministry of Environment). During that time, I came to appreciate our wildlife and natural environment, all so delicately balanced! Then it came time to retire. So I did.
My life as a wildlife artist started soon thereafter. With time on my hands, and a Christmas gift of art supplies (from my wonderful spouse), I enrolled in art classes (2010). First it was traditional watercolor classes. Then it was Chinese brush lessons. I soon discovered Japanese art paper, and my career (second) as a professional wildlife artist began. Learning to paint, especially watercolor, allows me to capture the very essence of wildlife and nature like no other medium. Much of our wildlife is affected to the point where we are losing them rapidly. So I do what I can to spread this message of awareness: to paint and capture our wildlife in beautiful, vibrant watercolors; to teach others how to do this; and along the way, to engage and connect people and communities through my love of art. This love has taken me to Australia and the United States, where I've taught, presented and shown my work (Watercolor on Japanese Art Paper). I now paint (professionally), teach and sell from my lovely home base in Victoria, BC, Canada.
Wishing everyone a very lovely journey as we embark on yet another wildlife/art adventure full of wonder, excitement and discovery!
Sincerely,
Richard Wong
Professional Wildlife Artist
Watercolor on Japanese Art Paper

Fall Plant Sale - (In Person Sales)
2020-09-24 10:00 - 16:00

Fall Plant Sale - (Online and Phone Sales Only)
2020-09-21 09:00 - 16:00

Fairy Gardens
2020-09-19 13:30 - 15:30
Miniature gardens are fun to make! They provide us with a connection to plants, help develop creativity and offer us a chance to play! We can all use more of that? Join us for an inspirational garden wander and then make your own dream garden to keep the fairies comfy. Maximum of 8.
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2020
Time: 1:30-3:00 pm
Age: 5+ years
Fee: $20/child
Register online below or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

Eco Crafts
2020-09-19 10:30 - 12:00
Do you ever wonder how to reduce, reuse, and repurpose household items into new products? Bring along an old tee shirt to make a fabric tote bag to take your goods home in. Then create some amazing other items using household items. Maximum 8.
Date: September 19
Time: 10:30-12:00 noon
Ages: 6+ years
Fee: $20/child
Register online below or call 250 479 6162

Register Online
