Volunteering

Benefits of Volunteering at the Gardens

 Volunteers have been involved with the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific from the outset and still form an integral part of the organization today. Currently the HCP operates with the assistance of approximately 250 volunteers who contribute over 11,000 hours annually. With only eight full and part-time paid staff the assistance of volunteers is vital to the running of the organization. Volunteers are involved in many aspects of the organization including the office, gardens, youth programs. conservation, events and more. As much as the HCP represents horticulture and learning, we are also community focused. Volunteerism is part of the HCP culture and we provide a space for people to interact socially while learning about plants. Our volunteers create a wonderful community of healthy and vibrant gardeners.

We are always happy to welcome new volunteers to the Gardens. Email us at [email protected] for more information and a list of current volunteer opportunities. Become part of a close-knit group of volunteers and experience some of these great benefits:

• Grow your plant knowledge
• Gain gardening experience
• Share your gardening knowledge
• Make new friends
• Spend time outdoors
• Get physical exercise
• Contribute to conservation efforts
• Relaxation and stress management
• Fun social events
• Be part of a community

Volunteer Roles

Volunteer as a Gardener
Volunteers work with staff to keep our gardens attractive and maintain our plant collections. Some volunteers choose to become experts in specialty areas like the Vegetable Garden or Bonsai Garden.

Volunteer in the Office
Front office volunteers welcome visitors to the front office and gift shop. They assist staff with various office duties including answering the telephone, data entry and membership applications. If you have a friendly disposition and basic computer skills then this could be a great volunteer job for you.

Volunteer in Conservation
Work in the Conservation Park at HCP on native habitat restoration projects.  Alternately assist with our Native Plant Garden or Garry Oak Meadow Flowers Garden which blends habitat restoration and garden development.

Volunteer at Events
Come and volunteer at our seasonal events like the Annual Arts & Music in the Gardens, Earth Day, Harvest Festival or plant sales. Our volunteers help with event planning, set-up and take-down, hospitality and food service.

Volunteer on the Board
Skills and energies are always needed to help in areas such as fundraising, communications, site plan, building plans, governance, IT, human resources, finance and more. If you have the interest and experience to be on our board, please consider joining.

Opportunities for Youth
We have limited opportunities for youth, families and children. However, please connect with us to ask about how to get involved. Youth and Children under the age of 15 require a parent or guardian to volunteer alongside them.

Opportunities for Groups
Would your group like to do a one time volunteer project to help the Gardens? This is a great opportunity to get outdoors and practice some team building. Please contact us to enquire if we have any current projects that require assistance.

Opportunities for Organizations
We enjoy collaborating with other organizations. If your organization would like to explore opportunities to volunteer at the Gardens as part of your programming, please get in touch to discuss your ideas.

Requirements to Become a Volunteer

We are fortunate to receive many volunteer enquiries and applications at the HCP. Current volunteer opportunities vary depending  the needs of the organization.  If we do not have a suitable position when you apply, one may become available in the future. Anyone can apply regardless of experience and skills.

However, there are a few common skills that a preferred regardless of the position applied for. The Gardens has few staff and so applicants who are able to take direction, give direction and work independently are ideal. We have a need for volunteers who are interested in long term commitment with the possibility of growing into a leadership role. We are a community, so volunteers who work well with others are essential.

We do our best to match opportunities to candidates as closely as possible. That being said, all new volunteers undergo a trial period where we take the time to ensure that the position is a good fit. Volunteers may be offered an alternate position or go on a wait list when needed. Our goal is to ensure that each volunteer is happy in their position and has a great volunteer experience at the HCP.

How to Apply

Please Note: Volunteer applications are currently suspended due to Covid. However, if you have a specialized interest e.g Bonsai, Herbs, Rhododendron etc. and would like to go on a waiting list, please email Cheri Le Brun, the Volunteer Coordinator – [email protected].