Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Everyday

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!

HCP will be celebrating our 45^th anniversary this year!

The Gardens were created by a group of influential citizens who had a dream of a centre of excellence for horticulture training. On November 7, 1979 we were officially incorporated as a not-for-profit society and the work began! 

Last year was a year of governance and creating a new Strategic Plan to guide us on the path forward and as we charge forward into 2024, I would like to once again thank you each and every one for giving of your time, your efforts and most of all your support in making the Gardens the incredible welcoming, safe and community space that they are.

New Years is a time to look back at the good you have all done this past year and to look ahead at all of the wonderful possibilities that await you. So here is to you! To 2024 and to making this year the best it can be for you and all the lives you touch! 

We look forward to welcoming you in to the new reception area and members please watch for a separate email this week with an update to our current membership structure which will begin in February.

Deborah

For more information, please visit our  WEBSITE.

Thank you so much for your generous support!

As a charity, the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific depends on the support and generosity of others to help us make a difference. The maintenance of our gardens is funded through our memberships as well as donations, sponsorships, grants and income from our gardens through admissions, plant sales, events and weddings. Even though much of the creation and maintenance of the gardens is carried out by teams of hardworking and cherished volunteers, there is still a large financial commitment when caring for nine acres of curated gardens and the Conservation Park.

Your donations provide essential support.

And thank you so much for your continued support -- we couldn't do it without you! Visit our website or phone (250) 479-6162 to donate today.

A Unique Volunteer Opportunity: serving on the HCP’s Board of Directors

Are you passionate about the HCP and interested in volunteering in ways that don’t necessarily require wearing gloves?

As a not-for-profit organization, the HCP is governed by a society led by a Board of Directors. The Board’s role is to oversee the HCP’s strategic direction and financial performance, and to ensure its operations, policies, and values are maintained to the highest standards.

The HCP’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan sets out some ambitious goals. To achieve them, and to meet our mandate, we need a strong, diverse, and dedicated Board that represents a range of skills, experience, talents, and the broader community.

We are actively recruiting new Board members who are passionate about the HCP and about growing it into the future. Also, as part of our succession planning process, we invite people who are interested in eventually serving on the Board Executive Committee and as Board Chair.

Are you an expert in horticultural business? Have you lead a not-for-profit organization? Are you a passionate fund raiser, or a human resources champion? Are you a governance guru? Do you have other skills and experience that you believe would benefit the HCP?

If you would like to be considered for the HCP Board, or would like to know more about being a Director, please complete this Expression of Interest form. A member of the Board Recruitment Committee will be in touch with you soon.

Other current volunteer opportunities include volunteering with the Conservation Team or in the Front Office and Gift Shop.

For more information about volunteering at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) please contact Kim at volunteers@hcp.ca.

Giles is currently away until February and Giles' Jottings will return at that time.

Current Hours: Weekdays 10am-3pm

Weekends 9am-3pm

Plant Identification & Culture Workshops with Jane Tice 
Saturday, January 27 -  1:00pm - 4:00pm

Save by registering for 2024 pack of 12 classes below or join for an individual 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.

2024 - Pack of 12 now available - HCP Members $400 / Non-Members $500

Individual Session - HCP Members $40/Non-Members $50
VISIT OUR WEBSITE to learn more or to register online

Finger Painting without the Paint Workshop
Saturday, February 17 -  9:00am - 1:00pm

Have FUN at 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. All supplies are included.

Fees: HCP Members $75/Non-Members $85
VISIT OUR WEBSITE to learn more or to register online

Introduction to Gardening with Ornamental Grasses
Sunday, March 3 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

The workshop will consist of both a classroom session and an outdoor demonstration of planting, care and maintenance in the garden. Each will be approximately one hour in duration.

During the classroom session, participants will be introduced to the joys of gardening with ornamental grasses. Some basic botany, the most popular grass varieties for our area, growth habits and planting considerations will be covered. At all times the emphasis will be on the practical aspects of growing beautiful plants whether in mass plantings or stand-alone feature specimens in a garden or container.

The outdoor demonstration will include planting a new grass in the garden and the annual activity of spring clean-up in anticipation of another year of evolving beauty. The workshop will conclude with a short tour of the garden to highlight some of the grasses talked about in the classroom session.

$40 HCP Members /$50 Non-Members
VISIT OUR WEBSITE to learn more or to register online

Look what is happening this WINTER at HCP Kids!

• SCHOOLS - EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS for 2024 HERE
• Early Learners’ - See what is NEW for your child or group  HERE
• BIRTHDAYS - PERFECT WINTER THEMES HERE
• STUDENT JOBS & VOLUNTEER opportunities. Looking for experience working with children during our JMG Garden Camps this school year? Contact youthprograms@hcp.ca for details.
• WINTER WORKSHOPS - see below
• GROUP BOOKINGS - are available for all workshops and programs. Contact us at youthprograms@hcp.ca
• SPRING BREAK CAMPS - registration is NOW OPEN.

To see more details about a program please use the link in the title.

BIRTHDAYS in The Garden!

We offer a 2 hour unique birthday experience for children in the gardens. Our parties are based on fun and engaging nature themes, including Terrarium Gardens, Mythical Creatures, Fairy Gardens, Enchanted Forests, Herbal Creations, among others. See our complete list of workshops HERE. Explore the gardens, create an amazing take away craft, then host your guests for refreshments. For more information contact our School & Youth Programs Coordinator at youthprograms@hcp.ca .

HOME LEARNERS - EXCITING New Programs coming for 2024!

We are featuring some exciting new short series and workshops beginning in February. Be sure to check our website for more information later this month! As always, our spaces provide unique and hands-on experiences for home learning families and networks! Whether you are a homeschool parent or group teacher, these garden based nature programs are filled with curriculum rich learning experiences for your child. We offer full day, drop in and series programs. If you are looking for inspiration for program ideas, in addition to the program listed HERE, please take a look at SCHOOL PROGRAMS, these can also be provided for your group as can can of our HCP Kids – Workshops.

If you are interested in having us design something for your needs, please reach out to us at youthprograms@hcp.ca .

Pro-D Day Camps

Please Click on the date to register

Feb 16
May 17

WINTER WORKSHOPS

New for 2024 - Workshops for Early Learners

Exploring Nature Through Crafts

Our gardens and natural surroundings offer many opportunities for foraging and creativity. Together we will use our time to explore seasonal interests in the garden, then gather a variety of materials, using a weekly theme to make a take away project that will delight and entertain.

Extra hands are always welcome as we create and assemble. Please plan to stay if your child benefits from your support or if you crave some nature crafting of your own! Looking for a morning filled with fun? Consider signing your child up for The Art of Storytelling for Littles! Ages 3 to 5 years

Dates:  Thursdays February 1, 8, 15, 22, 2024
Time:   9:00 am - 10:15 am
Fee:     $68 or $60/Family Membership
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

The Art of Storytelling for Littles!

We all love a good story and even at a young age children can tell us amazing stories!

Some of us are naturals and some of us need guidance and nurturing. In this garden meetup, we will share stories both from books and experiences to practice our own creative storytelling.

If you have a confident child ready to join a small group on their own, parents are free to do a drop off. We do ask that you stay on site and take time to enjoy the gardens. Some children need to have a familiar adult with them to become their confident self, and we are happy to have an adult stay and participate as a child requires. If you are looking to fill the morning with another beautiful garden time, consider signing up for Nature Crafts. Ages 3 to 5 years

Dates: Thursdays February 1, 8, 22, 2024
Time:  10:45 am - 11:45 am
Fee:     $68 or $60 with Family Membership
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

The Great Garden Hunt

We all know what happens when a worm is uncovered in the garden ... lots of excitement!

Well imagine a weekly garden wander to look for all of those special discoveries that just happen when you least expect it! Along the way we will be learning lots of fun facts about these amazing garden friends, and forging friendships and interactions with each other. Each meetup will include a theme related craft to take home. Join your child or enjoy the gardens (on your own, or with a friend Mom:) during our meet up time. 3 to 5 years

Dates:  Fridays February 23, March 1, March 8, 15
Time:   9:00 am - 10:15 am
Fee:     $68 or $60 with Family Membership
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

SCHOOL AGE WORKSHOPS

Seasonal Special! Valentine Fairy Garden

Do you know someone who would cherish a ❤ themed fairy garden? Share a morning with a child

In your life. A gentle garden wander to gather inspiration and explore, that leads into a making session to create a sweet take away garden. ADULTS are welcome to sign up and create a garden of their own:)

Date: Saturday February 3 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Fee:   $35 or $30 with Family membership  
Register:  Online  or call 250-479-6162

Seed Starting for Kids

As gardeners it never seems early enough to get started with seed starting. This is an inexpensive way to produce food crops, herbs  and flowers, and we will explore them all. There will be lots of seeds planted and brought home to continue growing and enjoying. This is a great skill to have as a budding gardener!  Ages 5 to 14 years

Date:  Saturday February 10, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Fee:   $35 or $30 with Family membership 
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Crafting with Hearts!

The first known depiction of a heart shape as a symbol of love was in the 1200’s! It was held upside down for the first couple hundred years, before it was flipped into the position that we recognize today. Just in time for Valentine’s Day let’s explore some fun ways to incorporate the famous heart shape into an afternoon of crafting!. Using a variety of materials and plant parts we will create amazing crafts including a wreath, lavender sachet, and heart shaped wildflower seed bombs. Ages 5 to 14 years

Date:  Saturday February 10, 2024
Time:   1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Fee:   $35 or $30 with Family membership 
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Terrarium Gardens
Gardening with tropicals and succulents is an easy way for children to use their creativity to make these miniature gardens. We will learn about the individual needs of these interesting plants and create a safe environment for them to grow in while using a glass container that is being reused or upcycled. These make great gifts!

Date: Sunday, March 10 , 2024
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am 
Age: 5+ years 
Fee:  $35 or $30 with Family membership  
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Fairy Garden Furnishings 

Just in time for some Spring Break inspiration, it is time to add some magic to a garden or space in your neighbourhood.  We will be using natural materials to create fun and functional furnishings for existing and future fairy gardens. We will explore doors, gates, transitions and theme related furnishings. Participants will also have access to supplies to make featured items and will be encouraged to source out their own special materials in nature going forward. Imagination is a wonderful tool as we learn to create items for these playful and whimsical gardens!

Date: Sunday March 10 , 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Age: 7-12 years
Fee:  $35 or $30 with Family membership  
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES

Growing Together for Families - (3 part series)

Have you thought about growing your own food crops, but are overwhelmed? Let’s work together in the HCP Kids Teaching Garden and transform an area into a garden plot. Learn about soils, productive garden planning, maximizing yields, managing pests,  seeds and starts as well as seed saving. Join us along with your family for this 3 part workshop to build skills and understanding to make your own food production possible. This workshop series is also a great way to improve your garden experience. Bring along your own garden gloves. Lots of sharing of seeds and seedlings to plant in your home garden too!

Date:  March 2, 9, and April 6, 2024
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Age: All welcome!
Fee: $140 or $125 with Family membership  
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

HOME LEARNERS 

Garden Creatures - (3 part series)

Worms, snails, birds and beetles! Join us in the garden to discover all the amazing creatures that call this place home. Together, we will learn about who they are, what they need to survive and how we can help their habitat thrive.

See our website for more information on the Curriculum Competency Learning Standards for this program HERE

Dates: Wednesdays February 7, 21, 28 2024 
Time:  9:45 am -11:15 pm
Level: K -Gr 2
Fee:  $115 or $105 with Family membership  
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Ethnobotany - (3 part series)

Join us in WSANEC territory to learn about the cultural and ecological importance of native plants and ecosystems. Together, we will walk the Ethnobotany Trail, learn about the indigenous names and uses of plants, and discuss the importance of native ecosystems as we navigate our climate crisis. We will also use native plant materials to create a take away creation. See our website for more information on the Curriculum Competency Learning Standards for this program HERE

Dates: Wednesdays February 7, 21, 28 
Time:  12:45 pm - 2:15 pm
Level: Gr 2-5
Fee:  $115 or $105 with Family membership  
Register: Online or call 250-479-6162

Thanks to our wonderful volunteer, Bev, for bringing this fundraising opportunity to us! We have redeemed $24,000 in receipts for $240 in gift cards so far! Amazing!!

Please drop off your Country Grocer receipts at the Front Desk, it's as easy as that to support our Volunteer cookie program!

Thanks again everyone!

Deborah

Our 2024 wedding bookings are open with new packages available, and we’ve still got some room in the summer! August 2024 is almost full for the weekends, but we’ve still got some room for June, July & September.

Please reach out to events@hcp.ca with any questions or inquiries! We are happy to connect and make sure your special day will be perfect!

We are booking our pavilion throughout the year for corporate events, meetings, memorials, workshops, birthdays, and more! We are always excited to hear what event you’d like to hold at our beautiful Gardens.