HCP Kids Garden Club - Spring 2024
2024-04-20 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-05-04 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-05-11 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-05-18 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-05-25 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-06-01 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
Do you know a child or youth who loves the outdoors and thrives in the garden? Our HCP Kids Garden provides many opportunities for land-based engagement activities, including seed starting and propagation, planting, garden maintenance, pollinator habitats, and so much more. Each weekly class will have us in this amazing teaching garden where we grow our own food crops. Hope you can join us with your pre-k learner or drop-off (or join) your school age child. There are lots of takeaways, including seeds, transplants and more! Please pack your child's own garden gloves if you have some and bring along a water bottle (and snack if needed:) Age: 3 - 14 years
Please note there are two fees: Preschool and School Age; the School age program is 30 minutes longer

Date: Saturdays - April 6 - June 1, 2024 (no class April 27)
Times:

Preschool: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
School Age: 9:30 am - 11:30 am

Fees:

Preschool: $160/ 8 weeks or $140.00 with a Family Membership
School Age (5 - 14): $180.00 or $160.00 with a Family Membership

Register: ONLINE or Call 250-479-6162

Gardening with Wildlife
2024-04-20 09:30 - 11:30
with Emony Nicholls
During this talk, learn how gardening with native and conventional plants can give you a garden teeming with life from beneficial insects and birds while also being uninviting to deer and rabbits. We will look at how to attract pollinators to your garden, helping to produce larger fruits and vegetables. Berry producing shrubs and seed producing perennials for year-round bird watching pleasure will also be covered. Learn about barrier/deterrent options for rabbits and deer plus which plants will help repel them. And finally, preferred feeders and houses for wildlife will be discussed.
HCP Members $30/Non-Members $40
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Instructor Bio: Emony Nicholls
Emony has worked as a biologist, an environmental consultant, entrepreneur and civil servant for the last 25 years. For seven of those years, she owned and operated a native plant nursery in Ontario designing and providing plants for ecological restoration projects. Her graduate research was on the relationship between pollinators and plants and how it drives their evolutions. As part of this work, she did taxonomic identification of the native pollinators and fell in love with their diversity, abilities and individual beauty. She is now on a mission to educate others about them in the hopes that they will fall in love - and support them too! She recently left the provincial government as a biologist and now lives on Salt Spring Island doing more native bee education and starting her own business again bringing her love of native plants and native pollinators together!

YP Kids - Springtime Fairy Garden
2024-04-20 13:30 - 15:00
We look forward to welcoming you to this springtime themed fairy garden workshop. Beginning with a garden walk for inspiration, let's create a special miniature garden depicting all the colour that the season has to offer! This making workshop provides your child with another creative way to connect with nature and become a plant steward while experiencing joyful moments of play for days, weeks and months to come! Need some playtime too? Why not sign up and make your own miniature garden!! 4+ years (6 and under with an adult)

Date: Saturday 20 April 2024
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Fee: $40 or $35 with Family Membership
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Willow Chair Workshop with Andrew Kent
2024-04-21 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-08 09:00 - 17:00
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.
While these chairs can be made alone, if you would like to bring a helper, the registration fee is for up to 2 participants making one chair together.
Please note that you will need to bring your own lunch and snacks to this full day workshop.
HCP Members $285 / Non-Members $305
Register ONLINE or by calling 250 479 6162
Cancellations:
Note that this class requires a minimum of 2 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. Note that registrations less than one week prior to the class date may not be eligible for a refund if registration minimums are not met.

Instructor Bio: Andrew Kent
The Willow Way's roots go back all the way to 1993 when I made my first willow chair in a workshop with Kate Lawes. Over the next five years, Kate and I opened and ran a store in downtown Nanaimo, attended many large and small shows, and hosted numerous willow furniture workshops. Many of the designs I use are traditional, coming from Kentucky by way of Pemberton, BC. Some are then updated with design ideas suggested by the materials themselves.
I grew up on a rural island and have always felt at home in the woods. A keen mountain biker, I am passionate about the outdoors and Vancouver Island. Many of my days are spent hunting for materials, foraging local species of willow and alder, and finding the best shoots and whips for each piece, which directs the creative construction.
From forest to finished product, the entire willow furniture process is an adventure and ever-evolving, which to me is the real beauty of this work. Most of the materials are natural and not milled, which means not one project is the same and it's always a new experience.
I think people respond to my work because it is more than just your average rustic furniture – it is handmade with materials that are otherwise not utilized. My passion for nature and for the creative process comes through in each piece.
Andrew Kent

Line & Wash Watercolours on Japanese Art Paper with Richard Wong
2024-04-26 13:00 - 16:00
Join Richard Wong for an afternoon of creative fun and inspiration exploring "line &
wash" techniques with archival ink and watercolour. The addition of line and wash
adds a little more texture to your paintings and can result in very pleasing effects.
During this April 26th line and wash workshop you will focus on the "Northern Flicker" and "Clam".
Tuition (per workshop): $80.00 not including supplies /$90.00 includes paint
supplies but no pen
*Archival ink pens will be available from Richard at cost in class - bring $5.00
cash.*

Supplies Required If You Are Bringing Your Own
- Pigma 05 Micron black archival ink pens (will be provided in class at cost for
$5.00 - please bring cash.)
- 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
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

Spring Plant Sale
2024-04-27 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-28 09:00 - 16:00
Admission to the gardens is always free during plant sales, so please take the time to walk around and explore.
Depending on the weather, some plants may not be ready to sell during our spring sale, but not to worry our sale area is always open (during garden hours) so check back often as stock gets added weekly.
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.
If you don't see a plant that you are looking for just ask as we may have it in our polyhouses.
As with all sales, come early for best selection.
All proceeds go back into the gardens, so thank you for your support!

HCP Kids - Stories in the Garden - May
2024-05-02 10:45 - 11:45, 2024-05-09 10:45 - 11:45, 2024-05-16 10:45 - 11:45
Imagine a gentle nature walk with your child to calm and inspire you both! This rain or shine outdoor program on our endless pathways provides us with many social and nature connections. This is followed by a storytime that encourages the development of listening skills and small group interactions. Plan to bring along your favourite story blanket and snack to enjoy during the story with your child and invite a friend. Minimum registration is required. Please share word of this engaging program with your friends and make it a play date! Consider making a morning with us and add Exploring Nature Through Crafts too!

Dates: Thursdays May 2, 9, 16 2024
Time: 10:45 am - 11:45 am
Fee: $35 or $30 with a Family Membership
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

YP Kids - Spa Gift Basket Workshop
2024-05-04 13:30 - 15:30
We love our Spa times! Many spa treatments are based on herbs and other plants for their healing and nourishing qualities. In this session, we will learn about a few of the many helpful plants we often find in our gardens and pantries, explore how to use them, and create a basket of healthful and restorative products to gift Mom. This hands on crafting session will provide children with a working knowledge of some common plants and how to use them for self care. All materials will be provided for a beautiful gift basket of handmade spa items.

Date: Saturday 4 May 2024
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Age: 5+ years (6 and under with an adult)
Fee: $40/basket
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

YP Kids - Teatime with Mom
2024-05-11 13:30 - 15:30
We have come up with a very special way to share the love of tea and time together. This Tea Time with Mom session will include an informative garden tour to explore plants for tea making followed by a tea brewing time and tasting. Plan to join us for this journey into tea time and celebrations of plants and how they help create joyful moments together. A great gift for a special Mom and Child in your life!

Date: Saturday 11 May 2024
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Age: Adult + Child(ren)
Fee: $40/adult + 1 child, $50/adult + 2 children
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

HCP Kids Pro-D Day Camp - May 2024
2024-05-17 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! Limited to 16 participants. Ages 5 to 12 (school age)

Date: 17 May 2024
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fee: $45
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Tomato Day 2024
2024-05-18 09:00 - 12:00
The May long weekend is traditionally the time to plant your vegetable garden!
We will have several varieties of tomato starts as well as other veggies and herbs.
List of the tomatoes for 2024
New this year is a presentation by Victoria Master Gardener, Jennifer Kolot on how to grow tomatoes. This will be at 10am in the classroom.
Our plant sale area will be open and fully stocked.
Victoria Master Gardeners are on site to answer your questions.

How to Mount Masa Paper Paintings & Snowdrops and Daffodils with Richard Wong
2024-05-22 13:00 - 16:00
Calling all students ...
First Half of Class (Painting).
Students will work on "Snowdrops & Daffodils", a watercolour on Japanese art paper painting.
Second Half of Class (Demo).
Students will learn how to mount masa paper paintings that will eliminate the wrinkles so the paintings are ready for matting and framing. Richard will demonstrate the process and the steps involved, which are to gallery standards.
Tuition:
$80.00 (art supplies not included, students will bring their own for the painting part)
$90.00 (art supplies included)
Art Supplies Required If You Are Bringing Your Own
- 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
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

Drought Tolerant Gardening
2024-05-25 09:30 - 11:30
with Emony Nicholls
Are you under water restrictions but still want an abundant garden?
Learn how you can choose flowering perennials while still enjoying fruit and vegetable production through the use of native plants and xeric landscaping techniques that will produce throughout the growing season despite the hot, dry summers that we are experiencing.
We will also touch on water harvesting to help prolong the watering season into the summers, look at various gardening techniques to reduce evapotranspiration and tips and tricks for a thriving garden in our evolving landscape conditions.
HCP Members $35/Non-Members $45
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Instructor Bio: Emony Nicholls
Emony has worked as a biologist, an environmental consultant, entrepreneur and civil servant for the last 25 years. For seven of those years, she owned and operated a native plant nursery in Ontario designing and providing plants for ecological restoration projects. Her graduate research was on the relationship between pollinators and plants and how it drives their evolutions. As part of this work, she did taxonomic identification of the native pollinators and fell in love with their diversity, abilities and individual beauty. She is now on a mission to educate others about them in the hopes that they will fall in love - and support them too! She recently left the provincial government as a biologist and now lives on Salt Spring Island doing more native bee education and starting her own business again bringing her love of native plants and native pollinators together!

Exploration of Bouquets - including a hand tied spiral bouquet
2024-05-26 09:00 - 11:00
Embark on an exciting journey through the art of floral design with Linda and her Exploration of Bouquets Workshop! Delve into the world of captivating arrangements as we guide you through the creation of two distinct bouquet styles: the elegant hand-tied spiral bouquet, the sophisticated presentation style bouquet, and the art of exquisite wrapping.
Under Linda Rambaud expert guidance you'll learn the intricate techniques behind each bouquet style, from selecting the perfect blooms to mastering the graceful spiral arrangement. Discover the secrets of composing a bouquet that captivates the eye and stirs the soul.
Throughout the workshop, you'll not only refine your skills in bouquet creation but also explore the nuances of color, texture, and form that bring each floral creation to life. Unleash your creativity as you experiment with different flower combinations and wrapping techniques, guided by personalized feedback and expert tips.
Join Linda for an immersive experience where curiosity blooms and every bouquet tells a unique story. Whether you're a budding florist or simply eager to explore the world of floral artistry, this workshop promises to inspire and delight as you uncover the beauty of bouquets in all their splendor
HCP Members $80/Non-Members $90
(Price includes required materials, valued around $50)
Note: Registration closes May 12th at 4pm Pacific so that Linda can ensure enough floral supplies are ready for class on the 26th.
Sold Out - This Class is Full.
To hear about new offerings from Linda Rambaud as they arise CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FLORAL DESIGN INTEREST LIST.

Linda holds a master's degree in Floral Design & Commercialization of Plants and Flowers, marking her as a true authority in the field. As a Master Floral Designer and accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Design, she holds prestigious certifications as a Floral Designer (CFD, AIFD) and is on her way to achieving accreditation from the Canadian Academy of Floral Art (CAFA).
Upon relocating to Canada's picturesque West Coast in 2019, Linda founded Lindara Design to
share her wealth of knowledge acquired through years of experience in Europe and Canada. Her
passion lies in inspiring individuals to unlock their creative potential and expand their skills in floral design.
Linda's dedication extends beyond teaching; she delights in showcasing the endless possibilities of floral design to students from various backgrounds. Her enthusiasm lies in the artistry of floral design.
In addition to workshops and teaching, Linda offers bespoke floral decorations, original floral
jewelry, and event floral arrangements. Her classroom presence is enriched by her extensive
expertise, and she eagerly anticipates both imparting her knowledge to students and drawing
inspiration from their unique perspectives.

HCP Annual General Meeting 2024
2024-05-30 17:30 - 19:00
AGM Documents can be found here.

Finger Painting without the Paint Workshop
2024-06-01 09:00 - 13:00
with Wendy Picken
Have FUN in the Gardens with Artist and Author Wendy Picken. Explore the mixed medium techniques she has developed over the past 30 years. Learn how to create beautiful flowerscapes while exploring the Gardens on paper. This class is suitable for beginners and is a great refresher for those who have taken the class before. All supplies are included.
Fees: HCP Members $75/Non-Members $85
Register ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
This class is also available for private groups. More details HERE.
Instructor Bio: Wendy Picken
Wendy Picken is well known for her whimsical, bold and colorful floral work. She has been an artist on the Saanich Peninsula for the past 35 years. She has illustrated and self published 2 books for children, her latest release is titled ‘Rainbees & Honeybows'.

Random Bird's Nest Baskets Workshop
2024-06-09 09:30 - 16:00
Random weave is one of Joan's favourite styles of baskets to weave. 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. The material we will be using is round reed in a selection of colours. We will take a tour of the garden to discuss other potential plants suitable for this style of basket which may result in other materials we can incorporate into our baskets.
Tool list: Sharp sturdy scissors, sharp secateurs, an old towel, 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
Registration is Full. SOLD OUT Sign up for the the Basketry Enthusiast List to hear about new workshops as they arise.
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.

HCP Kids - BBQ Herb Planter for Dad
2024-06-15 10:00 - 11:30
Does Dad Love to Barbeque? Herbs can really enhance this meal experience to add flavour and interest too! Join us for a garden journey to explore garden herbs to grow for culinary uses and create a make and take planter to gift Dad for Father’s Day! Each planter includes a pot, 3 herbs and plant markers for gifting beautifully. Age: 4+years (6 and under with an adult)

Date: Saturday June 15, 2024
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Fee: $40/planter
Registration: Online or call 250-479-6162

Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture
2024-06-16 09:00 - 12:00
Curious about the therapeutic applications for horticulture? The use of plants and outdoor environments to heal people's illnesses, and achieve their health goals dates back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
In this introductory workshop led by Cliff Thorbes, a Registered Horticulturist Therapist with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association, discover and experience some of the therapeutic outcomes for yourself.
This workshop includes:
1) A discussion about the usage, and practice of horticulture for achieving therapeutic benefits as applied in Horticultural Therapy, and Therapeutic Horticulture
2) A guided walk through the Gardens at HCP
3) A Therapeutic Horticulture activity – create your own Nature Bowl
HCP Members $55/Non-Members $65
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Instructor Bio: Cliff Thorbes
Cliff Thorbes is a Registered Horticulturist Therapist with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association. He is passionate about promoting well-being in others through helping them expeience the therapeutic benefits gained from participating in plant and nature-themed activities. He is currently employed as the Horticultural Therapist at Homewood Ravensview, a mental health, addiction, and trauma recovery facility in North Saanich, BC. In addition to horticultural therapy, Cliff is also an expressive artist, and brings that into his work whenever he can.
website: cliffthorbes.com

HCP Kids - Stories in the Garden - Pollinators
2024-06-21 09:30 - 10:30
It's all about our special friends, POLLINATORS this week as we celebrate these amazing creatures with curious observations and chats. Imagine an exploringing nature walk with your child to inspire you both! This rain or shine outdoor program on our endless pathways provides us with many social and nature connections. This is followed by a storytime that encourages the development of listening skills and small group interactions and lots of fun facts about local pollinators! Plan to bring along your favourite story blanket and snack to enjoy during the story with your child and invite a friend. Minimum registration is required. Please share word of this engaging program with your friends and make it a play date!

Date: Friday June 21
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Fee: $10.00 per Family
Register: Online or Call 250-479-6162
