Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

YP Kids - Garden Nature Academy Fall 2024
2024-10-31 09:30 - 12:00, 2024-11-07 09:30 - 12:00, 2024-11-14 09:30 - 12:00, 2024-11-21 09:30 - 12:00, 2024-11-28 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, BC, V9E 2J7, Canada
The Gardens at HCP is our classroom and we explore all of it; from the native plant and ethnobotany trails to the HCP Kids Garden and to the surrounding trails and forests. Some of the nature-based activities at our program include nature art, gardening for food and pollinators, nibbling on edible plants, flowers and vegetables, songs and games! This program is based outside, rain or shine, with access to the lower classroom portable for the bathroom, snack, storytime and warming up or for those extra stormy days. Outdoor school is about children having time to explore their own interests through child-led and play-based learning in nature. Being outdoors develops an appreciation for the natural world and our responsibilities related to its preservation. Ages 3 - 6

Dates: Sept 12 through Nov 28, 2024
Times: 9:30 - 12:00 noon
Fees: $300.00 /child or $240.00 per child with a Family Membership
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Register for Backyard Farmer 2025
2024-11-07 09:30
BYF 2025 Info & Registration

Christmas & Winter Themes: Watercolour Miniatures with Richard Wong
2024-11-17 13:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | 3 Hour Workshop
This workshop comes around once a year in time for the season. Join us for a lovely Sunday afternoon at the Gardens at HCP, creating your very own Christmas and winter themed watercolours with Richard's guidance. These little holiday originals can be tucked into greeting cards with a front pocket opening, and gifted to someone special.
Richard's classes are relaxed and enjoyable, open to everyone including those just starting out.
Your registration includes admission to the gardens, so come early for a stroll and some inspiration.
Early registration recommended, as this workshop tends to sell out!

Fees & Registration
$80.00 (art supplies not included, see *list* below)
$90.00 (art supplies included)
Register by phone at 250-479-6162 or Register Online

* If you are bringing your own art supplies:*
- Masa paper (several 8x10" pieces). Option: regular 140lb watercolour paper
- Winsor Newton watercolours: bring all your colours
- Paint brushes (medium and small), pencil, eraser, paper towels
- containers for rinse water
- Holbein watercolour spray bottle (available at Opus Art Supplies on Herald)

Sign up to the watercolour class interest list 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

HCP Kids - Pro-D Day Camps 2025
2024-11-22 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-14 09:00 - 16:00
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!

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fee: $45
Dates 2025:

Friday - May 16

Register by Clicking on the Date or call 250-479-6162
Camp is fully booked: registration for waitlist only

Plant Identification & Culture Workshop
2024-11-23 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-14 13:00 - 16:00
with Jane Tice
This is a monthly class in which participants will be introduced to 20 new plants in each session.
If you are a new gardener, new to Victoria or just want to brush up on your plant knowledge, this is a great place to get started. This is a monthly class where participants will be introduced to 20 new plants which fit with our local climate. Plants are selected for our local growing conditions and the value they bring to the garden. Part of the class will be in the classroom and part will be out in the gardens to view the plants for that month. Dress for the weather and bring something to take notes.
Please register ahead of time especially for field trip classes

One Saturday per month, 1pm – 4pm.
HCP Members $40.00 per session
Non-Members $50.00 per session

Cancellations:
Note that this class required a minimum of 6 registrants in order to run. If the minimum is not met, the class will be canceled or postponed.
Please contact communityed@hcp.ca if you would like to cancel your registration. 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.
2024 Dates:
To register, call 250 479 6162 or click on a date below.
One Saturday per month – 1pm – 4pm.
August 31
September 28
October 26
November 23
December 14

HCP Kids - Wreath Making for Families
2024-11-29 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-11-30 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-11-30 13:30 - 15:00, 2024-12-01 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-07 13:30 - 15:00
Join us for this annual gathering to prepare a wreath for your home this holiday season. Using a selection of greenery along with friendly guidance, create a unique wreath to enjoy or gift! These small sized workshops offer a slower and easier pace for small hands to lend assistance with. All materials provided. One registration is good for up to 4 participants, with up to 5 families at each session.

Dates:

Friday November 29 1-2:30
Saturday November 30 10-11:30
Saturday November 30 1:30-3:00
Sunday December 01 10-11:30
Saturday December 07 10-11:30
Saturday December 07 1:30 - 3:00

Fees: $40/All and $35/Family Membership

Registration opens after Thanksgiving October 14

Registration: click on the date or call 250-479-6162

European Inspired Holiday Trees: A Floral Design Workshop
2024-12-07 13:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | 3-hour Workshop
Create a European-Inspired Christmas Tree Arrangement with Katherine Olmstead IMF
Join Katherine Olmstead, Canada’s first International Master Florist, for a hands-on workshop where you’ll design a "Christmas Tree Arrangement" with a European twist. This class will teach you how to craft beautiful, easy-to-personalize designs that showcase natural winter foliage. Perfect for use as holiday décor or thoughtful handcrafted gifts, creating these arrangements will be a lovely addition to your winter season activities.
Katherine will guide you through the process of harvesting and preparing foraged greenery, selecting complementary materials, and applying key design principles to make your arrangement stand out. You’ll learn how to elevate your décor with fresh evergreens, natural accents, and sustainable design techniques. Whether you're creating a statement piece for your home or adding a personal touch to your holiday gifts, this workshop will offer practical skills and inspiration.
Breathe in the aroma of fresh evergreens as you work, and enjoy connecting with like-minded individuals in a relaxed, creative environment.
Materials Included:

Fresh evergreen boughs
Sticks and natural decorative accents
Wire and other securing materials
Sand, rocks, or moss to anchor your arrangement
A selection of decorative items

What to Bring:

A decorative container or sturdy base for your arrangement (a 6” diameter round or square container is ideal). If you are unable to bring a container, one will be provided.
Clippers or pruning shears
Gloves

Fees & Registration
$120.00 Non-members
$115.00 HCP Members
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Instructor Bio: Katherine Olmstead IMF

Katherine Olmstead is a floral designer, horticulturist, and marketing strategist based in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2023, she became the first Canadian to earn the title of International Master Florist, graduating from the Boerma Institute in the Netherlands under the mentorship of Gregor Lersch, a globally celebrated floral artist.
Originally from Toronto, Katherine draws inspiration from her diverse travels and the natural beauty of her home on Vancouver Island. She is passionate about blending her botanical knowledge with artistic creativity to design sustainable and innovative floral pieces for events, creative projects, wearable fresh floral fashion, and installations.
Katherine is enthusiastic about promoting sustainability and sharing her expertise through teaching and mentorship. Her workshops offer participants a chance to connect with local nature, develop artistic skills, and explore their creativity in a welcoming, hands-on environment. When she’s not designing in a studio or working in a local flower shop, Katherine enjoys experimenting with other artforms and types of expression to add on to her floral toolbelt.

HCP Kids - Holiday Gift Making
2024-12-08 10:00 - 12:00
Please someone this holiday season with handmade gifts inspired by the garden! We will explore a variety of easy and unique gifts made with local materials that will be a delight to give and receive. All materials provided. For children between 6 and 14 years (Parents are welcome to attend)

Date: Sunday December 08
Time: 10:00 -12:00 noon
Fee: $40 or $35 with Family Membership
Registration: Online or call 250-479-6162

Home Herbalist Series - Winter Workshop
2024-12-15 13:00 - 16:00
Join Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Herbalist Racheal Schnarr for the final installment of the “Home Herbalist” series. This class will begin with a brief introduction to herbalism/a refresher for those who have attended a previous class, followed by a review of the medicinal and spiritual uses of herbs traditionally used during the winter months. For the practical portion of this workshop we will create 1 x herbal bath soak blend, 1 x herbal salve, and 1 x herbal lip balm. Keep these high quality products for your own self care, or give as gifts for the upcoming holiday season.
HCP Members $65/Non-Members $75
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
Instructor Bio: Racheal Schnarr
Racheal Schnarr is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N.) and Herbalist who studied at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and Pacific Rim College.
In addition to working as an R.H.N., Racheal operates a small botanical dispensary using herbs grown exclusively in her garden. She lives her passion of “connecting people with plants” both in her private business as well at Pacific Horticulture College as the College Administrator.
Through years of practicing clinical nutrition at multidisciplinary clinics as well as in her own private practice, she tapped into her passion for sharing the power of holistic nutrition and herbal medicine with her clients. Racheal's practice and classes are fun, hands-on, empowering, education based and are led in a supportive and open environment. Developing a deep relationship with plants, growing herbal medicine, ethical harvesting, food growing, food justice and living in reciprocity with the land on which we grow, forage, and learn are pillars in Racheal's practice and everyday life. She enjoys getting fresh air and her hands dirty when in her home garden, foraging the wild with her dog Josie, and occasionally working for her sister, a Landscape Horticulturist.

Willow Chair Workshop with Andrew Kent
2025-01-19 09:00 - 17:00
Join artisan Andrew Kent from The Willow Way for this full day workshop. In one day, with Andrew'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, bringing a helper is recommended. 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. Admission to the Gardens at HCP is included in your registration.
Date & Fee (includes materials)
Sunday, Jan. 19, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - FULL
Next workshop Sat. Feb 1 - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
HCP Members $285 / Non-Members $305
Log in as a current member to access discount pricing, or phone 250-479-6162 to renew and register.
Cancellations
Note that this class requires a minimum of 2 registrants (not including helpers) in order to run. If the minimum is not met, the class will be canceled or postponed. Please contact communityed@hcp.ca if you need 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

HCP Kids - Garden Nature Academy Jan 2025
2025-01-23 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-01-30 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-02-06 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-02-13 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-02-20 09:30 - 12:00
The Garden Nature Academy is a half day program that runs on Thursday's. The outdoors offers safe and seasonal opportunities for your preschooler to explore through play, games, songs, and activities! Ages 3 to 6

Dates: 23 Jan to 13 March 2025
Times: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Fees: $300.00 per child or $240.00 with a Family Membership
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

How to Compose a Painting: Watercolour Talk and Class with Richard Wong
2025-01-23 13:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | Talk & Painting Workshop | 3-hours
Enjoy a talk and presentation about composing a painting with illustrative examples from Richard's paintings. This is a chance to learn more about art and composition to start your new year.
Then try your hand at techniques and learn how to paint "Blossoms", which will tie nicely with Valentine's Day. Make a greeting card by working your masa paper painting in small size (3.5x5"), or work on a larger size (8x10"), or do both.
Richard's watercolour classes are fun and relaxing, and suitable for all levels. Beginners are encouraged!
Your registration includes admission to the Gardens at HCP (9:00 am-3:30 pm last entry)

Date & Location
Thursday, January 23, 1:00-4:00 pm
Fees & Registration
In-person at HCP OR online (live, via Zoom): $80.00 (art supplies not included, see list below)
In-person only: $90.00 (art supplies included)
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

If You Are Bringing Your Own Art Supplies:
- An old toothbrush
- 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 & Holbein watercolour spray bottle (available at Opus Art Supplies on Herald)

Join Community Education e-news 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 with Jane Tice
2025-01-25 13:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | 3-hour class
This is a monthly class in which participants will be introduced to 20 new plants in each session.
If you are a new gardener, new to Victoria or just want to brush up on your plant knowledge, this is a great place to get started. This is a monthly class where participants will be introduced to 20 new plants which fit with our local climate. Plants are selected for our local growing conditions and the value they bring to the garden. Part of the class will be in the classroom and part will be out in the gardens to view the plants for that month. Dress for the weather and bring something to take notes.
You registration includes all-day admission to the Gardens at HCP (9:00 am-3:30 last admission)
Please register ahead - minimum enrollment is required.

Last Saturday of each month – 1-4pm.
HCP Members $40.00 per session
Non-Members $50.00 per session

Location
Meet in The Classroom, located in the parking lot to the left of the cafe - 505 Quayle Rd, Saanich.
Please dress for the weather as part of the class takes place outdoors in the Gardens at HCP.
2026 Drop-in Session Dates
Click a date below to register online, or call 250-479-6162.
Jan 31, 2026
Feb 28, 2026
Mar 28, 2026
April 18, 2026 **Note earlier than usual date for April**
May 30, 2026
June 27, 2026
July 25, 2026
Aug 29, 2026
Sept 26, 2026
Oct 31, 2026
Nov 28, 2026
Dec 12, 2026 **Early class prior to winter garden closure**

Cancellations:
This class requires a minimum of 6 registrants in order to run. If the minimum is not met, the class will be canceled or postponed.
Please contact communityed@hcp.ca if you would like to cancel your registration. Registrations less than one week prior to the class date are not eligible for a refund.

Understanding Plant Nomenclature with Jane Tice
2025-02-15 13:00 - 16:00
ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION | WORKSHOP | 3 HOURS
“So, are Latin plant names dry, absurdly polysyllabic nonsense
spouted by bumptious, long winded overachievers?
They are only if you do not know what they mean.”
--Barbara Damrosch, Gardener’s Latin
This class with Jane Tice will help you understand what plant names mean, and why we use Latin to name plants in the first place. Once the mystery is removed you will see it makes perfect sense, and you too will be in the know. Understanding the nomenclature is the first step in plant identification, and it will be easier - and more enjoyable - than you think.
Date & Location
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 1:00-4:00 pm
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quale Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
$40.00 HCP Members
$50.00 Non-Members Interested in Membership?

REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

Watercolour Painting with Richard Wong: Bushtits
2025-02-20 13:00 - 16:00
Adult Community Education | 3-hour Workshop
Winter brings in these little birds to our backyard gardens. They tend to travel in little flocks but don't stay in one spot too long.
Come join us in a class with Richard to learn how to depict Bushtits in watercolour. Richard will also be talking about his "Best Practices" to improve a painting, and how you can apply them as you create "Bushtits".
Richard's classes are fun and relaxing, and suitable for all levels. Beginners are encouraged!
Read more about bushtits here.

In-Person and Live Online Delivery available
In addition to the in-person classroom experience with Richard, we can accommodate up to 6 students online via zoom.
Online students must provide their own supplies (see supply list below).
Please note that the classes are shown in Pacific Time.
Fees & Registration
In person OR online: $80.00 (art supplies not included, see list below)
In person only: $90.00 (art supplies included)
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162

If You Are Bringing Your Own Art Supplies:
- Masa paper (several 8x10" pieces). Option: regular 140lb watercolour paper
- Winsor Newton watercolours: bring all your colours
- Paint brushes (medium and small), pencil, eraser, paper towels
- containers for rinse water & Holbein watercolour spray bottle (available at Opus Art Supplies on Herald)

Sign up to the Community Education e-news for information on Richard's upcoming classes

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

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