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505 Quayle Road / 250-479-6162 / www.hcp.ca
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Gardens Reopening June 18th!
The Gardens at HCP is delighted to be able to welcome everyone to come and enjoy the peace and serenity of our beautiful gardens. It has been 3 months since we had to close our gates to visitors, but boy have we been busy! The staff and volunteers have been hard at work to look after this treasured space.
We do have some COVID-19 safety protocols in place so please go to our website – https://hcp.ca/visiting-the-gardens-during-covid/ and review them prior to coming to the gardens. If you are feeling unwell, or have been unwell in the past few weeks, please stay home. We will love to see you again when you are healthy!
Pollinators in the Garden
By: Cheri Le Brun
National Pollinator Week is June 22 - 28. We invite visitors to come and observe pollinators at the Gardens. Our pollinators have been busy, with the first bee sightings occurring during the last week of February. Since then we have installed several mason bee nesting boxes. These were generously funded by the Victoria Master Gardener Association. The nesting boxes will be a learning tool and used to monitor cavity nesting bees and to learn best practices for nesting box design and maintenance. These brightly painted nesting boxes can be viewed in the 3 B's Garden (Birds, Bees & Butterflies), the Vegetable Garden and the Junior Master Gardener Plot. They are maintained and monitored by staff and volunteers at the Gardens.
Though mason bee boxes can be a fun way to help pollinators by providing safe nesting spaces, there are other important ways that gardeners can help out. For those who prefer to stick to plants, consider including valuable forage plants for a variety of pollinators. Bees require a succession of blooms to feed on throughout the spring and summer. There are many beautiful and sometimes edible plants to choose from and these are well explored in the book, 'Victory Garden for Bees' by Lori Weidenhammer which is for sale in our gift shop. However, a few of our favourite bee forage plants at the Gardens are Forget-me-not, Lavenders, Borage, Ceanothus, ornamental Alliums and Nepeta. During pollinator week, we urge you to visit our nesting boxes and also observe plants for bee activity. See which plants are getting the most action and consider adding these to your garden.
One of the most helpful things you can do for the bees is to learn more about them. Use this knowledge to encourage your neighbours to adopt pollinator-friendly practices and to include forage plants for bees in their gardens and balconies. Make it a neighbourhood project! To learn more about pollinators, visit the Island Pollinator Initiative website which has many local resources - https://islandpollinatorinitiative.ca/. Island Pollinator Initiative has provided HCP with much-needed guidance for our pollinator project and our new pollinator signage. We also have classes at the HCP in spring and fall which cover starting a mason bee nesting box and maintaining it. For those more adventurous, we have beginner classes for keeping honey bees. Spring mason bee supplies and cocoons are available in our gift shop.
We hope you can make it to the Gardens to observe pollinators during National Pollinator Week. Download this handy pollinator identifying guide by Island Pollinator Initiative - here or pick up a printed copy at the Gardens. Please post your pollinator pictures online using the hashtag #hcppollinators. Let's see how many we can identify....and don't forget the butterflies and hummingbirds!
To support our project, consider donating to our pollinator project during pollinator week, by dropping a few dollars in our pollinator donation box.
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Growing Succulents
By Linda Petite, Head Gardener
Houseplants - and especially succulents - have become trendy with millennial-generation gardeners . I have had a fondness for cacti and succulents for years!
Succulents come in many shapes and colors and require little care to thrive. They store water in their leaves, which tend to be thick and fleshy, helping them to thrive in dry climates.
During the summer, they look great in containers and hanging baskets, but must be brought inside to over winter before the night temperatures fall below 5C. They grow in full to part sun and require well-drained soil.
Many succulent plants in the desert become large shrubs, whereas when growing in a pot they are diminutive and seldom reach shrub size.
Echeveria sp. form neat rosettes, whereas Aeonium ’Zwartkop’ and Crassula ovata (Jade Plant) have upright, branching growth.
We propagate several varieties of succulents and sell them in our plant sale area at HCP.
For further information: Debra Lee Baldwin is known as the “Queen of Succulents” and has a great website you might like to refer to for more information: www.debraleebaldwin.com
Their ease of beauty and maintenance will win you over!
Help Support the Gardens at HCP
One more way to support The Gardens! We have an account at the Bottle Depot!
Our account name is: The Gardens at HCP
How to donate on this account: The Gardens at HCP
Please
advise the cashiers at the beginning of the transaction that you would
like to donate the bottles onto our account. Please note: Your friends /
family / co-workers, etc. who will be donating to this account must only
reference this account by account name and not by any account numbers
that may be found on some of the account transaction receipts.
Each depot will have a different account number for your account.
You can donate at any of the Bottle Depot Branches: 4261 Glanford Ave, 655 Queens Ave, 3961 Quadra St
Giles' Jottings
 June always conjures up for me fruit and flowers and sunshine, all the beauty of early summer. But as I write this the rain is coming down and, so far at least, these first June days have been cool and rather grey. A long-time Victoria resident pointed out to me however that here on the island this month is known as June-uary and I appreciate the sentiment; it will be a few more weeks before we can expect more reliably sunny weather.
But nature knows the date and the fruits and flowers are definitely on time. Local strawberries are beginning to appear in the stores (even despite the agricultural labour problems brought on by Covid-19) and here the gardens are full of flowers.
Irises have been spectacular for the last couple of weeks. The new Iris Garden has varieties in all sorts of colours, whites and blue, yellows are rusty browns, even one so dark it’s almost black. In the Lily Garden there are impressively tall ones and these are combining with a wonderful show of white Calla lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) and red-hot pokers (Kniphofia uvaria).
There are more callas in the Bridal Bed along with white geraniums and taller Gillenia trifoliata. And as you walk back up through the Mediterranean Garden you are surrounded by the yellow flowers of Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis spp.). We have two yellow varieties in the gardens, P. russeliana and P. fruticosa but they are not always easy to tell apart. My impression is that P. fruticosa has the more upright habit but they are both now fully in flower.
The Hardy beds are as gorgeous as usual and the north-east corner is currently a beautiful chaos of contrasting colours; red alstroemerias and yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata), tall pale columbines (Aquilegia spp.), blue geraniums and purple alliums, all brightly battling for your attention.
And our magnificent centre-piece, the Rose Allee, seems better than ever. Pinks and whites and reds and apricots, singles and doubles, old and new. My current favourite is Rosa ‘Autumn Sunset’, a very upright shrub rose with loose double blooms in shades of orange, dark on the outside and pale in the middle.
Trickle Down Economics
Some of our HCP members are "Old Age Pensioners" who have decided to enact their own "trickle down economics".
In July, each will receive a "one-time tax-free" extra $300 on top of their monthly OAS, provided by the Canadian government as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. These members have decided to generously pass it on to the HCP as a donation to the Keep the Flowers Blooming Fund.
The HCP is so thankful to these members for their thoughtfulness!
If you are able to donate, please go to: https://hcp.z2systems.com/np/clients/hcp/donation.jsp?campaign=1&
Once again, thank-you!
Deborah Donahue, General Manager
Arts & Music in the Gardens Cancelation
Due to the continued risk of COVID-19, The Gardens at HCP has made the difficult decision to cancel Arts & Music in the Gardens 2020. The health and safety of our guests, artists, musicians, volunteers, and staff members remains our top priority.
We are also making changes to our more intimate summer feature, Picnic in the Gardens. It has moved to (most) Thursdays in July and August, with extended hours to reduce crowds, and increased frequency to uplift more musicians and artists in our community who have been affected by COVID-19. Please stay tuned for more information. Thank you for your support!
 Wanted Gallon Pots
We are desperate for one gallon pots only! Please drop off your extras at the HCP front office!
Youth Programs
Grow Your Own – Pizza Garden
 More people are becoming interested in growing their own nutrient-rich food. Join our garden group to create a take-away mini garden to nurture this summer. You will learn to plant transplants (baby plants), sow seeds, and water to grow your own food! Bring along your garden gloves for this hands-on growing experience. Children under 7 years must be accompanied by a supervising adult. All planting materials are provided. This is a great FATHER’S DAY activity to make and share! Limit of 6 children.
DATE: Saturday, June 20, 2020
TIME: 10:30 – 12:00
AGE: 4 – 12 years (Adult assistance with children under 7 is required)
FEE: $25
Pre-Registration is required. Please visit this link to sign-up!
Introduction to Fairy Gardens
 Do you know a child who has wanted to make a fairy garden? Looking for a bit of inspiration? Join us for an introduction to making fairy gardens. Learn to select plants, upcycle, and get creative with a bit of guidance. Once you get started, the fun just continues! These gardens will make a great addition to an existing garden or be a stand-alone for play dates. Children under 7 years must be accompanied by a supervising adult. All materials are provided. Limit of 6 children.
DATE: Saturday, June 20, 2020
TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 pm
AGE: 4 – 10 years
FEE: $20
Pre-Registration is required. Please visit this link to sign-up!
Fairy Garden Design
 These miniature gardens are fun to make! Fairy Gardens can be made from purchased or recycled household items. They help us to use our imaginations and support creative play. This session will focus on the use of plants as a foundation. Participants will learn to sculpt pathways and gardens using drought tolerant plants, and natural materials to produce an easy to care for and pleasing result. This session is suited to older participants, and this will help develop their skills as a Fairy Garden designer. All materials are provided. Limit of 6 children.
DATE: Thursday, June 25, 2020
TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 pm
AGE: 7 – 12 years
FEE: $20
Pre-Registration is required. Please visit this link to sign-up!
Pacific Horticulture College
PHC is preparing to welcome back our full-time and part-time students after nearly three months of online learning! We are busily working on setting up the appropriate safety measures to provide a safe and productive learning environment. We look forward to seeing the smiling faces of our students again.
PHC is now accepting applications for the 2021 program starting in January 2021. To learn more about the 2021 program and a career in horticulture, contact collegeadmin@hcp.ca.
If you are interested in the Level 1 Landscape Horticulture Apprenticeship program (different than the full-time certificate program), please contact collegeadmin@hcp.ca or visit https://hcp.ca/parttime1-2/ to learn more about this program option. Please note this program will be blended delivery, with both online and practical components.
Looking ahead to the fall and winter season, PHC is scheduling Level 3 and 4 Technical Training programs in a blended delivery format with both online and practical application. Level 3 will be offered from early November until mid-December, and Level 4 will be offered from early January 2021 until mid-February 2021. Contact collegeadmin@hcp.ca with any questions or to be added to our interest list for these programs.
Coming up:
Integrated Pest Management Course (Landscape General Category)
· June 27th and 28th, exam on the 29th
· Please call HCP to register
Integrated Pest Management Course (Landscape General Category)
· August 8th and 9th, exam on the 10th
· Please call HCP to register
- Integrated Pest Management (Landscape General Category – EXAM ONLY)
· Tuesday, June 23rd from 9 am – 12 pm OR Monday, July 20th from 6 – 9 pm
· Please call HCP to register
Please note that custom IPM courses are available for groups. Please contact PHC for more information. All courses and exams will be delivered with appropriate physical distancing measures for the safety of our staff and students.
Changes in Community Education
Attending Classes during Covid-19
With careful planning we are ready to resume Community Education classes in a reduced capacity at the HCP. It is our priority to keep participants and instructors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. We take this responsibility very seriously and we ask all those attending to do the same. To read more about our protocols for those attending classes and workshops, please visit our website.
Bringing Arts to the HCP this Summer
The Gardens will be adding several Arts related classes and workshops to our community education offerings this summer. Gardens and artists have long been good companions. We have only to look to Monet for inspiration!
Depending on the class, it will take place in the Pavilion and/or outdoors in the Gardens where physical distancing can be easily maintained. Remember all classes include complimentary admission to the Gardens.
 This summer we are very lucky to welcome local wildlife artist Richard Wong as an instructor. Richard will teach watercolours on Japanese art paper. Richard's classes are a safe and welcoming environment for beginners to start their journey and experienced artists to grow. Richard starts us off in July with two wonderful workshops - Hummingbirds & Flowers and Butterflies & Flowers. Read more about Richard here.
 We will also be welcoming Jen Burgess. She is proficient in many different media including pencil, ink, coloured pencil and watercolour. She graduated from California State University’s Scientific Illustration Program and teaches nature sketching with the Robert Bateman Foundation. Proficient in many different mediums including pencil, ink, coloured pencil and watercolour. Keep an eye on our website as we will be adding several series with Jen, including a Pen and Ink Botanical Drawings, A Gardener’s Visual Journal Series, How to Draw Flowers and Plants and Botanical Watercolours. These classes are great for beginners and intermediate artists. Read more about Jen here.
Other than classes, we will also be hosting Picnic in the Gardens features starting in July. Local artists will have their work on display and for sale. Local musicians will be entertaining visitors to compliment the delightful garden setting. Please check our website event calendar for dates where more information and dates will be posted soon.
Community Education Workshops
 Hummingbirds & Flowers - Watercolour Workshop with Richard Wong
Thursday, July 9 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us at the HCP for a lovely safe day of art and music on Thursday, July 9, starting at 1:00pm! Bring a picnic lunch. First up at the Pavilion: sit back, relax and learn how to paint a beautiful “Hummingbird & Flowers” on Japanese art paper with our guest instructor, Richard Wong, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Then enjoy the rest of the day picnicking in the Garden and enjoying the sounds of a local musician. Everyone is welcome. Beginners are especially encouraged.
Richard Wong is a local professional wildlife artist with international credentials. His art is popular. His classes are fun. Learn more about Richard: www.richardwongwatercolors.ca
The $55.00 tuition includes workshop, all paint supplies and entry to the Garden.
Visit our website to register online or call 250 479 6162.
 Forest Therapy Walks
Saturdays - 1:30pm - 4:00pm - July 11, August 8
Instructors: Kelly Kiss
Come join Kelly Kiss, ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, 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” and is a term that was originally used by the Japanese government in the 1980’s, to describe the practice of spending time in nature to soak up its health benefits. 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.
HCP Members & Non-Members - $45.00
Visit our website to register online or call 250 479 6162
 Butterflies & Flowers - Watercolour Workshop with Richard Wong
Thursday, July 30 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us at the HCP for a lovely safe day of art and music on Thursday, July 9, starting at 1:00pm! Bring a picnic lunch. First up at the Pavilion: sit back, relax and learn how to paint a beautiful “Butterflies & Flowers” on Japanese art paper with our guest instructor, Richard Wong, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Then enjoy the rest of the day picnicking in the Garden and enjoying the sounds of a local musician. Everyone is welcome. Beginners are especially encouraged.
Richard Wong is a local professional wildlife artist with international credentials. His art is popular. His classes are fun. Learn more about Richard: www.richardwongwatercolors.ca
The $55.00 tuition includes workshop, all paint supplies and entry to the Garden.
Visit our website to register online or call 250 479 6162.
 Willow Chair Workshop
Sunday - July 19 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday - August 30 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Andrew Kent
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. All tools will be provided.
This class requires previous building experience or a helper from your household. The fees cover one or two participants making one chair together.
HCP Members $250 / Non Members $275
Visit our website to register online or call 250 479 6162.
 Plant Identification & Culture Workshops
One Saturday a month 1pm - 4pm
July 15, August 15, September 19, October 17, November 21, December 5
Instructor: Diane Pierce
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 & common names, plant descriptions, cultural requirements, general maintenance and landscape uses. This is an ongoing course & can be joined at any time, all year long, one Saturday a month.
HCP Members $35.00 per session
or $350 for 12 sessions
Visit our website to register online or call 250 479 6162.
Membership Reminder
Check out that bright green 'Gardens at HCP' membership card to see if it has expired!
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Free Admission all year to the Gardens
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Guest passes and any additional guests for a discounted rate
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10% off on plants and purchases in the Gift Shop
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Discounts on Community Education programs
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10% discounts at select plant centres throughout Victoria
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Free admission to participating gardens in the American Horticultural Society
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Our monthly E-Newsletter
Membership at the Gardens at HCP supports youth programming, horticulture student development, supplies, plants for garden improvement, and our volunteers.
You can purchase your membership today by calling 250-479-6162 or clicking here.
To access your HCP account:
We moved to a new database system that will allow you (members and past workshop registrants)to manage your account online. This includes updating contact information, renewing your membership, registering for workshops, making donations and more.
To access your account and set up your login and password, click here; this will direct you to the following page.
Enter your email address and then check your email, including the spam filters.
Click on the link in the email from Deb Donahue.
When you click on the link you will see this page - Set Login/Password
Your account with HCP will open.
To navigate, use the dropdown menu in the far right hand corner 'What Would You Like To Do?'.
These are your options. Please be sure to logout at the end of your session. We appreciate your continued support.
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