Succulent Gardens
2022-08-09 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
These plants come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes and are easy to grow and to propagate. Let's get creative as we explore these interesting and diverse plants, using our many demonstration gardens for inspiration. We will use planters to create stunning container gardens that are drought tolerant and child friendly.

Date: Tuesday, Aug 9, 2022
Time: 1:30 - 3:00pm
Age: 6+ years
Fee: $25/members, $30/non members
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Tea Time
2022-08-11 13:30 - 15:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Tea brewing is an art form that goes back to ancient times. Did you know that many of the herbs growing in our gardens are easy to use for brewing. Children love to explore and learn about these interesting plants that provide our brews with flavours, colours and scents. Together we will explore the herb and flower gardens to create a better understanding of these plants and their uses. Then we will create our own blends to take home and sample, discussing drying and storing techniques while we taste our teas.

Date: Thursday, Aug 11, 2022
Time: 1:30 - 3:00pm
Age: 6+ years
Fee: $25/members, $30/non members
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Cedar and Willow Bark Twill Cat's Head Basket Workshop
2022-08-12 09:30 - 16:30 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
With Joan Carrigan
This basket is woven with cedar bark spokes and willow bark in a continuous twill pattern. We will shape the basket in the style of a Cat's Head basket associated with Shaker baskets. 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 of a fold down rim using three strand twining. Approx. size: 5” x 5” x 4”
Members - $120.00
Non-Members - $140.00
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 prompted her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has encouraged her enthusiasm for the sculptural and creative potentials that the medium offers. Her inspiration comes from the plant materials she respectfully harvests from nature. Joan's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Joan teaches extensively both close to home and in Europe and finds this to be a very rewarding aspect of her career.

If you would like to receive email updates when new basketry classes with Joan open for registration, please sign up to be on our Basketry Enthusiast List below:
Basketry Enthusiast List

Sculptural Basketry with a Wood Base Workshop
2022-08-13 09:30 - 16:30 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
With Joan Carrigan
Explore the sculptural design possibilities of Wicker Basketry when starting with a wood base. Bases will be provided along with dyed round reed and a selection of natural materials such as bark 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.
Members - $120.00
Non-Members - $140.00
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 prompted her research in traditional techniques. Her background in fine art has encouraged her enthusiasm for the sculptural and creative potentials that the medium offers. Her inspiration comes from the plant materials she respectfully harvests from nature. Joan's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Joan teaches extensively both close to home and in Europe and finds this to be a very rewarding aspect of her career.

If you would like to receive email updates when new basketry classes with Joan open for registration, please sign up to be on our Basketry Enthusiast List below:
Basketry Enthusiast List

Summer Camp: August 15 - 19
2022-08-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
During these camps, we will busy ourselves with seasonal gardening activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden! There will also be an exploration of the many natural systems that keep our gardens growing, garden arts and crafts, and more!
NOTE: All dates are sold out. Click below to sign up for the waiting list.

Jul 4-8, 2022 (full day, 5 days/week)
Jul 11-15, 2022 (half day, 5 days/week)
Jul 18-22, 2022 (full day, 5 days/week)
Aug 2-5, 2022 (full day, 4 days/week)
Aug 8-12, 2022 (half day, 5 days/week)
Aug 15-19, 2022 (full day, 5 days/week)
Times: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Ages: 5 to 12 years (school-age)

Fee:

Five-day Camps: $180/child; $345/2 children; $495/3 children
Four-day Camps: $145/child; $275/2 children; $390/3 children
Half-day Camps: $95/child; $180/2 children; $255/3 children

Yoga in the Garden with Michael Toru
2022-08-17 17:30 - 18:15 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Join us for an outdoor yoga class in the Gardens with instructor Michael Toru. This is a 45 minute session and participants can register for a pack of 5 consecutive sessions.
Michael views yoga as his medicine. He was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder when he was 18 years old. Years of trying out different Western approaches, including surgery, proved to not be a long term solution. When he started practicing yoga his whole well-being became balanced and he learned to thrive! Michael now shares yoga with others to enhance their lives from the mat, to work, to family life and beyond.
If this all-levels yoga class experience had to be summed up in one word it would be “nourishing”. You can expect to move in ways that will nurture key areas of your body like the low back, hips, shoulders and more. The intention of this class is to leave you feeling more connected to yourself and the beautiful nature of the Gardens at HCP.
Please bring your own yoga mat and any other items you might need to make you comfortable during your practice. This class is outdoors. Please be prepared for being outdoors. We will contact you by 2pm if the class is cancelled due to rain, so please check your email prior to coming out to class.

Wednesdays - 5:30pm - 6:15pm depending on weather (ending on September 14)
$10/Session
Register Drop In

Plant Identification & Culture
2022-08-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
This is a monthly class in which participants will be introduced to 25 new plants in each session. Plants are selected for our local growing conditions and the value they bring to the garden. Sadly, Diane Pierce has retired from teaching this class at the end of 2021. The class will now be taught by PHC college instructor and plant expert, Jane Tice. Classes will be in person at the HCP or field trips. If provincial health orders change during COVID, classes may be moved online via Zoom.
Please register ahead of time for field trip classes.
One Saturday per month – 1pm – 4pm.
HCP Members $40.00 per session
Non-Members $50.00 per session
2022 DATES:
To register, call 250 479 6162 or click on a date below.
Note that registration closes the Wednesday prior to class at noon.
August 20
September 17
October 15
November 19
December 10

Labour Day - Gardens Open
2022-09-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
The Gardens will be open on Labour Day from 10am - 4pm by donation.

Garden Nature Academy - Fall Session
2022-09-06 09:00 - 23:30 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
*This recurring outdoor nature program is limited to 10 students and it fills quickly!
The outdoors offers a unique opportunity for your preschooler to explore through play, games, songs and activities! These outdoor sessions include time in our vegetable garden, as well as numerous pathways and native plant forest areas to explore. The small group sizes and our experienced nature educators help to create a nurturing and engaging environment for young children to learn, play and grow!

Dates: Tuesday's for 12 weeks: from September 6 to November 8, 2022
Time: 9:00am to 11:30am
Age: 3 to 5 years
Fee: $250/1 child, $, $295/non-members (price is for full series)
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

Garden Club - Fall Session
2022-09-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Our Pacific Northwest offers many advantages for growing food crops year round. In this fall session, we will plant, seed start, transplant, maintain, harvest and seed save as the season transitions to fall. Some of these crops will be for fall harvesting and others, such as leeks, garlic, carrots, chard, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli and beets, will be for late winter harvest.
This program is suited to school age children to attend independently or with a family member and for pre-k learners with a family member for support.
Date: Saturday's, September 10, 17, 24, October 01, 08, 15, 2022.
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Age: 3 to 12 years
Fee: $85/child(ren + adult) for the session
Register: HERE

Plant Identification & Culture
2022-09-17 13:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
This is a monthly class in which participants will be introduced to 25 new plants in each session. Plants are selected for our local growing conditions and the value they bring to the garden. Sadly, Diane Pierce has retired from teaching this class at the end of 2021. The class will now be taught by PHC college instructor and plant expert, Jane Tice. Classes will be in person at the HCP or field trips. If provincial health orders change during COVID, classes may be moved online via Zoom.
Please register ahead of time for field trip classes.
One Saturday per month – 1pm – 4pm.
HCP Members $40.00 per session
Non-Members $50.00 per session
2022 DATES:
To register, call 250 479 6162 or click on a date below.
Note that registration closes the Wednesday prior to class at noon.
September 17
October 15
November 19
December 10

Flower Pressing Workshop
2022-09-17 13:30 - 15:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Remember pressing flowers as a child? This memory is one that is enjoyed by many and easy to do. Together, we will gather flowers and leaves from the garden for pressing in our own little presses to take home. Then we will make some pressed flower crafts to learn how to preserve these little treasures for years to come! Enjoy some creative time with a child in your life and sign up for two! All materials are provided.
Date: Saturday, September 17
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00
Age: 6+ years
Fee: $25/members, $30/non-members
Register: HERE

Willow Chair Workshop
2022-09-18 09:00 - 17:00 | BC
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. Two people from the same household can sign up as one registration to make one chair together. This is recommended as it is ideal to have a helper for this class. Masks preferred.
HCP Members: $250
Non Members: $275
Register online or call 250 479 6162
Register Online

ONLINE: Continuing Watercolour Classes with Richard Wong
2022-09-21 09:30 - 11:30 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Weds, Sept 21 - Oct 26th, 9:30-11:30am (PT)
Online via Zoom
This is Richard's series of small group watercolour classes for those with some watercolour experience. This six week series will suit those looking to learn within a small group, and continue their desire to improve watercolour skills. The group is kept small to facilitate best learning. Richard will cover a variety of subjects with all new images. (Tuition includes class videos.)
Students will need to buy their own supplies. Class supplies and instructions will be sent to all registered students prior to the start of class. Contact Richard at wong2894@telus.net if you have any questions.
Tuition: $65/class drop-in; or $315/6 classes
Registration: REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Sign up HERE to receive updates on Richard's 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

Hanging Herbarium Workshop
2022-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Sheila Weitman
Enjoy a tranquil moment of creativity and connection with nature with horticulture therapist Sheila Weitman. Using pressed flowers and plants, hanging herbariums are a personal artistic expression through the tiny wonders we see in the natural world. Spend time with fellow plant lovers and experience gratitude and appreciation of nature's wonder. Each participant gets to create and take home a hanging herbarium.
Members $45/Non Members $50
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Instructor Bio: Sheila Weitman
Sheila has over 3 decades of experience working in the horticulture trade. She completed the Horticulture Technician Certificate from Camosun College in 1991 and from that time has designed, installed
and maintained gardens throughout southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, in private and public settings. Sheila completed Ecological Landscape Design from Gaia College in 2008 which provided a solid foundation for creating ecologically focused landscapes and gardens. Since receiving a certificate in Horticulture Therapy in 2017 Sheila has provided Horticulture Therapy (HT) and Therapeutic Horticulture(TH) to individuals and groups in Long Term Care and Mental Health and Addictions programs. She is a member of the Canadian Horticulture Therapy Association(CHTA) and a volunteer with Feeding Ourselves and Others at Serenity Farm. www.feedingourselvesandothers.com
In 2022, Sheila became a Morning Altars Practitioner after completing Day Schildkret's certificate program which celebrates the melding of nature, art and ritual. https://www.morningaltars.com Through nature based creating Sheila offers us the opportunity to engage in the soothing practice of nature connection.

Fall Plant Sale - Member & Volunteer Exclusive Day
2022-09-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
September 23 (exclusive to HCP members and volunteers)
September 24-all are welcome Save the dates!
Friday, September 23 for HCP Members and volunteers only. The sale will be open to the public on Saturday, September 24. The sale will be 9:00am - 4:00pm daily. Fall is the perfect time for planting. We have lots of new stock, propagated over the spring and ready to plant out. All plants will be reduced by 25% with further discounts in our Bargain Bin. As always, garden admission is free during plant sales! Our knowledgeable staff, volunteers and students will be here to help with your plant choices. Come early for the best selection. The Victoria Master Gardener Association will be available to answer your questions. All proceeds raised from the plant sale support the development of our nonprofit teaching gardens. Fall is the best time for planting! The combination of warm soil, cooler temperatures and increased rainfall allows plants to set roots faster and become established, ensuring vigorous growth next Spring.
You can view the plant availability list HERE.
Hope to see you then!
Linda Petite (Head Gardener)

Pro-D Day Garden Camps
2022-09-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
These non-instructional day camps feature an outdoor program that includes time in our very own HCP Kids Teaching Garden where we grow food, learn to support natural systems and enjoy the many wilderness areas surrounding us!

Dates: February 17 and/or May 19
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Age: 5 to 12 years (school age)
Fee: $40/child

Register: Click on the camp date to register or call 250 479 6162

HCP Home Learners' Drop In Program
2022-09-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Bird Migration (5 - 14 years)
This unique drop in opportunity provides some garden time where we will be focusing on support for our local overwintering birds as we tend the space. We will also have a special guest from Rocky Point Bird Observatory take us on a bird walk and talk about our migratory birds. This will be a part of our non-instructional day camp series featuring this special focus suited to your child's interests. There are very limited spaces available for this day.
Date: Friday, Sep 23, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Ages: 5 - 14 years
Fees: $40
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Fall Plant Sale
2022-09-24 09:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
September 23 (exclusive to HCP members and volunteers)
September 24- all are welcome Save the dates!
Friday, September 23 for HCP Members and volunteers only. The sale will be open to the public on Saturday, September 24. The sale will be 9:00am - 4:00pm daily. Fall is the perfect time for planting. We have lots of new stock, propagated over the spring and ready to plant out. All plants will be reduced by 25% with further discounts in our Bargain Bin. As always, garden admission is free during plant sales! Our knowledgeable staff, volunteers and students will be here to help with your plant choices. Come early for the best selection. The Victoria Master Gardener Association will be available to answer your questions. All proceeds raised from the plant sale support the development of our nonprofit teaching gardens. Fall is the best time for planting! The combination of warm soil, cooler temperatures and increased rainfall allows plants to set roots faster and become established, ensuring vigorous growth next Spring.
You can view the plant availability list HERE.
Hope to see you then!
Linda Petite (Head Gardener)

Fairy Gardens Workshop
2022-09-24 13:30 - 15:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Join us for this miniature garden making lesson starting with an inspirational garden walk!
Then we will collect natural materials along the way and begin our wee garden making together. Adults are welcome to join us for the workshop and to make their own garden to take home. Everyone needs some fun!! All materials are provided.
Date: Saturday, September 24
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Age: 4+ years
Fee: $25/garden/members, $30/garden/non-members
Register: HERE
* This workshop can also be booked for a child's birthday as a Private Workshop by contacting youthprograms@hcp.ca to learn more!

Gardens Open by Donation
2022-09-30 09:00 - 16:00, 2022-10-01 09:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada

Pumpkin People Workshop
2022-10-01 12:30 - 13:15 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Bring along your family or friends group and create a seasonal Pumpkin person that will be displayed on our lower field for the month! You bring along the clothing and we provide the straw, binding and pumpkins.
Date: Saturdays - October 01 - 12:30-1:15 October 08 - 12:30-1:15 October 08- 2:30-3:15
Age: All ages welcome
Fee: $30/family or group up to 5
Register: Click on date to register

HCP Library - 33rd Anniversary Event
2022-10-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada

Gardens Closed for Volunteer Appreciation
2022-10-05 09:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada

Love your Landscape: Landscape Design Basics Series
2022-10-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
with Heidi Hitchcock
This is a 6 part series on between 6:30pm - 8:30pm on the following dates:
October 5, 12, 18, 26 and November 2 & 9
*Note all of these are Wednesday evenings except Oct 18 which is a Tuesday.
If any of these apply - this course is for you!

Your garden needs help, but you want to figure it out yourself
You're happy with your plants, but want to change your outdoor space
You're wondering where to put a new patio/deck/entertaining area
You've got a blank slate and no idea where to start
You're in the horticulture industry and want to work on your design skills
You have lots of ideas but don't know if they will work or where to start
You have no ideas and need all of the help

The hope is that after finishing this course you will have the knowledge and tools to solve your landscaping challenges. We will cover the basics in an easy and approachable way, plus you'll learn some of the designer tips and tricks that come from 15 years of experience. Together, we will explore what makes good design; what inspires us, how to problem solve, how to use landscape design to invite rest, how to know if you are a plant curator or collector, and so much more.
HCP Members $295 / Non-Members $345
Register online below or by calling 250 479 6162
Register Online

Flower Basket of Victoria Watercolour Workshop with Richard Wong
2022-10-08 10:00 - 12:15 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Join Richard to explore a fun and creative way to paint these "Flower Baskets" of Victoria. Students opting for supplies provided will be working with Japanese art paper (masa). Those opting out of supplies can buy their supplies, including masa paper, at any of the following art stores (Opus, Art World, Island Blue Print). Contact Richard at wong2894@telus.net for the class supplies list. Note that this is an in-person class at the Gardens at HCP.
Tuition: $55 (no supplies); $65 (with supplies)
Registration: REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Sign up HERE to receive updates on Richard's 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

ONLINE: Bird Watercolour Mini-Series with Richard Wong
2022-10-15 09:30 - 11:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Sat, Oct 15 - 29th, 9:30 - 11:00am (PT)

Online via Zoom

Join Richard for this exciting online mini-series exploring different ways to portray birds, watercolour on Japanese art paper (i.e. detailed, impressionistic, and fusion). Students have the option to work on Japanese art paper (masa paper), or use 140lb regular art paper. (Tuition includes class videos.)
Students will need to buy their own supplies. Class supplies and instructions will be sent to all registered students prior to the start of class. Contact Richard at wong2894@telus.net if you have any questions.

Tuition: $40/student drop-in; or $90/3 classes
Registration: REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Sign up HERE to receive updates on Richard's 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

Plant Identification & Culture
2022-10-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
This is a monthly class in which participants will be introduced to 25 new plants in each session. Plants are selected for our local growing conditions and the value they bring to the garden. Sadly, Diane Pierce has retired from teaching this class at the end of 2021. The class will now be taught by PHC college instructor and plant expert, Jane Tice. Classes will be in person at the HCP or field trips. If provincial health orders change during COVID, classes may be moved online via Zoom.
Please register ahead of time for field trip classes.
One Saturday per month – 1pm – 4pm.
HCP Members $40.00 per session
Non-Members $50.00 per session
2022 DATES:
To register, call 250 479 6162 or click on a date below.
Note that registration closes the Wednesday prior to class at noon.
October 15
November 19
December 10

Mythical Creatures Workshop
2022-10-15 13:30 - 15:00 | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Dragons, gnomes and more! Do you know someone who loves to create adventures? These gardens are playtime options that explore creative expression. We begin with a garden walk for inspiration to begin our adventure together. Using hardy plants and natural materials these mini gardens each become unique and suited to playtime. Want to join a child for this workshop? Register yourself and make your own garden to take away. All materials are provided.
* This workshop can also be booked for a child's birthday as a Private Workshop by contacting youthprograms@hcp.ca to learn more!
Date: Saturday, October 15
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00
Age: 4+ years
Fee: $25/garden/member, $30/garden/non-member
Register: HERE
