The Gardens at HCP will be open Thursday, April 1 through Monday, April 5 between 10:00am-4:00pm. Admission is by donation all week!



The Gardens at HCP has continued to grow and thrive for the past 40 years thanks to our volunteers. We couldn’t do this without you! From our garden volunteers that take great care looking after the beloved gardens (and who have been very busy with mulching and spring garden prep) to those that help us maintain the buildings and infrastructure, and everyone in between: THANK YOU!

So far this year, the HCP washrooms have received a much-needed refreshing, the garden sign bases that are awaiting our new signs have been sanded and stained, the gift shop is in the process of being expanded, the Veggie Garden is getting a new gate and we have a new Crevice Garden currently underway, across from the new Urban Garden. We also have a new online catalogue for our library and are in the process of having a new website built.



It was one year ago, on March 18th 2020, that we made the difficult, but correct decision to close for a very long 64 days. It meant that many of you missed the beauty of the Doris Page Winter Garden, the new growth showing the first arrival of spring and the amazing array of colors in the Rhododendron Garden. Thankfully this year we are fortunate to be open safely to share in the magic of Spring! I really hope to see you in the Gardens enjoying the season with us.


Deborah


In 1979, a not-for-profit society was formed by a group of dedicated individuals who volunteered countless hours of their time to develop the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific and what we are today: a respected centre of lifelong learning, conservation and research. I am sorry that I never had the chance to meet any of these founding members, but I am grateful that I did get to meet and learn from Hoke Holcomb, who sadly passed away in March. Click here to view his detailed obituary.


Hoke was an ideas man and a great writer and planner. He joined the Board in 1997 and focused his many skills on this. I read an article written by Hoke in 1999 when he was President of the Board. He said the HCP's focus was to develop and maintain our unique setting of demonstration gardens, run educational programs, provide more community education opportunities and to maintain native plant habitat.


The Conservation Park would not exist without Hoke's planning and hard work, as seen in this news article from April 2002:



Hoke's legacy will live on forever at the HCP. I will dearly miss him.


Linda

Deborah Donahue: It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that I must say goodbye to a true HCP pioneer, someone who was instrumental in creating the HCP as we know it today. On March 4th we lost Hoke Holcomb. He was the visionary behind the new W̱SÁNEĆ Ethnobotany Trail, the Western Woods and the Conservation Park (to name a few) in addition to his many other environmental endeavors. Hoke was a true crusader for the HCP and the environment and someone that believed in saying sorry instead of asking for permission! We butted heads many times, but it was impossible not to respect what he was trying to do and do everything possible to help. Gone, but not ever forgotten.


Ruby Littlepage: It is hard for me to imagine the HCP without the presence of Hoke Holcomb. He was a dedicated volunteer whose hundreds of hours of work, assisted by many others and dating from 1997 to the present, has resulted in much of what we now enjoy as The Gardens at HCP. Hoke held several positions on the Board in the late 1990s and was President in 1999. While serving on the board he chaired a committee to develop the HCP Land Use Plan. Thanks to his leadership, planning and fundraising efforts we enjoy the Conservation Park with its conserved green space, trail, and viewing stations around Viaduct Flats Lake. Hoke was also passionate about restoration of native plant vegetation and led the development of the Ethnobotany Trail in the gardens. He was recognized for his work and was presented with the Saanich Individual Environmental Achievement Award in 2002. He will be greatly missed.


HCP Native Plant Garden Volunteers: When we had our coffee break with Hoke, we could feel the vibration of ideas spilling forth. He truly was unique and someone we will all remember. There was always a story behind his ideas.


Judith Arney: I was sitting in a room filled with sidestepping niceties when some blunt remarks were made that cut to the core of the matter. That was my first impression of Hoke and I liked him ever since. He was a man with a vision well ahead of his time, a generous mentor and a friend.


Isabelle Jones: Hoke being a “Yankee” and my being descended from United Empire Loyalists was the basis of our first conversation. Fortunately, we didn't get hung up on ancient arguments! In fact Hoke had many interests, but we all benefited from his particular knowledge for the Plant Kingdom.


Giles Collins: I only knew Hoke in these last later years of his life, but he was clearly a man of huge enthusiasm and determination, someone always concerned with our environment and how we could both protect it and enjoy it. We were fortunate to have so vigorous a personality involved with the HCP. The Conservation Park owes a lot to his work and planning, but he also put considerable effort into understanding and trying to ameliorate the hydrology and drainage issues we constantly face in the Gardens. His intelligence and drive will be missed.



We would like to take an opportunity to thank all of the volunteers here at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific. Did you know that we had over 180 volunteers in 2020 who contributed over ten thousand hours? Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the Gardens including the Board, front office, library, construction, conservation, propagation, pollinators, youth programs, events and of course, as gardeners.


In 2020 we worked with volunteers from many other organizations including the Victoria Master Gardener Association, the Hardy Plant Group, the Victoria Horticultural Society, the Vancouver Island Bonsai Society, the Victoria Lily Society, the Victoria Rhododendron Society, South Island Distance Education School and Lambrick Park Secondary School.


Thank you to all of you for helping us grow! We could not do it without you!



Despite some persistently frosty mornings and one or two rain showers, this moment of the year is surely one of the most marvellous and stimulating, especially for gardeners. It feels almost like standing on the lip of a volcano about to erupt. You can feel the rumbles and hisses of nature as the power of green growth gathers itself to burst forth. And all over the Gardens there are plants bubbling up, daffodils here, hellebores there, primulas in all sorts of colours splashing out over the beds.


For me daffodils (Narcissus) signal the real arrival of spring and the lower field is starting to turn yellow as the buds open. Patches of different varieties are appearing everywhere. In the Edible Beds beside the Plant Sale Area an attractive shorter variety, Narcissus ‘Jetfire’, has darker orangey trumpets that bring out sharply the acid yellow of the petals. Just across the path in the Winter Garden Narcissus ‘February Gold’ is a taller and more traditional golden yellow colour. Each has qualities to admire but I do have a fondness for the miniatures; I tend to call all of these jonquils but I should be careful. To be more technically precise Narcissus jonquilla is a separate dwarf species with origins in Spain and Portugal.


Pulmonaria (Lungwort) is another plant flowering now in several gardens. A great plant for ground cover in shady areas, flowers can be pink, red, purple, blue or white and many varieties with blue flowers start out pink as the buds open. If I’m not mistaken the name derives originally from the spotted markings on the leaves that were thought to resemble the patterns of bronchi in the lungs.


Walking down the main path to the Takata Garden you can now enjoy the heavenly perfume of Daphne odora whose buds are opening. I cannot put my finger on it precisely but the fragrance reminds me a little of fresh pineapple with a hint of rose water. Rhododendrons are just beginning to open and of the early ones Rhododendron ‘Bo-Peep’ is a lovely low-growing pale yellow, R. openshawianum is a much bigger tree whose flowers are pale pink and R. ‘Lucy-Lou’ is pure white.


If you stand on the moon bridge and look upstream two tall Prunus ‘Accolade’ above the pond are spreading a delightful cloud of pale pink blossoms; turning the other way the Edgeworthia chrysantha beside the stream is full of its unusual white and yellow flowers.


Bulbs that particularly catch the eye now are blue scillas and grape hyacinths (Muscari), windflowers (Anemone blanda) in several colours and tulips are also starting to open. There are so many plants I would like to mention but that is surely the best sign of spring, an excess of colour and beauty.



Due to rising case numbers of COVID-19, we are holding our Spring Plant Sale online again this year. Online shopping and phone orders open at 9:00am on Monday, April 19.


The plant availability list and more details on placing your order and scheduling pickup will be on our website closer to the date. Thank you for your continuing support.


Stay safe and keep gardening!

Linda


Due to COVID-19, the Victoria Master Gardener Association is unable to hold their usual face-to-face clinics until hopefully later this gardening season. 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.



With classes in Botany, Irrigation, Practical Skills, Plant ID, Pruning and Turfgrass Management, our full-time students are now fully engaged with the horticulture world. In the Introduction to Food Growing class, the student-led Urban Garden raised beds are now equipped with a new irrigation system, filled with fresh soil and ready for planting. It will be exciting to see what they grow!


Already halfway through their program, the part-time Level 1 students are learning about Turfgrass Management and Soils after just completing their Botany course. As always, we are so impressed with the dedication of the part-time students!


PHC is now accepting applications for the full-time 2022 Landscape Horticulture Certificate program and the full-time 2021 (non-harmonized) Level 4 Landscape Horticulturist program. Applications for other programs will open in the coming months -- stay tuned to our website and social media for updates! Please contact us (collegeadmin@hcp.ca) if you have any questions or would like to be added to the interest list for any of our programs.

Coming up:

ONLINE Integrated Pest Management Course (Landscape General)

April 8-9, exam scheduled individually with ServiceBC

IN PERSON Integrated Pest Management Course (Landscape General)

April 17-18, exam on April 20

Please note that space is limited for all in-person courses. Courses and exams are delivered with appropriate physical distancing and sanitization measures for the safety of our staff and students. Please phone (250) 479-6162 to register.


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 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!



Child, Youth & Family Workshops

Join us for workshops designed for families and their children of all ages in the gardens!


Growing Veggies with Kids

Fast forward your plans for a vegetable garden this year with this “how to” family workshop! We will create a garden from scratch, exploring setup, soil preparations, planning and planting to help get you started quickly and successfully. Participants will plant up and take away a tray of seed-starts to grow their own vegetables in their yard, balcony or deck, and have a virtual consultation to further support you once you have started!


Date: Saturday, April 24

Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm

Fee: HCP Members $60 / Non-Members $75

Registration: Online or phone (250) 479-6162



School Tours, Programs & Workshops

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 follow up. Current offerings include but are not limited to Ethnobotany & Indigenous Plant Uses, Food Production at School or Home, and Life Cycle of Plants.


Currently booking for April, May and June 2021. To book a tour, school program or workshop for your group, please contact our School and Youth Programs Coordinator by email (youthprograms@hcp.ca) or visit www.hcp.ca for more information.



Garden Nature Academy - Spring Session

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 April 6, April 13, April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25

Time: 9:00 - 11:30am

Age: 3 - 4 years

Fee: $160 (price is for full series)

Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162



Garden Friends - A Series for Children and Parents (April)

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. Weekly topics for April are Garden Creatures, Curious About Plants, The Earth, and Garden Helpers. 


Dates: Thursdays April 8, April 15, April 22, April 29

Time: 10:00 to 11:30am

Age: 3 - 6 years, with parent or guardian

Fee: HCP Members $55 / Non-Members $65 (price is for full series)

Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162



Garden Camps

Join us at the gardens for our JMG (Junior Master Gardener) Pro D Day and Summer 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 and experience the natural systems that keep our gardens growing, get our hands busy with garden arts and crafts and more.


Pro D Day Camps

Dates: April 19, April 23, May 14, May 21

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Age: 5 - 12 years

Fee: $40

Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162


Summer Camps 

Dates/Times/Fees:

July 5 - 9, 9:00am-4:00pm, $180/child, $315/2 children, $450/3 children

July 19 - 23, 9:00am - 4:00pm, $180/child, $315/2 children, $450/3 children

August 3 - 6, 9:00am - 4:00pm, $145/child, $250/2 children, $355/3 children

August 16 - 20, 9:00am - 12:00pm, $95/child, $170/2 children, $245/3 children

Age: 5 - 12 years

Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162



The following workshops are available as kits for a fun spring activity for your children. Register and receive a workshop kit (scheduled pickup at HCP), instruction sheet and a link to an instructional video. These kits are available until April 20.


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


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. The April class will take place online via Zoom.


Dates: Saturdays April 10 (online), 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



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: Saturdays April 10, May 15, June 19

Time: 1:30 - 4:00pm

Fee: $45

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: 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. A veil is required for the field trip and can be rented from HCP for $5 or purchased (email communityed@hcp.ca for recommended suppliers).


Dates: Wednesdays April 14, April 21, April 28 (Field Trip TBD)

Time: 6:00 - 8:30pm

Fee for full series with field trip: HCP Members $190 / Non-Members $220

Fee for first class only: HCP Members $50 / Non-Members $60

Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162



A Basket Journey (ONLINE)

Joan will be taking us on a visual journey, touching down on some of the highlights of her 30 years of exploring basket weaving. Along the way she will share her story of how she got swept up in the world of baskets; spotlight some of her influential teachers; take us on a few of her journeys of discovery; illustrate the diversity of basketry by sharing some of her favourite basket materials and how they are harvested and prepared; and finally illustrate through her work the variety of techniques and creative possibilities inherent in basketry. Sit back, perhaps pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy this basket journey with Joan.


Date: Thursday, April 15

Time: 4:30 - 6:00pm + time for Q&A

Fee: $25

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



Watercolours with Richard Wong - 6 Week Series (ONLINE)

Would you like to be part of an exciting small group of painters to learn and paint together online? Our instructor Richard Wong is teaching small groups to learn the best of Chinese brush and western for watercolour on Japanese art paper. A variety of subjects will be covered each session: birds, florals, animals, sea life, landscapes and nature scenes. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Families and beginners are encouraged. More information on our website when you click the registration link below.


Dates: Wednesdays April 21, April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19, May 26

Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm

Fee: $300/screen for full series

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 and discuss materials, tools and techniques. 


Date: Thursday, April 22

Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm

Fee: $65

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 a selection of materials including 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 at HCP (pickup dates TBA).


Date: Saturday, May 1

Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm

Fee: HCP Members $120 / Non-Members $140

Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162



Watercolours with Richard Wong - Celebrating Mother’s Day (ONLINE)

Join us to celebrate Mother's Day and life with a beautiful floral painting of irises in vibrant watercolour, one of our favourite flowers. Richard will guide you through. Relaxed, stress-free and fully supported. For all levels, including first-time painters.


Date: Sunday, May 9

Time: 1:00 - 3:00pm

Fee: $20/screen

Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162



Random Woven Nest Basket (ONLINE)

Random weave is one of Joan’s favourite styles of baskets. The structure is beautiful, reminding one of birds’ nests. It is strong, durable and lends itself to sculptural forms in both small and large scale. We will discuss several ways of approaching this technique. A materials kit will be provided consisting of dyed round reed for the construction of this basket. Discussion will cover how to harvest and forage for other plant material suitable for this technique. Kits are included in the price and can be picked up at HCP (pickup dates TBA).


Date: Saturday, May 16

Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm

Fee: HCP Members $120 / Non-Members $140

Register: Online or phone (250) 479-6162



Bark Basket (ONLINE)

Tree barks provide one of nature’s most beautiful materials for basket making. This course will begin with a discussion covering how to harvest and prepare local tree barks. A materials kit will be provided which will include willow bark and red cedar bark along with waxed thread for twining. Participants will weave their basket using plaiting, twill and twining techniques. Great for beginners. Kits are included in the price and can be picked up at HCP (pickup dates TBA).


Date: Saturday, May 29

Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Fee: HCP Members $120 / Non-Members $140

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 has been carried out by teams of hardworking and cherished volunteers, there is still a large financial commitment when caring for nine acres of curated gardens. While we had a record amount of plant sales ($60,000!) in 2020, weddings and special events remain largely on hold into 2021. 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 refundables, 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.


Visit the Return-It website to see which beverage containers are eligible for a refund.

Next time you visit, ask us about the Thrifty Foods Smile Card Fundraising Program! It’s easy to pick up a card at the front desk and costs you nothing.


Every time you load your Smile Card, Thrifty Foods will make a donation equal to 5% of the amount to The Gardens at HCP. When the card balance is low, simply load it again to continue supporting us every time you shop! Remember to reload the card at the start of your grocery order.


Smile Cards can be picked up at the front desk. Thank you!

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.



Spring Cleaning Sale! We are renovating and sprucing up the gift shop, which means we need to clear out stock! Join us this weekend for some great deals on a variety of items including tools, books, and ceramics.



The Well-Planned Garden

by Sue Phillips


For those of you inspired by our lovely spring weather to do something in the garden, but wondering where to start, this book may be of interest. The Well-Planned Garden can be used like a cookbook: choose a recipe, assemble the ingredients and follow the instructions. Whether you have sun or shade, wet or dry conditions, this comprehensive book provides designs and information that will help you build a beautiful garden from scratch.


Each chapter focuses on a garden style (eg. old-fashioned, cottage garden) and comes with four variations (eg. scented, traditional, shady, cut flowers). Colour illustrations of individual plants, plus each garden in bloom, aid in choosing a design. The ingredients lists cover plants, tools and other supplies such as compost and stakes. Scale plans are added for easy planting. The step-by-step instructions include how to plant and care for your new garden through the seasons and in subsequent years. With this kind of support, a lovely garden is possible this year even for novice gardeners.


We have over 100 books in the library on garden design! Check our online catalogue 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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