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. With this in mind, it is possible that your in-person class may be switched to an online format, postponed, or cancelled depending on Provincial Health Orders. Registered participants will be notified via email if this happens and will have the option to stay registered or opt out. Please check out our new online classes so you can keep learning no matter what! If you have any questions, please email our community education coordinator Cheri at 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. Dress for the weather as part or all of the class will be outdoors. Masks required. Check online for class location as some dates may be field trips or online via Zoom.
Dates: Saturdays March 13, April 10, May 15, June 19, July 17, 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
Cannabis for the Home Grower (ONLINE)
Learn the basics of growing cannabis for personal use with Pacific Horticulture College instructor Jo Wyld. This workshop will cover cannabis species and strains, how cannabis is used, starting from seed or clone, considerations and methods for growing outdoors or indoors, common pests and disease, harvesting and relevant legislation.
Dates: Tuesday, March 9
Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
Fee: HCP Members $60 / Non-Members $70
Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Willow Hoop Rib Basket (ONLINE)
This is a traditional rib-style basket often called a potato basket, constructed with a willow hoop and woven with dyed reed and seagrass. This style of basket originates in Europe and is ideal for harvesting and storage. This is a great basket for beginners. Kits are included in the price and can be picked up March 6 or 7 from The Gardens at HCP.
Date: Tuesday, March 16
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Fee: HCP Members $120 / Non-Members $140
Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Watercolours with Richard Wong - Arbutus Trees (ONLINE)
Relax, paint and connect with others while learning how to create beautiful watercolours on Japanese art paper. This class is an introduction to watercolour, suitable for those just starting out or are thinking about trying watercolour for the first time. Adults and families with children are encouraged to participate. More information on our website when you click the registration link below.
Date: Thursday, March 18
Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm
Fee: $20/screen
Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Forest Therapy Walks
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”. 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. This class will be postponed or cancelled if the current provincial health order extends to the class date.
Dates: Sunday, March 21, Saturdays April 10, May 15, June 19
Time: 1:30 - 4:00pm
Fee: $45
Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Propagating Native Plants (ONLINE)
Growing native plants in our home gardens is a great way to support local wildlife, including birds and pollinators. Native species are also climate adapted and often don’t require additional inputs like water or fertilizer. Latifa Pelletier-Ahmed will discuss techniques for propagating native plants from seed, including seed collection, seed cleaning, seed storage and seed treatments such as scarification and stratification. Vegetative propagation including division and cuttings will also be discussed.
Date: Tuesday, March 23
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Fee: $25/screen
Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Introduction to Bookbinding - Cute Lil’ Notebook (ONLINE)
In this online workshop, you will make and embellish a notebook with local artist Angelique Bulosan. You will learn foundational concepts of bookbinding using bookbinding tools and alternate tools you may already have on hand. This notebook is highly customizable with stamps, stickers, decorative inserts and a centrefold pocket. An ideal place to journal about your garden! Please visit our website to see the materials list and for more information and inspiration.
Date: Thursday, March 25
Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
Fee: $50
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 and work with different sizes of willow to create your chair. Please bring a helper from your household/bubble. All tools will be provided. This class is outdoors and masks are required. This class will be postponed or cancelled if the current provincial health order extends to the class date.
Dates: Tuesday, March 30 or Sunday, April 11
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Fee: HCP Members $250 / Non-Members $275 (price is per chair)
Register: Online (click here for Mar 30 or here for Apr 11) or phone (250) 479-6162
The Art of Bonsai - Design & Care Series
Learn the art of bonsai with Mark Paterson, President of the Vancouver Island Bonsai Society. This is the first of a three-part series. In Part One, Mark will teach you how to apply bonsai techniques to a gallon-sized plant that you get to take home with you. You will learn bonsai history, design and care. The class will also cover how to choose potential bonsai stock and how to use plant training to increase aesthetic and monetary value for your new plant. Part Two will cover root cutting and Part Three will cover later season and winter care. This class may be online or in person depending on the provincial health order.
Dates/Times:
Saturday April 3, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday May 20, 6:00 - 9:00pm
Sunday September 26, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Fee: HCP Members $145 / Non-Members $175
Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Watercolours with Richard Wong - Celebrating Easter (ONLINE)
Relax, paint and connect with others while learning how to create beautiful watercolours on Japanese art paper. This class is an introduction to watercolour, suitable for those just starting out or are thinking about trying watercolour for the first time. Adults and families with children are encouraged to participate. More information on our website when you click the registration link below.
Date: Saturday, April 3
Time: 1:00 - 3:00pm
Fee: $20/screen
Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Floral Design Program Coming This Spring!
Join floral designer Linda Rambaud of Lindara Design to learn industry-level floral design skills. This is the first 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 15 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: Tuesday evenings in March/April (exact 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.
Backyard Beekeeping (ONLINE + Field Trip)
This is a four-part series for the beginner beekeeper, instructed by experienced beekeeper Gordon Mackay. If you are new to keeping bees or thinking about starting a hive, this series will give you the practical information you need to start your journey. Beekeepers never stop learning! The series will have three online classes and one practical session where you will get to view a hive in person. This series will focus on the most common hive system called the Langstroth. Participants will learn about equipment, how to locate and set up a hive, purchasing and installing bees, bee castes, common issues like swarming, integrated pest management, products from the hive, winterizing and more. There will be a short open-book test at the end and you will receive a certificate of completion. There will be opportunities to ask questions and meet the other "newbees" in the class. The first class of the series can be taken on its own for those unable to commit to the full series. The field trip will be scheduled as soon as the Provincial Health Order allows it. A veil is required for the field trip and can be rented from HCP for $5 or purchased from various suppliers.
Dates: Wednesdays April 14, April 21, April 28 (Field Trip TBD)
Time: 6:00 - 8:30pm
Fee: HCP Members $190 / Non-Members $220
Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Watercolours with Richard Wong - Mist & Fog (ONLINE)
Relax, paint and connect with others while learning how to create beautiful watercolours on Japanese art paper. This class is an introduction to watercolour, suitable for those just starting out or are thinking about trying watercolour for the first time. Adults and families with children are encouraged to participate. More information on our website when you click the registration link below.
Date: Thursday, April 15
Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm
Fee: $20/screen
Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162
Linocut for Absolute Beginners - Blooming Bomb Bundles (ONLINE)
In this workshop, you will use carving tools to design and carve lino, then decorate and construct paper containers. Handmade native flower seed bombs and a template will be provided to complete your Blooming Bomb Bundle! Your instructor, Angelique, will show you some of her favourite linocut artists, discuss materials, tools and techniques.
Date: Thursday, April 22
Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
Fee: $65
Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162