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Our hearts go out to the families, communities and residential school survivors who are mourning the graves of unmarked children at former residential schools. This statement included in the summer newsletter from the Pacific Regional Society of Soil Science has particularly resonated with our staff:
As an organization focused on land-based activities, we must work to inform our understanding of the land and people’s relationship to it in a way that honours the traditional knowledge and respect that was ingrained in First Nations’ culture and disrupted by colonization. We all have made and continue to make mistakes regarding our relationship to land and the peoples whose unceded land we are on. However, we commit to learning from our mistakes and to continue to move forward.
We will continue to work every day to ensure the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific is a place we can all be proud to work at, beginning with updating our messaging to include the following territory acknowledgement:
"We at HCP gratefully acknowledge that we occupy unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lək̓ʷəŋən peoples. We recognize these lands and ecosystems are not our own. We recognize our role in the continuing process of dispossession, colonialism and reconciliation. We recognize the need to do better. We humbly welcome all to join in this learning journey."
Please accept my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you, for giving of your time, your efforts and most of all your support in making the Gardens the incredible, safe and welcoming place that they are.
Please stay safe, Deborah
What's happening in the garden:
The Takata Garden was established in 1995. It was named for the Takata family who owned and operated a Japanese garden in Esquimalt from 1907 to 1942. Our Takata Garden was designed by Greenfield Design in collaboration with long-time curator, Bob Clarke. The design features include many fences and gates made from bamboo-like reeds called Miscanthus giganteus, harvested from an enormous hedge growing in the Zen Garden.
Two styles of fences are commonly used in Japanese gardens:
The yotsume-gaki (four-eyed fence) is a bamboo lattice fence. The misu-gaki (bamboo-blind fence) is a sode-gaki (sleeve fence) placed alongside a building to act as a windbreak or screening.
Climate and upkeep affect the lifespan of the fences, and it is time for replacement of some. Two of our Takata volunteers, Peter and Doug have taken this on and done an excellent job! Click here to see a photo progression from the original fence through the building of the replacement.
How to care for heat-damaged plants:
We all had damaged plants after the heat dome in June. Some plants died and others were scorched by the record-breaking temperatures. But even those that look extremely bad (like hydrangeas and rhododendrons) will recover! These plants are stressed, so resist the urge to prune. Stressed plants are more susceptible to pests and disease, so be observant and water deeply. There were some plants that actually benefited from the extreme heat. The squash and corn never looked happier!
Cheers to August, Linda
Save the date! Now that we are in Step 3 of BC's Restart Plan and hoping to move into Step 4 in early September, we are planning to have our Fall Plant Sale onsite.
To minimize crowding and facilitate physical distancing, we are planning to open the sale on Thursday, September 23 for HCP Members and volunteers only. The sale will be open to the public on Friday, September 24 and Saturday, September 25. The sale will be 9:00am - 4:00pm daily.
Fall is the perfect time for planting. We have lots of new stock, propagated over the spring and ready to plant out. All plants will be reduced by 25% with further discounts in our Bargain Bin. As always, garden admission is free during plant sales!
Come early for the best selection (but no earlier than 9:00am, please). The Victoria Master Gardener Association will be available to answer your questions. All proceeds raised from the plant sale support the development of our nonprofit teaching gardens.
Picnic in the Gardens is BACK! We change it up a little every year, and this summer we are keeping it simple with live music and admission by donation.
Bring a picnic from home or support a local restaurant with a takeout order. Sorry, no alcohol permitted and no vendors this year. We’ll have some seating available but you can also bring a picnic blanket or folding chair to sit out in the gardens, as long as you’re distanced.
Admission by donation starts at 4:30pm with live music 5:00-8:00pm. There are four dates:
Friday August 6th (that's tomorrow!) Jazzalele 5:00 - 6:15pm Burke Rosen + Bill Hamilton 6:45 - 8:00pm
Sunday August 15th Downtown Train 5:00 - 6:15pm Wayne Alleman + Mario Milat 6:45 - 8:00pm
Friday August 20th Beautiful Luck 5:00 - 6:15pm Chick Wagon Duo 6:45 - 8:00pm
Sunday August 29th Adam Dobres 5:00 - 6:15pm TBD 6:45 - 8:00pm
Performers will have their cases open so please bring a little extra cash to support live music in our community!
July flew by with plenty of sunshine and flowers, and August looks to bring the same! The full-time students came back from their summer break re-energized and ready to dive back into classes. Plant Health and Introduction to Permaculture were of particular interest and the students are practicing their pest identification while also learning about permaculture design principles. Starting in August, they will also be introduced to the importance of Grading and Drainage with instructor Kevin Wilson of Rocks and Stones Masonry. Additionally, their first week of Work Experience is coming up quickly with students heading to Saanich Parks and Recreation, Hatchet + Seed, Healing Farm, University of Victoria, Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture… just to name a few.
August 9th marks the start of both the first-ever Gap Training Landscape Horticulturist program and the Part-Time Level 2 Landscape Horticulturist program. The Gap Training program runs for three weeks and transitions horticulture apprentices from the current ITA curriculum to the new harmonized ITA curriculum. PHC is the only school in BC to offer this program! The Level 2 group is ready to study again and learn more about Botany, Soils, Plant ID, Pruning, Softscape Maintenance and more. Both programs are offered in a blended delivery format (both online and in-person classes). This allows PHC to maximize educational opportunities for our enthusiastic students!
The college staff is accepting applications for the following programs:
2021 Full-Time (non-harmonized) Level 4 Landscape Horticulturist training program (starts November 1)
2022 Full-Time Level 3 (harmonized) Landscape Horticulturist training program (starts January 10)
2022 Full-Time Landscape Horticulture Certification program (starts January 17)
2022 Part-Time Level 1 (harmonized) Landscape Horticulturist training program (starts January 24)
Application forms and admission requirements can be found online. Please contact the college if you would like to be added to the interest list for any of these programs or if you have any other questions: 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.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are navigating the safe delivery of these educational programs within the guidelines of current Provincial Health Orders. All of our programs are subject to changes mandated by the public health authorities, and in the case that a session is cancelled, a full refund or credit will be provided. As we continue to navigate, in-person sessions may also be offered online. We look forward to seeing you in our gardens again soon!
School Tours, Programs and Workshops for 2021-2022
Join us at the gardens for school tours, programs and workshops with onsite and blended options. Together we will explore a variety of plant-based topics through facilitator led walks, work projects and take-home activities for ongoing learning and class followup. Current offerings include Ethnobotany & Indigenous Plant Uses, Food Production at School or Home and Life Cycle of Plants.
We are currently booking for September 2021. To book a tour, school program or workshop for your group, contact our School and Youth Programs Coordinator at youthprograms@hcp.ca.
Virtual Classroom
The Virtual Classroom aims to teach students and support teachers in a classroom setting while still providing the same connection, joy and belonging to nature that they experience in our world-class gardens. Access our garden expertise from the comfort of your own classroom through virtual presentations, hands-on activities and lesson plans. Virtual presentations and garden check-ins will be coupled with a classroom gardening package with materials for plant-centered, hands-on activities along with lesson plans that follow BC’s curriculum for the teacher.
Currently booking for September 2021 through June 2022. To book a Virtual Classroom Program for your class, please contact our School and Youth Programs Coordinator at youthprograms@hcp.ca.
Pro D Day Camps
Join us at the gardens for our JMG (Junior Master Gardener) Pro D Day Camps! An outdoor garden experience where we take on seasonal gardening tasks and activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden plot. There are also opportunities to explore the vast wilderness areas to experience the natural systems that keep our gardens growing, get our hands busy with garden arts and crafts and more.
PS: Spring Break and Summer Camp registration opens January 10, 2022!
Our workshops explore a variety of plant-based topics, from organic crafts to concrete gardening skills. Fall workshop registration is open now!
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
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: Saturday, September 11 Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm 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: Saturdays September 18 and October 23 Time: 1:30 - 3:00pm Age: 4+ (under 6 with an adult participant) Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online (click here for Sept or here for Oct) 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: Saturday, September 25 Time: 1:30 - 3:00pm Age: 6+ years 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: Saturday, October 2 Time: 1:30 - 3:00pm Age: 4+ (under 6 with an adult participant) Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Garden Arts & Crafts (In Person)
The gardens are full of opportunities to collect and use natural materials. In this workshop we will learn to use, reuse, and upcycle as we create art for our gardens, gift-giving and homes. Learn to use and press flowers for gift tags, pound botanicals, and more! This is a fun outdoor-inspired class that includes foraging and time collecting and learning about our valued plants and what they provide.
Date: Saturday, October 9 Time: 1:30 - 3:00pm Age: 6+ 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 and Saturday, October 16 Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Age: 6+ years Fee: HCP Members $25 / Non-Members $30 Register: Online (click here for Aug or here for Oct) or phone (250) 479-6162
Our workshop kits are now available until December 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.
Current workshop kits include Teacup Fairy Gardens, Outdoor Fairy Gardens, Fairy Furnishings, and Terrarium Gardens for Kids. All kits are $25. Please see our website for more information.
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.
Dates: Thursdays September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28 Time: 10:00 - 11:30am Age: 3 - 6 years old, plus parent/guardian Fee: HCP Members $55 / Non-Members $65 (price is per month) Register: Online (click here for Sept or here for Oct) or phone (250) 479-6162
Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Garden Club
Many of our camp and workshop participants love to garden. If you have or know a child who thrives in the outdoors, consider this exciting opportunity. Each week we will work on seasonal gardening activities and have lots of fun working with our hands as we take on projects and maintain our HCP Kids Garden. There are always things to share and take away to boost your child’s experience and confidence. This group is ideal for the child who thrives with a parent's support, and we welcome the extra helping hands! Dress for the weather and bring along a snack.
Dates: Saturdays September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Time: 9:30 - 11:30am Age: 3 - 12 years (under 6 must be accompanied by an adult) Fee: $120 (price is for full 8-week 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, 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 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 8-week series) Register: Online (mornings or afternoons) 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 August class will be a field trip to Government House. Please register ahead of time.
Dates: Saturdays 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: Saturdays/Wednesdays August 14, August 25, September 18, September 29, October 16, October 27 Time: 1:30 - 4:00pm Fee: $45 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
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 9, 16 (no class Sept 2) Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Open House with Richard Wong (ONLINE)
Open meet-up for anyone wanting to find out more about Richard Wong's in-person and online watercolour classes. Questions are encouraged and registration is required. To learn more about Richard and read his bio, please visit our website.
Date: Saturday, September 11 Time: 11:00am - 12:15pm Fee: Free! 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.
Currently we do not have enough participant interest to run classes. If you are interested in registering for our outdoor painting classes, then please sign up for our interest list. Once we have more interest, we will set dates and email you with registration information.
Dates: Tuesdays Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm Fee: $50 without materials / $65 with materials Register: Sign up for the interest list here
Floral Design Program - Level I
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.
Dates: Mondays September 13, 20, 27 (field trip date TBA) Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm Fee: HCP Members $450 / Non-Members $495 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Willow Chair Workshop
Join artisan Andrew Kent from The Willow Way for this full-day workshop. In one day, with Andrew Kent’s expert instruction, you can make and take home your own Bent Willow Rustic Chair. This is a great introduction to rustic building techniques. Learn how to make a square frame from pieces of alder & work with different sizes of willow to create your chair. Two people from the same household can sign up as one registration to make one chair together. This is recommended as it is ideal to have a helper who is in your “bubble”. All tools will be provided. Weather permitting, this class may be outdoors or inside the Classroom, so please bring along a mask.
Date: Sunday, September 12 Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm Fee: HCP Members $250 / Non-Members $275 Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Watercolours with Richard Wong - Gulls
Learn how to create this flock of gulls using shading and texture with watercolour on Japanese art paper. All levels are welcome. Beginners are encouraged. Learn in a relaxed, stress-free and professionally guided environment. This class will be held in person in our Classroom.
Date: Saturday, September 26 Time: 12:30-3:30pm Fee: $65 (includes materials) Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Thanks to our talented volunteers for the above beautiful additions to the Gardens! Come and check out the new gate to the Veggie Garden built by The Construction Crew and new bench in the Native Plant Garden, built by Ian Duncan. Ian has also created some beautiful items in our gift shop from branches of our Eucalyptus Tree.
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.
Your current HCP membership card entitles you to special admission privileges and discounts at 345+ gardens throughout North America. Visit their website to learn more and find a garden to visit on your next vacation.
Due to COVID-19, many gardens have limited visitation and other new policies in place. Please be patient and as always, call ahead to determine what RAP benefits are being offered at this time. AHS is encouraging RAP gardens to honor recently expired membership cards for members of AHS and participating gardens whenever possible.
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 Free admission, free parking, or other discounts at participating gardens in the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program
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.
Smith & Hawken Garden Structures by Linda Joan Smith
A garden structure can be simple, common, grand or rare. It most often comes to the garden to fill a specific need, but it also can do more: alter a garden’s mood, guide its uses, anchor it in time, or deepen its meaning.
Smith says the ultimate power of a garden structure is to make a powerful composition out of the chaos nature gives us.
Smith & Hawken Garden Structures covers all the different ways to create a framework on which a garden grows, including gates, fences, arbors, paths, decks, even potting sheds. Many projects are of wood, but other attractive materials are used such as brick, iron, stone, tile, concrete, and of course, plants -- wattle, anyone?
With a bounty of large colour photographs, this book is a visual feast. You may come away with motivation and a vision for a structure in your own garden after reading it.
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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