Summertime in the Gardens at HCP

The Gardens at HCP is a pretty special place year-round. The changing maple trees in the Takata Garden in fall, the hellebores gently blooming in winter, and the colours dazzling in spring make HCP a great place for locals and visitors to see what can be accomplished gardening in the Pacific Northwest throughout the year!
We have finally arrived in summer and the warm weather has brought a new special season to the Gardens at HCP! Our 9-acres of demonstration gardens provide visitors with the smell of fresh rosemary in the herb garden, gentle breezes blowing on the ferns and hostas as families explore the shady areas, and stunning views from Charlotte and the Quail, the on-site café which provides some of the tastiest treats for the foodie in everyone. Any gardener can tell you about the pleasure that comes from seeing daily changes as a garden flourishes and develops and HCP is no exception . Our small staff relies on the generous support of our volunteer crew who continually tend the beds and allow there to always be something new to see as you turn a new corner and find inspiration for your own home garden! You may even catch a glimpse of one of the fabulous weddings here – it’s so wonderful when the still sounds of the Gardens are overtaken with love and cheers at the announcement that the happy couple is married!
With summertime comes special events too of course! Parents seeking activities to keep their children engaged and happy can find a range of special children’s workshops! Busy folks looking for a quiet way to spend a weekday evening can enjoy one of our bi-weekly picnic nights with admission-by-donation and music playing – a way to escape our busy lives and spend time in a beautiful setting!
And of course, the highlight of summer at HCP is the Arts & Music in the Gardens festival! Now in its 25th year, this incredible weekend showcases 3 stages of live music and over 50 local artists, vendors, and exhibitors. The Victoria Master Gardener Association will be onsite to answer all of your plant and gardening questions — conveniently situated next to our plant sale!
We encourage you to purchase an annual membership! It pays for itself in just a few visits , supports a not-for-profit garden and even includes Arts & Music in the Gardens admission. We hope you can make time this summer to come down to HCP and treat your senses to the beauty of our ever-changing Gardens.