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The gardens are open Thursday through Sunday, 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Closing to the public Monday to Wednesday provides more space for our hardworking volunteers and Pacific Horticulture College students to spread out and work safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We occasionally close early for unsafe weather (like last week's heat wave!) or private functions. This will be communicated on our Facebook and Instagram, or you can call ahead to check.
You are welcome to have a picnic on the grounds, however alcohol and glass are not permitted. Please remember that dogs are permitted in the gardens as long as they stay on a leash. Never leave your dog in a hot car.
We are very excited about the new addition to our Children’s Garden: an interactive hexagon tunnel! It’s not quite ready for crawling through, but soon it will be, and will have various vines growing over it to create a hidden tunnel.
I want to thank Veryan from Feast & Stow Garden Co. for creating the concept drawing, Garrod at JR Marine Manufacturing for making the steel hoops, HCP volunteers Reggie, Kate, Alison, Shelly, Barb, Lonnie and Jim and current PHC students Amanda, Marie, Nola and Cecilia for installing the structure.
We have also completed our gift shop renovations! We are pleased to stock handcrafted gifts from local BC artists, gardening tools for both the avid and casual gardener, houseplants propagated onsite in our polyhouse (succulents and foliage plants), books and more! Drop in on your next visit.
One very special item are our butter knives handcrafted from wood pruned from the iconic Eucalyptus tree, made by our volunteer Ian Duncan. In his words:
About 2015 the HCP Eucalyptus tree on the Rose Allee by the Mediterranean Garden was suffering from a major die off of a side limb. It was cut off by the arborists. I was able to salvage several of the pieces. Once at my home shop, the ends were sealed and the wood put to dry in the shops crawlspace. In the fall of 2019 I started to use the smaller limbs to make butter knives. First the 3-4 inch diameter limbs were cut into strips on a band saw, then planed flat and sanded. Knife outlines traced and cut on a fine blade band saw and sanded to approximate shape on a drum sander. Then hand sanded through many grits of sand paper from 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220, 320, 400 to a final shape and high sheen. Finally two coats of food safe oil finish were rubbed in. Each knife takes about an hour from limb to final product, although I do about 10-15 knives at a time over several days. Visit the gift shop and take home a piece of HCP heritage.
Due to COVID-19, the Victoria Master Gardener Association is unable to hold their usual face-to-face clinics. Instead, they are ready to answer your gardening questions virtually and look forward to connecting with gardeners who need advice! Please email info@msvmga.org.
When Imogen’s father – Cymbeline, King of Britain – wrongfully banishes her soulmate, the princess must embark on a near mythic quest to prove her fidelity, escape her stepparent’s dastardly plot, and reclaim her love. Here, the improbable becomes probable as kind strangers, dastardly villains, mysterious potions, mistaken identity, long-lost princes, and the clashing of armies pave the high road to reunion, forgiveness, and for some, Happily Ever After.
Tickets for the festival are now SOLD OUT! In addition to the ticketed performances, we are hosting two PREVIEW performances on Thursday, July 1st and Wednesday, July 2nd at 4:00pm. These preview performances cannot be booked in advance; admission is first-come, first-served and is included in the garden admission fee.
Happy Summer Break to the full-time Landscape Horticulture students! They have made it halfway through the 10-month program and deserve a sunshine-filled break. Over the last few weeks they have completed their Landscape Design projects and Plant ID card files, both major first term projects. The students have also enjoyed a variety of Special Topics in Horticulture classes and written blogs about their learning experiences – be sure to check them out on the HCP website. When the students return to classes after their two week summer break, they will jump into new classes in Plant Health and Permaculture as well as resuming year long courses in Plant ID and Practical Skills. There’s always more to learn!
PHC is still accepting applications for our Landscape Design Student Projects! If you are looking to design or redesign your garden, would like design ideas and inspiration and are able to make a donation to the College, please review our post and requirements here: 2021 Landscape Student Project Opportunity
Meanwhile, the college is busy accepting applications for all of our upcoming programs! PHC is accepting applications for the following programs:
2021 Part-Time Level 2 Landscape Horticulturist training program (starts August 9) – waitlisted
2021 Gap Training program (starts August 9)
2021 Full-Time (non-harmonized) Level 4 Landscape Horticulturist training program (starts November 1)
2022 Full-Time (harmonized) Level 3 Landscape Horticulturist training program (starts January 10)
2022 Full-Time Landscape Horticulture Certification program (starts January 18) – waitlisted
2022 Part-Time Level 1 (harmonized) Landscape Horticulturist training program (starts January 24)
Applicants are encouraged to still apply even if a program is waitlisted. Application forms and requirements can be found online. Additional programs will open for applications over the coming months. Please contact the college if you would like to be added to the interest list for any of these programs or have any other program questions at collegeadmin@hcp.ca.
Our aim is to create and provide land-based learning opportunities for children and youth in our community. Through these outdoor educational programs, we believe that we can promote individual, community and environmental health. During all of our programs, we will use the gardens and surrounding forests as our classroom and as an educational tool to cultivate joy, wonder and meaningful connections to plants and the natural world.
Join us at the gardens for our summer children and youth workshops! Our workshops explore a variety of plant-based topics, from organic crafts to concrete gardening skills. Summer workshop registration is open now!
Creating with Herbs (In Person)
Many of the most common herbs are living in our yards, but we do not always know how to use them. We will begin with a Herb Garden wander to introduce a variety of new and different herbs to our participants. Next, we will learn about harvesting these herbs, then how to use them for culinary and self-care products at home. There will be samples to take away as well as a “how to guide” and recipes.
Date: Monday, July 12 Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Age: 6+ years Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Succulents Gardens (In Person)
Creating them is so much fun! These easy care plants require little water and add interest to any yard or low maintenance area. Join us and learn about the propagation of succulent plants as we use the gardens to explore how they are used in difficult to garden areas. Then create your own succulent garden to take home using basic principles of design.
Date: Wednesday, July 14 Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Age: 6+ years Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Gnome Gardens (In Person)
We hear a lot about fairy gardens, but gnomes need room to hang out and play too! Participants will create their own beach-themed mini garden. We will be using a variety of plants that are easy to maintain and are suited to these miniature gardens that are meant to be played in!
Date: Friday, July 16 Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Age: 4+ (under 6 with an adult participant) Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Dinosaur Gardens (In Person)
If fairies can have a place to hang out, so can dinosaurs! Participants will create their own mini garden with these fun creatures. We will be using a variety of easy to grow plants that will hold up to some gentle dinosaur action in the garden. These gardens are meant to be played in!
Date: Monday, July 26 Time: 10:00am - 11:30am Age: 4+ (under 6 with an adult participant) Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Tea Making (In Person)
The first credible record of brewing tea dates back to the 3rd Century AD. Fast forward to 2021 and the cold brewing of teas made with garden botanicals in our HCP Kids Garden. We have been brewing our harvested flowers and herbs safely, using cold brew methods for years and our participants love to sample and create their own personalized blends. We will also be sampling and adding to commercial blended teas such as mint and green. This is a fun way to introduce children to basic plant identification as we learn to recognize plant families for their features and their beneficial uses.
Date: Wednesday, July 28 Time: 10:00am - 11:30am Age: 6+ years Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Fairy Gardens (In Person)
Every fairy garden workshop is a bit different and this one features a house to create a beach theme. If you are new to these fun mini gardens, this is a great one to start with! We will be using plants suited to these miniature gardens that will hold up to endless garden adventures. These gardens are meant to be played in!
Date: Friday, July 30 Time: 10:00am - 11:30am Age: 4+ (under 6 with an adult participant) Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Planting a Fall Garden (In Person)
We love our summer gardens, but did you know that the middle of summer is the perfect time to start seeding for fall and winter crops? Our Pacific Northwest climate allows us to enjoy our fresh harvests well into the colder months, and depending on the season and where you are growing them, into spring! Let’s discover the best plants to grow in the cooler seasons for ongoing harvests. Then assemble seeds and plantings to take home and learn how to look after them, transplant and harvest.
Date: Monday, August 16 Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Age: 5 - 15 years Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Terrarium Gardens (In Person)
This class is an introduction to tropical gardening in an easy way that children can manage and enjoy. 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. Once you make one you may have to go home and look for more containers to make into gardens for yourself and others. These make great gifts!
Date: Wednesday, August 18 Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Age: 6+ years Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
The following workshops are available until August 20th, 2021. After registering, participants will receive an email including an instructional sheet, a link to an instructional video, as well as time and date options to pick up your take-home workshop kit! Workshops will be available for participants to watch and do at their leisure.
Teacup Fairy Gardens (Kit + Video)
The mystique of having fairies in our gardens has us all intrigued! Learn how to incorporate tiny plants and elements of design into these little gardens for indoor use. We will explore the needs of plants and how to care for them in a miniature setting, while providing a magical place for wee garden visitors! Warning: These can be addictive and so fun to make!
Age: 6+ years Fee: HCP Members $20 / Non-Members $25 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Outdoor Fairy Gardens (Kit + Video)
Using a selection of winter hardy plants, we will create an outdoor fairy garden for your deck, balcony or garden. We will discuss winter hardy plants and how to grow them in small containers. These miniature gardens provide a fun reason to move your child’s play outdoors this season and makes a great destination to check on during the spring and summer too!
Age: 5+ years Fee: HCP Members $20 / Non-Members $25 Registration: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Fairy Furnishings (Kit + Video)
Making your own fairy garden furnishings can be fun and easy with a little expertise and guidance. In this kit and video package, we will take a walk together to forage natural materials that can be made into fun and functional furnishings for existing and future fairy gardens. We will explore doors, gates, transitions and theme-related furnishings. Participants will receive a kit with instructions and supplies to make featured items and will be encouraged to source out their own special materials going forward. Imagination is a wonderful tool as we learn to create items for these playful and whimsical gardens!
Age: 5+ years Fee: HCP Members $20 / Non-Members $25 Registration: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Terrarium Gardens for Kids (Kit + Video)
Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Get creative as you learn about the needs of little plants, and what better place to grow them than in an upcycled glass container? Choose a glass bowl, vase, jar or other container (up to 20cm) to upcycle and see what you can create! You provide the glass container and we provide the rest.
Age: 6+ years Fee: HCP Members $20 / Non-Members $25 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Seed Starting for Kids (Kit + Video)
Growing vegetables from seed is a fun way for children to become self-reliant and aware of their own food security. This class includes an introduction to growing six different cool weather crops from seed, their maintenance and replanting information. Participants will learn about the best soils to use for starting seeds, how to water, when to harden off and how to plan for successive crops. Participants will have the materials to sow their seeds at home in a tray, grow them into seedlings and then plant them.
Age: 5+ years Fee: HCP Members $20 / Non-Members $25 Registration: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Garden Friends - A Series for Children and Parents
Children love to explore our gardens while observing and experiencing nature. Together, we will engage in a series of nature activities. Each session includes a garden wander, sharing circle and story time. Bring a snack and picnic blanket for story time and dress for the weather.
Summer Series
Dates: Thursdays July 8, 15, 22, 29 Time: 10:00 - 11:30am Age: 3 - 6 years with parent/guardian Fee: HCP Members $55 / Non-Members $65 (price is for full series) Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Fall Series
Dates: Thursdays September 9, 16, 23, 30 Time: 10:00 - 11:30am Age: 3 - 6 years old, plus parent/guardian Fee: HCP Members $55 / Non-Members $65 (price is for full series) Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Garden Nature Academy – Fall Sessions!
The outdoors offer safe and seasonal opportunities for your preschooler to explore through play, games, songs and activities! These outdoor sessions will include time in our vegetable garden, as well as numerous pathways and native plant forest areas to explore. The small group size and our experienced nature educators help to create a nurturing and engaging environment for young children to learn, play and grow!
Dates: Tuesdays September 7 through October 26 Age/Times: 3 - 4 years old, 9:00 - 11:30am 5 (and almost 5) years old, 12:30 - 3:00pm Fee: $160 (price is for full series) Register: Online (morning or afternoon) or phone (250) 479-6162
We are happy to still be offering classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, though there may be some adjustments to keep us aligned with public health recommendations and keep participants and instructors safe. If you have any questions, please email our Community Education Coordinator Cheri (communityed@hcp.ca).
Plant Identification & Culture
Learn so much about plants with Diane Pierce, expert gardener, designer and writer. Diane will introduce you to 25 new plants in each session. You will learn Latin and common names, plant descriptions, cultural requirements, general maintenance and landscape uses. This is an ongoing course and can be joined at any time, all year long, one Saturday a month. The July class will be online via Zoom.
Dates: Saturdays July 17 (online), August 21, September 11, October 2, November 20, December 4 Time: 1:00 - 4:00pm Fee: HCP Members $35 / Non-Members $45 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Forest Therapy Walks
Join Peter Hehl and Kelly Kiss, ANFT Certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guides, to discover “Forest Bathing”, what it is, along with its health and wellness benefits. Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. Shinrin-Yoku means to “bathe in the atmosphere of the forest”. If practiced regularly, “forest bathing” may improve your health, wellness and happiness! Moving slowly over a gentle landscape, the practice of forest therapy is accessible to people of all fitness levels, ages and abilities. Please bring a mask and dress for the weather.
Date: Saturday July 17 and Wednesday July 28 Time: 1:30 - 4:00pm Fee: $45 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Floral Design Program - Coming This Fall
Join floral designer Linda Rambaud of Lindara Design to learn industry-level floral design skills. This is the first part of a three-part series, and participants who complete all three parts will receive a certificate of completion. Part One consists of 3 x 3 hour sessions in class and one field trip or speaker event, for a total of 12 hours. This course is designed for those who want to create their own arrangements or join the floral industry. You will develop creativity, techniques and learn to care for fresh arrangements. All flowers are included in the course fees. This class is indoors and masks are required.
Dates: TBA Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm Fee: HCP Members $450 / Non-Members $495 Register: Click here for the interest list and we will contact you when registration opens
Yoga in the Gardens
If this all-levels yoga class experience had to be summed up in one word it would be “nourishing”. You can expect to move in ways that will nurture key areas of your body like the low back, hips, shoulders and more. The intention of this class is to leave you feeling more connected to yourself and the beautiful nature around you. Please bring your own yoga mat and any other items you might need to make you comfortable during your practice, and come prepared for hot weather! We are following all provincial requirements for outdoor low-intensity group exercise.
Dates: Thursdays (see below) Time: 5:30 - 6:15pm Fees: $10 for 1 session (Please call on the day of the class to register) $45 for 5 sessions (August 12, 19, 26, September 2, 9) Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Acrylic Painting for Beginners
This two-part class will introduce absolute beginners and novices to painting in acrylics. This is a great class for new painters wanting to learn the basics before joining our outdoor painting sessions.
Participants will learn about using and selecting materials including paints, mediums, painting surfaces, wet palettes, easels and brushes. You will also learn how to mix colour with a limited palette.
Once you have completed this two part class, you will be ready to take our guided plein air sessions to practice what you have learned. All materials are provided and included in your fee.
These classes will be held indoors, physically distanced, with a maximum of 10 participants. Masks required when not seated.
Dates: Monday July 12 and Tuesday July 13 Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm Fee: $130 (price is for both sessions) Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Art in the Garden - Guided Painting Sessions
These classes will allow participants to paint outdoors with an experienced, practicing plein air artist and instructor, Keith Levang. This kind of painting outdoors through observation of the natural landscape is known as plein air or en plein air painting. Classes can be taken one at a time, but beginners are encouraged to sign up for at least four sessions to experience the full benefit.
The classes are suitable for absolute beginners who have taken our "Acrylic Painting for Beginners" class. It is also suitable for intermediate and novice painters who are comfortable using acrylic paints and have basic colour mixing skills and know their colour wheel. Participants will set up outdoors in beautiful and lush gardens for each session. The instructor will be there to get you started and coach you through the process while you paint. You will learn how to simplify the complex scene in front of you and translate it into a beautiful landscape painting. Participants will benefit from mentorship of an experienced artist who can teach you the tips and tricks that may take years to discover on your own. It is a great opportunity to meet other beginner artists and learn from each other.
When you register you will have the option to select to register with materials included or not. All participants will require their own easel and small portable table. If you do not have an easel of your own, please get in touch as we may have one you can borrow. Please visit our website using the registration link below to download the materials information sheet. Classes will be outdoors, physically distanced, with a maximum of 10 participants.
Dates: Tuesdays July 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, September 7 Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm Fee: $50 without materials / $65 with materials Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
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. Your donations provide essential support, especially now.
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.
We have an account at the Return-It Bottle Depot! The next time you’re bringing in your beverage containers, please advise the cashier at the beginning of the transaction that you would like to donate the amount to The Gardens at HCP.
Please use our name and not the account number you may see on a past receipt, as the account number is different at each Bottle Depot location. The three Victoria locations are 4261 Glanford Ave, 655 Queens Ave, and 3961 Quadra St. The Sidney location is located at #5, 10025 Galaran Rd.
Visit the Return-It website to see which containers are eligible for a refund.
It’s a new month; don’t forget to check your bright green 'Gardens at HCP' membership card to see if it has expired! Memberships are a great value and include:
Free admission to the Gardens A free guest pass with each membership Discounted rates for additional guests 10% off plants and gift shop purchases Discounted member rates on Community Education Workshops Discounts at select garden centres throughout Victoria
Revenue from annual memberships supports youth programming, horticulture student development, plants and supplies for garden improvements, and volunteer appreciation. You can purchase or renew your membership today online or by calling (250) 479-6162.
Our new database system allows you to manage your membership, donations and workshop registrations online. Current members and most past members have an account already.
When you attempt to log in for the first time, you will need to reset your password. Please note that the password recovery email expires after 48 hours, and may be in your spam folder. Don’t hesitate to phone us if you need any assistance.
Year-Round Containers, Baskets & Boxes By Graham Strong and Claire Phoenix
A garden container can be all about instant colour, but more than that, it can be a wildflower creation, a child’s project, or even edible. As well as a basket or a window box, plants can be grown in unusual containers such as a colander, a kettle or even a log. This book is full of ideas about design, styles and colour for all sorts of containers, baskets and window boxes. The plant directory has the usual lists for shade and drought tolerant plants. As a bonus, there are lists for:
Star quality plants Plants to perform a floral marathon Rapid growers for quick effect Scented flowers and leaves
It has over 60 plans to choose from or use as inspiration for your own creations. Each plan has step-by-step instructions on how to create and tend to your planting. A full-page photo shows the completed project at its peak display.
While this book looks at container plants for all seasons, its emphasis is on summer, with many projects performing their best from June to September. So if you’re looking for a dash of quick colour, something for a tricky spot, or have a container looking for a purpose, consider borrowing this book from the HCP Library to inspire a new planting.
Check our online catalogue 24/7 for more titles and click the blue 'Ask About This' button to reserve a copy of any book. Questions? Contact us at library@hcp.ca.
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