Picnic Nights Return!

Pack a picnic from home or pre-order and pick up from Charlotte and the Quail! (Sorry, no alcohol.)

We encourage all visitors to reduce their environmental impact by limiting single-use plastics and using reusable dinnerware if possible. There is very limited seating available, so please pack your picnic blanket or bring a folding chair if you can.

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!

The End of an Era & the Turning of a Page

Hooray for Hedges

By Linda Petite, Head Gardener

If you'd like a little privacy - but not necessarily a fence - consider planting a screen of shrubs. There are endless plant choices, but the key factor to consider is the style. Do you want a formal hedge that requires regular trimming or an informal, natural look?

Hedges can provide:

• protection from the wind
• definition of property lines
• habitat for birds
• reduction of noise levels and dust pollution
• masking of unattractive features
• addition of a living wall to any size garden

At HCP we propagate several plants suitable for hedging:

Abelia, Boxwood, Escallonia, Hebe, Euonymus, Ligustrum,  Potentilla, Ornamental Grasses, Lavender, and Viburnum.

We are offering deals on multiples too. If you purchase 5 or more plants, they are 2 for 1 and select varieties you can get 2 plants for $10!

Come have a look the next time you are visiting the gardens!

Notice of AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific will be held in the Couvelier Pavilion on:

Sunday, August 16^th, 2020 at 10:00 AM

This meeting of the Members of the HCP has been called in accordance with the Bylaws of the Society to consider only the business and motions as contained in the Agenda.

Members wishing to submit a motion for consideration by the Members at the Annual General Meeting are to submit their motion, signed by the Mover and the Seconder, together with all supporting documentation to the Secretary (secretary@hcp.ca) not later than end of business on Sunday, July 26^th, 2020.

Great Sinks!

This beautiful outdoor hand-washing station was presented to the HCP COVID-19 volunteers – those that maintained the Gardens and those that stayed safe at home.  It is located outside the lower portable and we give a giant thank-you to: 

Lee Valley Tools, the Victoria Rhododendron Society and the Norman Todd Propagation Centre Construction Crew, with special thanks to the efforts of Ian Duncan for his “I will make it happen” attitude!

Help Support the Gardens at HCP

You can donate at any of the Bottle Depot Branches: 4261 Glanford Ave, 655 Queens Ave, 3961 Quadra St

Giles Jottings

Now, the beginning of July, it feels like a period of transition in the gardens. This may be partly influenced by the uncertain weather, grey skies being more common than sunshine, but many of the early-flowering plants are now going over and the later-season blooms are taking their place.
Nearly all of the rhododendrons have now finished flowering although there is an attractive bright red variety, R. Griersonianum, still in bloom at the lower end of the garden, just beside the wisteria pergola.
Sisyrhinchiums have been flowering such a long time and they must be approaching their last days but their sprays of yellow flowers are being replaced by the yellows of Brachyglottis ‘Sunshine’, Lysimachia punctata and Santolina chamaecyparissus.
The Mediterranean beds above the Gathering Place additionally have mounds of red and yellow Phygelius, pink Cistus and blue Campanula latifolia and the spikey heads of Eryngium are just starting to colour up.
Lavenders are fully in flower; it is so nice to walk by and be engulfed in their warm scent. We have several different varieties in the gardens, from deep blue versions of Lavandula angustifolia to paler pink Lavandula stoechas.
The Lily Garden is now coming into its own with both lilies (Lilium spp.) and day-lilies (Hemerocallis spp.) in a wide range of colours. Deep reds and oranges, whites and yellows, their large trumpets are eye-catching, often with speckled throats and strong perfumes.
Astilbes and Filipendulas are both starting to bloom now; though their foliage is fairly distinct, their fluffy plumes of flower are quite similar, usually in colours from red through white. In Anne’s Garden Filipendula purpurea ‘Elegans’ is a particularly striking shade of pink.
The Cuttings Garden is filled with colour, mounds of lavender surrounded by marigolds (Calendula officinalis), nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) and honeywort (Cerinthe major).
And we must surely give a mention to the wild flowers that seed themselves everywhere, often to the annoyance of tidy gardeners, but which bring their characteristic colours and forms to so many of our gardens. The bright purple-red flowers of Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria), the long-lasting spikes of foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) and the reds and pinks and purples and oranges of annual poppies (Papaver somniferum).

Youth Programs

Herbal Creations

We all know the name of a herb or two, but what can you do with them? Herbs can be used in many different ways! Together we will learn about these unique plants. Then we will harvest, learn to dry them and make self care products, crafts and edibles to take home and share with your family. Adults are welcome to stay or drop off. All materials are provided. Maximum 8.

Date: July 14
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Ages: 7+ years
Fee: $25/child

Register online or call 250-479-6162

Eco Crafts

Do you ever wonder how to reduce, reuse, and repurpose household items into new products? Bring along an old tee shirt to make a fabric tote bag to take your goods home in. Then create some amazing other items using household items.

Date: July 16 Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm

Ages: 6+ years

Fee: $15/child

Register online or call 250-479-6162

Fairy Garden Workshop – Camping Theme

These gardens are fun to create and there are so many themes to explore. In this mini garden making session we will take an inspiring woodland wander then collect and use natural materials to give the fairies a camping trip to remember! Adults are welcome to stay or drop off. Children under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided. Maximum 8.

Date: July 16
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Ages: 6+ years
Fee: $20/child

Register online or call 250-479-6162

Terrarium Gardens for Kids

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. Bring along a glass bowl, vase, jar or other container and see what you can create! (containers up to 20 cm in size). Children under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult. You provide the glass container and we provide the rest.

Maximum 8.

Date: July 30
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Ages: 6+ years
Fee: $20/child

Register online or call 250-479-6162

Garden Science Camp New!

Do you know a child who has caught the science bug? Do they love to learn about critters and plant parts up close and personal? Join us as we look under the microscope at the life cycles of plants, symbiotic relationships of critters and plants, as well as what lives in the pond and in the soil. Learn how these ecosystems are beneficial to people and the gardens all while being outside engaging with the environment. This camp is suited for an older age group, this will help them develop a science interest/ background, as well as a deeper level of understanding and appreciation of what is happening in the garden! All materials provided.

Limit of 15 children.

Date: July 27 - July 31

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Ages: 7 - 12 years

Fee: $95 /child (sorry second child discount is available)

Register online or call 250-479-6162

Pacific Horticulture College

The full time students are back in class and full swing into their studies! Current topics include Landscape Design, Turfgrass Management, Introduction to Food Growing, Plant ID, Irrigation and Practical Skills. Starting in July, they will also jump into Plant Health! It’s great to have students back on site with their energy to soak up plant knowledge and invest in their future.

PHC is now accepting applications for our waitlist for the 2021 program starting in January 2021. To learn more about the 2021 program and a career in horticulture, contact collegeadmin@hcp.ca.

Additionally, PHC is also accepting application for the Part-Time Level 1 Landscape Horticulture Apprenticeship program (different than the full time certificate program). For more information about this program option, please contact collegeadmin@hcp.ca or visit https://hcp.ca/parttime1-2/.  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 November 9, 2020 until December 18, 2020 and Level 4 will be offered from January 11, 2021 to February 19, 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)

·         August 8^th and 9^th, exam on the 10^th

·         Please call HCP to register

- Integrated Pest Management Course (Landscape General Category – EXAM ONLY)

·         Monday, July 20^th 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.

Community Education

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

Register online for July

Register online for August or call 250 479 6162.

Hummingbirds & Flowers - Watercolour Workshop with Richard Wong
Thursday, July 9 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm - SOLD OUT

NEW DATE: Thursday, August 13 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Join us at the HCP for a lovely safe day of art and music on Thursday, August 13, 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.

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 30, 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.

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

Register online or call 250 479 6162.

Paint Nights at the Gardens

Thursdays - 5:00pm - 7:00pm

July 23 - Hydrangea Flowers

August 20 - Trees

Instructor: Ilana Selivanov

Picnic in the Gardens starts at 1pm, so consider arriving early for your class and bringing a picnic lunch while enjoying the sounds of a live local musician. At 5pm, move into the pavilion for your paint night experience.

At its core, our Paint Night offers a creative platform for individuals to create, experiment, learn, and socialize; all while working towards their own version of the same painting. You’ll learn about working with Acrylics, mixing colours, the application of paint on canvas, and how to create good composition. There is no painting experience required as we’ll lead you through the painting step-by-step!

We’ll be featuring a new painting every month inspired by flowers, trees, and landscapes, alongside unique techniques. Whether you paint regularly, haven't painted in a while, or have never painted, painting workshops are a favourite among those who like to try new things, find creative expression, meet new people, and explore new sides of themselves.

Participant Fee - $50.00

Register online for Hydrangea Flowers - July 23

Register online for Trees - August 20

or call 250 479 6162.

Pen-and-ink Botanical Illustration - Series with Jen Burgess

Tuesdays - 10:00am - 12:00pm

August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1, 8

For all levels. Drawing experience could be optional but is NOT necessary.

Join Jen Burgess, gardener and scientific illustrator and learn the steps to create a beautiful and informative botanical plate in pen and ink on vellum. Students will leave the class with a more thorough understanding of plant structure, function, and classification; improved observational skills; an understanding of some techniques for sketching, note-taking, and creating compositions; improved pen-and-ink skills. Students will complete the class with at least one but hopefully two finished botanical plates that may be framed for display at home.

Please visit our website for a full description, materials and Jen’s bio.

Participant Fee: $290 - includes materials.

Register online or call 250 479 6162.

Drawing Flowers and Plants - Series with Jen Burgess

Wednesdays - 5:00pm - 7:00pm

July 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26, September 2

Suitable for beginners, learn the fundamentals of drawing and sketching but with flowers/plants as the focus, using graphite, ink, and coloured pencils. Gesture and contour, line, shading, value, shape, form, perspective, negative space, texture, composition, colour theory.  For subject matter we can look at many types of flowers, leaves, shrubs, vines, trees, cones and seeds. You may find you learn a lot about plants from direct observation!  We will fill our sketchbooks and create a final composition that will be suitable for framing!

Please visit our website for a full description, materials and Jen’s bio.

Participant Fee: $290 - includes materials.

Register online or call 250 479 6162.

Gardener's Visual Journaling - Series with Jen Burgess

Sundays - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Registration for this workshop happens quarterly.

Participants will create a year-long visual record of their own gardens or gardens/ natural spaces that they visit regularly. We will have some fun discussions about what is happening in our gardens, and we will also learn how artists plan their compositions with a bit of useful theory. Collage in content from magazines, printed photographs, empty seed packages, plant labels, pressed plants, sketches, plans, notes about what's growing, what to plant, what work you did, what birds/wildlife you saw, general musings, poetry (yours or others), lists, recipes, etc!

Please visit our website for a full description, materials and Jen’s bio.

Participant Fee: $155 - includes materials.

Register online or call 250-479-6162

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 click here

Once again, thank-you!   Deborah Donahue, General Manager

The Bookend

Let’s talk about winter!

It may seem counterintuitive to do that at the height of summer, but according to Linda Gilkeson, Ph.D., one of our most prolific local garden writers, now is the time to plant seeds for more than 30 winter hardy vegetables in order to have fresh salads 12 months of the year. Her book, Year-Around Harvest: Winter Gardening on the Coast is a manual bursting with information on everything from arugula to swiss chard, crop protection and curing, pests and seed saving. And no, you don’t need a greenhouse! The winter planting table in the appendix tells us that seeds to plant in early July include carrot, beet, endive, swiss chard and more. There’s even a blank table to customize for your own winter garden. If you haven’t tried winter gardening yet, or even if you have and want to take it to the next level, check out Year-Around Harvest: Winter Gardening on the Coast.

Available from the library to borrow and the gift shop to purchase.

New Library Hours:

Saturdays: 11am – 1pm

Covid-19 Note: For everyone’s safety, the library has Covid protocols in place. Visitors are asked to wear masks and use hand sanitizer at the door. One visitor in the library at a time, as we have a small space. Contact us by email (library@hcp.ca) or phone (250.479.6273) for ‘curbside’ pick-up.

Membership Reminder

Check out that bright green 'Gardens at HCP' membership card to see if it has expired!

• Free Admission all year to the Gardens
• Guest passes and any additional guests for a discounted rate
• 10% off on plants and purchases in the Gift Shop
• Discounts on Community Education programs
• 10% discounts at select plant centres throughout Victoria
• Free admission to participating gardens in the American Horticultural Society
• Our monthly E-Newsletter

You can purchase your membership today by calling 250-479-6162 or clicking here.

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.

For existing or past members, you will have an HCP account set up in our new database.

To access your account and set up your login and password click here this window will open.

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.