The Master Gardener Program

This course is a prerequisite for joining the Victoria Master Gardener Association. It is also a great program for the home gardener or hobbyist to learn current, reliable home gardening basics.

Lifelong learning is at the heart of the Victoria Master Gardener Association, where it is accepted that no one can possibly know it all and that there is no shame in saying “I don’t know but I know who to ask”. Amazing gardeners here at the HCP say it all the time. The thing is you have to start somewhere and the Master Gardener Program is the place. You will learn current, reliable home gardening basics – the framework to pin everything else to. You will also learn how to look it up, who to ask, and how to share that knowledge of sound, environmentally responsible gardening practices with the community.

The course is taught at the HCP by a Pacific Horticulture College instructors and Master Gardeners and consists of 26 x 3-hour sessions that combine classroom and online instruction, home study, hands-on practice, assignments and in-class projects. Guest lecturers add their knowledge, contributing immeasurably to the experience. Homework consists of 7 assignments taking an average of 6 – 10 hours each to complete.

Program Delivery

This program has a blended delivery and is partly in person in the HCP classroom and partly online via Zoom. There will also be some practical components in the gardens and field trips.
With this in mind participants will need to be comfortable with using Zoom and have a computer and Wifi that meets the requirements.
Note that each instructor will have their own style of teaching and sharing resources. Please check with them if you have any questions.

Note on Covid and Program Delivery:
Participants should also have some flexibility should we need to postpone or reschedule classes (within reason) due to Covid. This may include reasons such as provincial health regulations or an instructor being ill. If provincial health orders prevent in-person classes, then we will move the majority of the program online until in-person classes can resume. Field trips and practical components will be completed when in-person classes are possible.
Participants will also be required to comply with Covid safety protocols during in person classes based on provincial recommendations and health orders.

PROGRAM FULL FOR 2023

Please sign up for the interest list if you would like to receive registration updates for 2024. This program is popular and the best chance of getting a spot is to sign up for the interest list.

INTEREST LIST

Important: Please supply an accurate email address when you sign up as all registration communications will be via email.

Registration Dates for 2023

SOLD OUT!

September 12, 2022- Registration for those on the interest list

September 19, 2022 – Registration opens for the general public

Pricing

Registration Fee: 75 (due on registration and non refundable for cancellations after November 22)
Fees: $795.00 (includes registration fees, books and handouts)

Note: Payment deadline for fees – December 1, 2022.
Program fees are fully refundable for cancellations up until December 15, 2022
Cancellations after the start of the course are not refundable.

Current Class Schedule for 2023

January 29 – May 7, 2023
Thursdays – 6pm – 9pm and Sundays 9am – 12pm
Online and in-person.

Download the tentative schedule for 2023 below:

2023 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Becoming a Master Gardener

Once you complete the course, you have the option to go on and become a Master Gardener. Note that this is optional and not a requirement when you complete the course.

What is a Master Gardener and what do they do?
Master Gardeners combine a passion for gardening and the dedication to share their knowledge with the community. As part of an international, non-profit organization, all Master Gardeners are volunteers and offer their knowledge in many venues. To become a Master Gardener, you first qualify to be a Master Gardener in Training (MGIT) and then become qualified as a Master Gardener, following a period of further education and volunteering.

Qualification as a Master Gardener in Training (MGIT)

Attendance (80% of classes)
Assignments (complete a minimum of 80%)
Final open book exam (minimum grade of 80%)

Qualifications to become a certified Master Gardener
Volunteer hours are the cornerstone of certification. In the first 24 months after completing the basic training course, MGITs complete a minimum of 60 hours of volunteer hours in such activities as gardening events, seminars, fairs, plant sales, nursery clinics, workshops, demonstrations, community projects, research and writing and fundraising events. Once certification has been obtained, the number of clinic hours /year is reduced. In addition to volunteer hours, members attend regular meetings and commit to on-going education.

A full description of the program can be found at http://mgabc.org/content/14-become-master-gardener/

Visit the Victoria Master Gardener Association website for more information – https://www.mgabc.org/content/victoria.

Upcoming Events

VIEW EVENT CALENDAR

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HCP Kids Garden Club

June 3 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 amHorticulture Centre Of The Pacific

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 […]

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Weaving with Willow – Rattle Weave Variations Workshop

June 3 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pmHorticulture Centre Of The Pacific

NOTE: MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR IN PERSON WORKSHOPS WITH JOAN CARRIGAN. This is a great introduction to weaving with willow. Participants will be making several projects employing what is called […]

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Pocket Flower Press Workshop

June 5 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pmHorticulture Centre Of The Pacific

Come and capture the fleeting days of spring in this two hour workshop with horticulture therapist, Sheila Weitman. Participants will each make a pocket press, then explore a section of […]

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Stories in the Garden

June 6 @ 11:00 amHorticulture Centre Of The Pacific

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 […]

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