Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

Saanich Seedy Saturday
2019-01-12 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Saanich Seedy Saturday is returning to The Gardens at HCP on Saturday, January 12th 2018 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
This year, the event will showcase an abundance of local certified organic seeds along with tasty produce, children's activities, and quality vendors.
Guest Speaker Dr. Trevor Hancock, Hon FFPH will be speaking on the topic of "Feeding a One Planet Region" touching on how the District of Saanich leads the way with One Planet Living initiatives.
$8 cash admission includes entry to the Gardens at HCP. Please note that there is no ATM onsite and parking is limited; please carpool or use alternative transportation if possible!
For more information, contact Haliburton Farm at info@haliburtonfarm.org

Wreath Making for Kids
2018-12-01 13:00 - 14:30
WREATH MAKING for Kids
Bring along your favourite partner to make a wreath for your door this winter season. Using a frame, natural, locally sourced
plant material and your creativity, we will show you how. Bring along your friends and family for a different kind of seasonal get-together!
*A frame and assorted plant materials are provided.*
Adults are required to participate with children under 8 years of age and are asked to bring along hand pruners and gloves if you have them.
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Cost: $20/child
Age: 5+ years

Kids Garden Club
2018-12-01 09:45 - 11:45
This is a special invitation for everyone who has participated in the JMG Kids Garden Club in 2018 to join us on December 1 for a season round up! We will be making decorations for the JMG Garden Plot to dress it for the winter. There will be a nature walk through the gardens to collect natural materials to create take home table arrangements, as well as seasonal treats to share.
If this is your first time, we would love to share the gardens and activities with you! Everyone is welcome to join us? Instead of a registration fee, please bring along a donation for the food bank when you come on Dec 1.. As always, please phone or visit our office to pre-register (to assist with our planning). To register, please call 250 479 6162.
Club Date: December 1, 9:45 am – 11:45 am
Ages: All ages welcome! Children under 5 need to be with a supervising/participating adult

Wreath Making Workshops - SOLD OUT
2018-11-24 13:00 - 15:00
SOLD OUT - Please call if you would like to go on the interest list in case of cancellations.
Learn how to create beautiful, decorative Christmas wreaths without the hassle of collecting materials and a messy clean up. Expert instructors will guide you through the basics of building a beautiful and unique wreath. No two wreathes turn out the same! The wreaths will contain an assortment of evergreens, berries, cones and bows. These wreaths will last and look great on your front door throughout the festive season! This is a great workshop for groups of friends and families. Participants should bring garden gloves and secateurs/shears to class. These workshops fill up quickly so sign up soon.
HCP Members $40
Non Members $50

Dates: November 24, 25, December 1, 2, 8, 9
Times: 10am - 12pm or 1pm - 3pm
photographs courtesy of Courtney Clarke Photography

Wreath Making Workshops - SOLD OUT
2018-11-24 10:00 - 12:00
SOLD OUT - Please call if you would like to go on the interest list in case of cancellations.
Learn how to create beautiful, decorative Christmas wreaths without the hassle of collecting materials and a messy clean up. Expert instructors will guide you through the basics of building a beautiful and unique wreath. No two wreaths turn out the same! The wreaths will contain an assortment of evergreens, berries, cones and bows. These wreaths will last and look great on your front door throughout the festive season! This is a great workshop for groups of friends and families. Participants should bring garden gloves and secateurs/shears to class. These workshops fill up quickly so sign up soon.
HCP Members $40
Non Members $50

Dates: November 24, 25, December 1, 2, 8, 9
Times: 10am - 12pm or 1pm - 3pm
To register, call 250 479 6162
photographs courtesy of Courtney Clarke Photography

Full-Time Level 4 Program Starts
2018-11-19 09:00 - 16:00
Full-Time Level 4 Technical Training Program
Dates: November 19, 2018 to January 11, 2018
Days/Times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Cost: $1200 plus $20 application fee
Contact collegeadmin@hcp.ca or 250-479-6162 for more information

Wicker Woven Basket Workshop
2018-11-17 09:30 - 16:30
with Joan Carrigan
In this workshop we will explore combining two different weaving techniques to create a striking sculptural basket. First we will start with randomly weaving the base of the basket using dyed reed. This weave is inspired by bird's nests and offers many sculptural possibilities. The top of the basket will be woven with 2 and 3 strand twining and offers many design and shaping possibilities. Used together we will finish up with a unique storage basket worth of holding your attention if nothing else. Please bring a pair of sharp scissors, an old towel, and a spray bottle. We will run a second workshop on Sunday, November 18 if this date fills up, so please add your name to the interest if the class is full.
HCP Members $120
Non Members $140
To register, call 250 479 6162

Herbs for Womens Health Workshop
2018-11-10 10:00 - 13:00
With Lily Fawn
Join Herbalist, Lily Fawn in an introductory class on herbal health for women of all ages. This workshop is about honoring the wild woman within in us and learning about the herbs that nourish our body. Through understanding feminine balances we gain the knowledge and initiative to heal ourselves naturally.
HCP Members $60
Non Members $70
To register, call 250 479 6162

Working with Live Willow Workshop
2018-11-10 09:00 - 15:00
with Andrew Kent
Join artisan Andrew Kent from The Willow Way for this one day workshop. With Andrew Kent's expert instruction, you will learn to grow a living willow fence. Using fresh Willow, you will learn to plant and weave shoots which will take root and grow to form an intricate living fence on the HCP grounds. As the fence grows, a cover of green leaves will form over the structure. All tools will be provided! All you need to bring is a lunch and appropriate clothing.
HCP Members $60
Non Members $70
To register, call 250 479 6162

Wild Food and Nutrition Workshop
2018-11-04 13:00 - 16:00
With Latifa Pelletier-Ahmed
You may already be aware that many wild plants are edible, but do you know how and why they are good for you? This 3 hour workshop will explore the vitamin and mineral rich world of local in-season plant species. Are wild plants really much more nutrient dense than domestic plants? What are antioxidants and what are they good for? How do wild plants increase the diversity of gut bacteria and why is this important? All these questions and more will be answered in this fun and interactive educational workshop, including a short walk around the HCP gardens.
HCP Members $35
Non Members $40
To register, call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: Latifa Pelletier-Ahmed
Latifa Pelletier-Ahmed is a faculty member at Pacific Rim College of Holistic Medicine and Sustainable Living located in the unceded Coast Salish Territory of Victoria, BC She is qualified with a Master's of Science in Herbal Medicine from London, UK and a Bachelor of Science in Botany from the University of Calgary. She runs a sliding-scale herbal medicine practice, and is particularly interested in reconnecting people to nature to create well-being in individuals and communities. She regularly runs retreats, workshops and plant walks to teach people how to safely identify and use wild plants as food and medicine.

Miniatures and Small-Scale Basketry Techniques Workshop
2018-11-04 09:30 - 16:30
With Joan Carrigan
Sunday - November 4 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
In this workshop we will explore small scale basketry techniques which are well suited to jewelry and basketry forms. In this workshop, we will make two projects. First you will learn to make a miniature basket by twining and plaiting bark and waxed linen thread and secondly a small pouch made with knot-less netting using waxed linen thread. A variety of patterns and design possibilities will be on hand for inspiration. Please bring a pair of scissors with a sharp point like embroidery scissors, ruler, spray bottle and old towel. We will run a second workshop on Saturday, November 3 if this date fills up, so please add your name to the interest if the class is full.
HCP Members $120
Non Members $140
To register, call 250 479 6162

Fun with Terrariums
2018-11-03 13:00 - 14:30
FUN WITH TERRARIUMS
Learn to design and assemble these miniature gardens using upcycled containers, indoor plants, and natural materials.
*Bring along a small glass container to use for this creative activity time (up to 20 cm).* Adults are required to participate with children 6 years or younger.
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Cost: $15/child
Age: 5+ years

Hypertufa Workshop
2018-11-03 10:00 - 13:00
with Paul Spriggs
In this hands-on workshop, participants will produce a 12 x 14 inch hypertufa trough in the classic rock garden style. Hypertufa is a concrete substitute that looks just like concrete but weighs much less, making it easier to transport. Participants will go through the process of creating the forms, mixing the materials, and setting the trough. As there is a curing period, participants will have to return at a later date to collect their creations. Included in the cost are the forms and all the materials to make one trough. The forms are reusable, so once the skill has been learned, participants may continue to create many more troughs in the future.
HCP Members $65
Non-Members $70
To register, call 250 479 6162

Winter Hours Begin
2018-11-01 10:00 - 16:00
Remember that we are switching to our Winter hours beginning November 1st.
Winter Hours - 10am - 4pm every day (November - February)

Halloween - Free Admission in Costume
2018-10-31 08:00 - 17:00
ear a costume to celebrate the Fall season and receive admission to The Gardens.

Pesticide Applicator Exam
2018-10-29 18:00 - 21:00
Pesticide Applicator's Certificate Course (Landscape General Category):
Course: October 27 and 28, 2018
Exam: October 29, 2018
Course: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Exam: Monday 6:00 - 9:00pm
Location: The Gardens at HCP
Cost: $400 including textbooks and exam fees; exam only is $110
Cost without books: $280*
(*The required books have recently changed and you must have the correct two books for the course. Please contact us to determine if your books are current.)
To sign up: Phone our office at 250-479-3210, or email collegeadmin@hcp.ca.
Full payment is required with registration.

Mason Bee Maintenance Workshop
2018-10-28 13:00 - 15:00
With Tom Lahey
This informative class with Mason Bee expert, Tom Lahey will cover all you need to know to keep your mason bee cocoons healthy. Many people start out with great enthusiasm in the Spring, but in the Fall they are not quite sure what to do with their cocoons. If you have cocoons, bring them along and if you don't, we will have plenty for you to practice with. Tom will cover how to harvest the cocoons from various homes including wooden or plastic trays, cardboard, bamboo or paper tubes and drilled holes. With Tom's guidance, you will learn how to overwinter cocoons to help with their survival for the Spring. Leave with the job done and confidence about taking care of your bees.
HCP Members $20
Non Members $25
To register, call 250 479 6162

Pesticide Applicator Course
2018-10-28 09:00 - 16:30, 2018-10-27 09:00 - 16:30
Pesticide Applicator's Certificate Course (Landscape General Category):
Course: October 27 and 28, 2018
Exam: October 29, 2018
Course: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Exam: Monday 6:00 - 9:00pm
Location: The Gardens at HCP
Cost: $400 including textbooks and exam fees
Cost without books: $280*
(*The required books have recently changed and you must have the correct two books for the course. Please contact us to determine if your books are current.)
To sign up: Phone our office at 250-479-3210, or email collegeadmin@hcp.ca.
Full payment is required with registration.

Family Harvest Festival
2018-10-27 10:00 - 14:00
Our annual Harvest Festival is a fun way to enjoy the season with family-friendly activities for all ages. There will be pumpkins, seasonal games, activities, special guests and the beautiful gardens to explore.
*Pre-registration is required*
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2018
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Cost: $15/family (Family includes up to 3 children, $5 per additional child)
Age: All ages
To register please call: 250-479-6162

Professional Development Day Camp
2018-10-19 09:00 - 16:00
Junior Master Gardener Camp (JMG)
Come grow with us! This dynamic program educates youth about horticulture, health, nutrition, environmental science, leadership and life skills using fun and creative activities. Flexibility is a key component of the JMG program that enables it to be adapted to meet the needs and interests of different individuals and organizations. It is perfectly suited to Afterschool Childcare Programs, 4-H, Home School groups, or any number of interest groups as a program enhancement. If you are interested in having a JMG program at your school, recreation centre, homeschool group, or other, please contact our School and Youth Programs Coordinator at youthprograms@hcp.ca At HCP we have been offering this international, licensed program since 2005. See our list of upcoming JMG Camps below, including JMG Pro-D Day Camps, Spring Break Camps, Summer full and part day camps. This program is facilitated by Victoria Master Gardeners Association members.

JMG PRO – D DAY CAMPS
Dates: February 15, April 12, May 10 2019
Times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $38/child
Ages: 5 ½ years – 12 years
Registration: register at HCP office (250-479-6162)

SPRING BREAK CAMPS
Dates: March 18 - 22 and March 25 – 29, 2019
Times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $180/5 day camp
Ages: 5 ½ years – 12 years
Registration: register at Saanich Recreation (250-475-7600)

SUMMER CAMPS (JMG and Garden Arts)
Dates: July 8 -12 (JMG full days), July 22 – 26 (Garden Arts half days),
August 6 - 9 (JMG full days), 2019
Times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (full days), 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (half days)
Cost: $180/5 day camps, $145/4 day camps, $95/5 half day camps
Ages: 5 ½ years – 12 years
Registration: register at Saanich Recreation (250-475-7600)

Herb Crafts Workshop
2018-10-06 13:00 - 14:30
HERB CRAFTS
Do you enjoy the natural fragrances of the garden as you harvest fresh herbs? Would you like to create some personal use products for your home? Using fresh and dried herbs along with essential oils, we will make some bath balms, salts and other products with just a few garden and household ingredients. *All materials are provided*
Date: October 6, 2018
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Cost: $15/child
Age: 5+ years

Art of Bonsai- Advanced Class
2018-10-06 09:00 - 12:00
with Mark Paterson
Do you have a bonsai tree and are not sure what to do with it? You are not alone! Join Mark Paterson and learn to trim your tree and create a 2 year plan for your bonsai so you can understand the yearly rhythms of the art and get the most out of your tree. Learn the whys and hows of bonsai techniques and when to apply them to your tree specifically. We will help you work on your tree throughout the class and teach you new techniques to keep your tree healthy and beautiful. You will learn from Mark Paterson's expert instructions on maintaining your own tree and from witnessing methods and procedures applied to your classmate's trees as well.
HCP Members $40
Non Members $45
To register, call 250 479 6162

Fairy Garden Workshop
2018-09-29 10:00 - 11:30
FAIRY GARDENS
These gardens are fun to create … even parents enjoy making them, and here is a chance to participate with your child in a morning mini garden making session! We will make these take-home gardens for indoor/outdoor use, using some natural materials gathered from the garden. Adults are welcome to stay or drop off. *All materials are provided.*
Date: September 29, 2018
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Cost: $15 per child
Age: 5+ years

Gathering Basket Workshop
2018-09-29 09:30 - 16:30
With Joan Carrigan
Learn to create a gathering basket with expert Joan Carrigan. A gathering basket is a very sturdy rectangular splint woven basket with a wooden handle. It has an attractive check weave pattern and is a basket ready to be put to use for shopping, garden produce, garden tools, storage etc. This course is perfect for beginners. Please bring a pair of sharp sturdy scissors, measuring tape, 10-12 clothes pins, an old towel, a knife for carving, and a ruler.
HCP Members $120
Non Members $140
To register, call 250 479 6162

Pacific Horticulture College Information Session
2018-09-24 18:00 - 19:00
Join us to learn more about our programs, check out the gardens, and hear from instructors and graduates.
RSVP is optional but appreciated: collegeadmin@hcp.ca

Houseplant Care 101
2018-09-23 13:00 - 15:00
with Sarah Scott
This crash course on houseplant care will get you one step closer to an indoor jungle! Learn how to care for various tropicals, succulents and tillandsias, how to choose the right plant, proper watering techniques, soil health, repotting, fertilizing, plant stress and pests, troubleshooting and more! This engaging, hands-on workshop will leave you feeling confident and competent. Attendees will get a copy of Houseplants 101- Your Plants Will Love You e-guide and choose a succulent to pot and take home! Bring a notebook and your questions!
HCP Members $55
Non Members $60
To register, call 250 479 6162
Instructor Bio: Sarah Scott
Sarah is crazy about plants. Often, she is seen shoulder-deep in the bushes, thigh-deep in dirt, captivated by leaves and insects, clipping and snipping. Growing up on a farm, with a florist as a mother, she was surrounded by the wonders of nature and began her journey as a horticulturist. She started her company, Botanic Creative, as a means to encourage the community to reconnect with nature. Her workshops are thoughtfully designed to educate, experience and explore the powerful benefits of living with plants.

Fall Plant Sale
2018-09-22 09:00 - 16:00
Saturday, September 22 from 9 am – 4 pm each day. Many unique plants are propagated from the gardens. All plant prices are reduced by at least 20%.
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.
The plant list can be downloaded by clicking this LINK.

Stories in the Garden
2018-09-17 10:00 - 11:00
Join us at the gardens for our bi-weekly storytime designed for our youngest gardeners. Each program centres around a theme that explores subjects such as gardens, pollinators, vegetable growing, and other environmental themes through stories, garden activities and related crafts. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. For further information, please contact: youthprograms@hcp.ca
Dates: April 29, May 13, May 27, 2019
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Cost: $5/child, free admission for an accompanying adult
Ages:2+ years (designed for younger children, however, siblings are welcome)
Call to register: 250-479-6162

Creating a Cut Flower Garden Workshop - Fall
2018-09-09 09:00 - 12:00
with Eiddwen Thomas
This Fall workshop is part of a seasonal four part series on Growing Your Own Cut Flower Garden. Each class can be taken on its own or as part of the series. Learn about beautiful flowers, grasses, herbs, and foliage you can use in the fall for cutting and making into your own gorgeous fall arrangement with Eiddwen Thomas of Cartref Gardens. Find out about fall clean up and soil preparation for next year. Learn what bulbs and plants you can plant now for colour in your garden in the spring, such as tulips, narcissus, and other gorgeous spring bulbs. Specialty tulip and narcissus bulbs will be available for sale to workshop participants.
Next Workshops:
Winter - Sunday January 20th 9 am to 12 noon
More dates to be announced.
Members $55/Non Members - $60 - per class
Members $180/Non Members $220 - for 4 part series
To register, call 250 479 6162

Instructor Biography: 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.
