Garden Hours:
March – October / 9:00 am – 5:00 pm every day
November - February /10:00 am - 4:00 pm

505 Quayle Rd Victoria, BC V9E 2J7
Ph: (250) 479-6162
Connecting People with Plants since 1979
40 Years and Still Growing
by: Deborah Donahue, General Manager

Question: What was the HCP’s original name?
a) Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
b) Gardens at HCP
c) Glendale Gardens
d) Glendale Gardens and Woodland
 
Learn the answer to this and many other interesting facts about the HCP. Join us on November 8 th and 9 th to help us celebrate our 40 th year.
There will be a 'then and now' slide-show in the pavilion as well as historical displays and guided tours of the gardens will be offered at 11am and 2pm both days. Tour space is limited so please email reception@hcp.ca to save your spot!
Family Harvest Festival
Don't forget to register your family for the Gardens at HCP's Harvest Festival happening on Saturday, October 26th from 10am to 2pm. Please call the office between 9 am - 5 pm at 250-479-6162! We keep num bers small for the best experience for attendees, and at only $15 per family for great programming, this event does sell out!

Included activities:
  • Apple Pressing
  • Light Snacks & Apple cider by donation (pack a picnic lunch or make a reservation at Charlotte & the Quail and stay all day)
  • Lawn Games
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Crafts
  • Pumpkin people creations
  • And much more! Watch our website or the Facebook event for more details!
Ageless Gardening
Always nice to see yourself on tv! In the series Ageless Gardens season two, episode two the career gardeners featured are Linda and Jane, backed by propagation
volunteers and the students. We're at 11:24 - 13:43 and 19:30 - 20:04!

Wreath-Making Season
Wreath making workshops have become a holiday tradition here at the HCP. Volunteers and staff collect and prepare a wide range of holiday greens for up to 160 participants over the holiday season. Many participants return every year and bring along partners, sisters, moms, daughters and friends to enjoy the holiday fun. It's a wonderful way to enjoy time together amidst the holiday smells of cedar and apple cider. Creativity and conversation flows as participants combine an assortment of evergreens, berries, cones and bows into a beautiful wreath. No two wreaths turn out the same!

For younger family members, we have wreath making workshops with Paula McCormick , our youth programs coordinator. These wreaths are manageable for smaller hands to create. Each child should be accompanied by an adult for this class. ( See the Youth Programs section below for more information.)

As always, we need a big supply of holiday greens for our wreath makers. If you have a large supply of cedar, holly or other holiday greens to donate in November/December, please contact us - communityed@hcp.ca .

Dates & Times:
Saturdays & Sundays
10:00am - 12:00 pm / 1:00pm - 3:00 pm
November 23, 24, 30 & December 1, 7, 8

HCP Members $40.00/Non-Members $50 per class
Call: 250-479-6162 to register!

We look forward to seeing you all there! For more information visit our website here.
Giles Jottings
As we move forward into Fall the temperatures go down, the skies are greyer and the rain becomes more frequent. And it is quite noticeable how well the hardy fuchsias respond. They are plants that like cooler conditions so this is a season that suits them well; and the cloudy weather seems to accentuate their colours. I have always liked those varieties with vivid colour contrasts between the sepals (upper wings) and the petals (hanging skirts). ‘ Mercurius ’ for instance and ‘Dr. Otto’ display deliciously rich ‘fuchsia’ pinks above and deep purple below. But another variety, Fuchsia ‘Silver Pink’, recently caught my eye; the upper sepals are a pale, almost metallic, pink and the colour reflects down onto the purple falls in a most attractive way. The whole of the Fuchsia Garden is still, in October, a blaze of colour.

In the Winter Garden I look forward to this time of year when the cyclamen come into flower and create a pink carpet beneath the witch-hazel ( Hamamelis mollis ). Many cyclamen species, originating in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, are not sufficiently hardy to survive the winter outdoors. The florist’s cyclamen, C. persicum, is an example of this. You can buy them in pots and they make lovely houseplants but they will not make it through winter if planted in the ground.

But here in the Pacific North West there are a couple of species that do well and can become naturalised, especially in a shady woodland site; they are Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium . Their flowers are quite similar; they are more easily distinguished by their leaf shapes. C. coum has smaller rounder leaves while Cyclamen hederifolium , as its name describes (hedera=ivy, folium=leaf), has heart-shaped leaves with multiple points, like an ivy. In the Doris Page Garden most of the cyclamen are the ivy-leaf variety; they survive in the ground as a tuber that can grow year by year, up to 10 inches across in some cases. After flowering they produce seeds with a sweet sticky covering that attracts ants. The ants carry the seeds around while they eat the sticky sweetness but the seeds themselves they discard, as apparently of no interest. But in this way the seeds become distributed over an increasingly wide area and can pop up in new places unexpectedly.

Another cross-species relationship that benefits us in our gardens.
Pumpkin Palooza in the Annapolis Valley
by Linda Petite , Head Gardener
I am on vacation back home in Nova Scotia. People here in the Annapolis Valley really know how to celebrate fall! The town of Kentville is decorated with the Pumpkin People. Check out this video link !
 
This year the theme is “Toon Town,” showcasing favorite cartoon characters. There are over 300 pumpkin people dotted about town. Pumpkins are everywhere - on the ground, on display, and even in the food! There are hayrides, corn mazes, apple-picking events and the brilliant fall colours are everywhere in shades of red, orange and gold.
 
Happy leaf-peeping!
Membership Reminder
Check out that bright green 'Gardens at HCP' membership card to see if it has expired!

Memberships are a great value and include:
  • 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
  • Free Admission into the Arts & Music in the Gardens festival
  • 10% discounts at select plant centres throughout Victoria
  • Free admission to participating gardens in the American Horticultural Society 
  • 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 stopping in the office, calling 250-479-6162 or clicking here .   
Bottle Drive
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
College News
Between Work Experience weeks, the full-time students have been busy juggling classes in Plant Health, Practical Skills, Permaculture, Plant ID, and Landscape Design. There was a lot of great feedback from students about their Work Experience weeks: students made great connections, practiced their skills, and learned about new areas of horticulture. There were even a couple of job offers! Again, thank you to all of the hosts for providing such valuable experiences for the students.

In the Part-Time Level 1 program, students are taking classes in Plant ID and Softscape Maintenance, along with completing a Turfgrass project. We look forward to the finished project and appreciate their hard work!
For current happenings, alumni and current student profiles and more, follow PHC @pacifichorticulturecollege on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Multiple program options are now accepting applications. See below for more information.
Coming up:
Full-Time 2020 Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program
  • Accepting Applications – Deadline is November 1, 2019
  • Contact the college at colllegeadmin@hcp.ca with any questions

Pesticide Applicator Certificate Course (Landscape General Category)
  • November 23rd and 24th, exam on the 25th   
  • Please call HCP to register

Full-Time Level 3*** and 4 Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Training Program
  •  November 18, 2019 to January 10, 2020
  •  Application deadline is November 5, 2019

For more information on our programs , please contact PHC at  collegeadmin@hcp.ca  or call  250-479-6162 .

*** Note: This is PHC's LAST offering of the current Level 3 before the curriculum changes in 2020. Apprentices who have completed Levels 1 and 2 are encouraged to finish their training before the curriculum changes take place, otherwise gap training or additional on-the-job training may be required.***
Youth Programs
For a full list visit our website: https://hcp.ca/youth-programs/
To register for any program please call: 250-479-6162
                                                                                                                             
TERRARIUM GARDENS Workshop
What is it about miniature gardens that intrigues us? Is it the adorable tiny plants we choose to nestle into interesting and unusual containers…vintage, upcycled, or new? This workshop will include a terrarium container and tropical plants to create a lasting mini garden for bedroom, home or gifting. If you love miniatures of all kinds, give this workshop a try!
DATE:    Saturday, October 19 (terrarium)
FEES:      $85/4 week series or $ 25/1 week
AGES:    7-14 years
TIMES:  1:30 – 3:30 pm
 
INDOOR FAIRY GARDENS
These sweet little gardens include a miniature plant to keep warm indoors. Learn to create a fun garden, safe for a wee tropical plant and the perfect place for fairies to visit! We will include a tiny area for sitting, signs, and more! Bring along a friend and make your own fairy garden to take home and care for indoors as our weather gets cooler.
DATE:    Saturday, November 9
FEE:        $15/child
AGES:    4 – 8 years
TIMES:  1:00 – 2:30 p
 
WREATH MAKING FOR FAMILIES
This is becoming a fun tradition for many families at HCP. It is a fun way to make a door wreath using a variety of plant materials provided for you! That saves a lot of gathering and helps focus on the creating! We will be using wire wreaths and lots of boughs and branches to choose from. Participants are asked to bring along a pair of hand pruners (secateurs), if you have some. An adult is to accompany each child/youth due to the nature of the activity.
DATE:    Saturday, December 7
FEE:        $25/child/1 wreath
AGES:    5 – 14 years
TIME:    1:00 – 2:30 pm
 
DATE:    Saturday, December 14      DATE:    Saturday, December 14
FEE:        $25/child/1 wreath             FEE:  $25/child/1 wreath
AGES:    5 – 14 years                       AGES: 5 – 14 years
TIME:    10:00 – 11:30 am               TIME: 1:00 – 2:30 pm


PRO-D DAY CAMPS

Have you ever picnicked with a frog? Watched a pair of mallard ducks float quietly down the stream while feeding? Snacked on a fairy garden ground cover? These and more experiences await you in our gardens during Pro D Day Camps this fall. Over the past weeks we have seen natures influence of the gardens in these and many other ways. Join me for a day of gardening, exploration, garden crafts and more in The Gardens at HCP.
2019 Dates: Friday, October 25; Friday, November 22,
2020 Dates: Friday, February 24; Monday, April 27; Friday, May 15, 2020
Times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fee: $38/child
Ages: 5.5 years (school age) – 12 years

JMG KID’S GARDEN CLUB
Garden Club is an open concept learning opportunity for children and youth of all ages who enjoy gardening and exploring the out of doors. Each month we meet to a assess our plot and participate in seasonable gardening with lots of hands-on activities. Our tasks range from creating Lasagna Gardens and container planters to seeding, weeding, and mulching. There is no end to the possibilities!
Club Dates: 9:45 am – 11:45 am (Saturdays 2019 – Mar 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, Sept 7, Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7)
Cost: $10/2 hr session
Ages: All ages welcome! Children under 6 need to be with a supervising/participating adult
Community Education
For a full list of our Community Education workshops , click here .
Introduction to Herbal Tincture-Making Workshop

Saturday, October 19 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Instructor: Lily Fawn
   
An herbal tincture is a very effective form of extracting the medicine from plants. It has a much longer shelf life than an infusion, decoction or oil and can be stored in your cupboard for years. Herbalist, Lily Fawn, shares the secrets of herbal tincture making. Participants will gain confidence in basic medicine making skills and learn both folklore tincture making and standardized methods. Participants take home all medicines made in class including a fresh plant tincture made with a herb of their choice. This session will also offer an informative introduction to a materia medica of the herbs used in the class and receive a detailed handbook outlining all the information covered in class. All supplies are included.

HCP Members $55 /Non Members $65

Call 250 479 6162 to register

Urban Forestry

Sunday, October 20 - 9:00am - 1:00pm
Instructor: Ryan Senechal
 
Participants will be introduced to urban tree and urban forest planning and management, and also collection of urban tree data. Ryan will also cover an introduction to tree protection and preservation bylaws, tree risk management, and strategies to sustainably improve canopy cover
 
This course will introduce the following skills:
-Basic field collection of urban forest data (Genus and species, tree measurement, condition assessment, critical root zone, location)
-Use of tools and references to collect and analyze field data (GPS, GIS, diameter tape, linear tape, laser rangefinder, spreadsheet, iTree Design, tree ID references)
-Understanding regional Urban Forest management trends
 
The course is part indoor, part outdoor. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
 
HCP Members $50 /Non Members $60

Call 250 479 6162 to register

Willow Chair Workshop

Sunday, October 20 9 am - 5 pm
Instructor: Andrew Kent

J oin 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. 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.

HCP Members $250 /Non Members $275

Call 250 479 6162 to register


Mason Bee Maintenance

Sunday, October 20
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Instructor: Tom Leahy
   
This informative class with Mason Bee expert, Tom Leahy. Tom will cover all you need to know to keep your mason bee cocoons healthy. Many people start out with great enthusiasm in the Spring, but in the Fall they are not quite sure what to do with the cocoons. If you have cocoons, bring them along and get the job done with Tom’s guidance. If you don’t have your own cocoons, don’t worry, we will have plenty for you to practice with. Tom will cover how to harvest the cocoons from various homes including wooden or plastic trays, cardboard, bamboo or paper tubes and drilled holes. After that the group will clean the cocoons and homes. Tom will also cover how to overwinter cocoons to help with their survival for the Spring. Leave with the job done and confidence about taking care of your bees. Time permitting, Tom will cover additional care topics and participant questions.

HCP Members $20 /Non Members $25

Call 250 479 6162 to register

“Abundance" Painting Workshop
Saturday, October 26 & Sunday, October 27 - 9:30am - 4:30pm
Instructor: Rose Cowles

Join local artist and instructor for a two day painting workshop. Participants will get messy and express gratitude on Canvas with Rose’s playful guidance. Use all your favourite colours while exploring various painting techniques with acrylics and collage. All materials are included. Moderate painting skills are ideal for optimum enjoyment.
$275 per person

Call 250 479 6162 to register

Grow Your Own Way Wellness Journey

Sunday November 17 1:30am - 3:30pm
Instructor: Marnie Dangerfield

This program is designed to allow you time in nature.... to slow down, pause, refresh and connect to your inner wisdom. There will be wellness practices led throughout,in a beautiful garden setting. The vision is for you to go through the year and connect to the seasons, to nature and to build community and connection with like-minded women. We will practice awareness/mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, kindness, journaling and intentional creativity (among other things).
 
The goal is to increase your overall well-being with new wellness habits. We'll focus on decreasing stress while increasing joy.

HCP Members &
Non Members $35

Call 250 479 6162 to register

"Land and Sea" Painting Workshop

November 30th & December 1st
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Rose Cowles

Join local artist and instructor for a two day painting workshop. Participants will get messy and explore the theme of travel with Rose’s playful guidance. You will combine great quotes with photographic references, used stamps and paint to create a beautiful piece of art to take home. All materials are included. Moderate painting skills are ideal for optimum enjoyment.


HCP Members &
Members $275

Call 250 479 6162 to register

Christmas Grinch Table Centrepiece

Sunday , December 15
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
   
Floral designer Linda Rambaud will teach you to create your own Grinch tree using cedar branches, bring your own ornaments to decorate this long lasting Christmas arrangement.


HCP Members &
Non Members $120

Call 250 479 6162 to register


Plant Identification

With Diane Pierce
One Saturday a month 1pm – 4pm

October 26, November 16 & December 7
Learn all 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

Non-Members $45.00 per session or $450 for 12 sessions.

To register, call 250 479 6162
The Bookend
Concern for our environment seems to be gaining momentum. As individuals, we all are concerned to a degree . . . but tend to think we are not in a position to do much except things like recycling, perhaps cutting down on gas consumption, or maybe going in for some solar heating and other upgrades if we happen to be able to afford them.

However, we, as gardeners and/or plant lovers generally, may be in a position to do a little bit better than that. Most of us know from experience that trees are important for purifying the air in addition to sheltering us from prevailing winds and the hot summer sun. We have even come to have at least a rudimentary knowledge of soil chemistry. Birds, insects and animals are more familiar to us than they are to people who don't spend as much time outdoors as we do.

In other words, we are in a unique position to speak out on matters to do with our environment and climate change. . . and to even, in our small way, do something about it. (In fact, of course, we have been doing something about it all along!)

So . . .during the winter months, when you may have a bit of time to do some reading, we would like to encourage you to read, listen and learn all you can on the subject of plants, "climate change," etc. Perhaps because of this targeted learning effort, we will all be better able in the new year to discuss the subject with friends and neighbours . . and possibly even encourage community leaders in ways in which they might help to make our communities more "green."

If you can spare the time from all that reading and research we are recommending, you might like to tell us something about any new information you discover or to recommend books that you found especially interesting. (We certainly have lots of material in our HCP library to start with, so there's no great need to make a financial investment in books straight off! )

Send an "e note" with your info and/or ideas to us. We could then pass along to HCP members in future Bookends (with your permission, of course) some of what you will have gleaned!

Wednesdays 9 am – 1 pm Saturdays 10 am – 1 pm
To contact us, telephone (during volunteer hours) 250-479-6273, or email library@hcp.ca any time.
Gardens at HCP | hcp.ca