Courses

This 5-session series presented by the Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC) is perfect for beginner and intermediate birders eager to deepen their knowledge and identification abilities. Through engaging and interactive sessions, participants will explore avian evolution, behaviour, migration, and advanced identification techniques, including tackling challenging groups like shorebirds, raptors, and gulls.  

Long-time VanDusen birding guide Jeremy Gordon presents this seasonal favourite! During this introductory-level class, he will discuss the best birding resources, such as binoculars and field guides, share tips on identifying local and migratory birds, and highlight hot birding spots around Vancouver.

Following a one-hour classroom presentation, Jeremy will take you for a walk to look for some of the 106 species of birds in the Garden.

Create a wildlife sanctuary in your backyard! In this course you will learn tips for selecting native plants and incorporating garden elements that benefit local wildlife, no matter the size of your outdoor space. Say goodbye to invasive species that disrupt your garden’s delicate balance, thanks to Tasha Murray’s insider knowledge.

Join a passionate community of nature enthusiasts who are enhancing urban habitat, embracing sustainable gardening, and leaving a biodiversity legacy for future generations.

Join VBGA’s very own Learning Garden Coordinator, Sangeeta Thomas, for this colourful, hands-on workshop on how to get started growing your own beautiful cut flowers in your home garden. 

Whether in a garden bed or containers, the workshop will cover the key elements of a balanced arrangement—focal blooms, fillers, and foliage—along with the best flowers to grow in Vancouver’s climate. Participants will get hands-on experience planting seeds or bulbs in a raised bed, gaining practical skills to start their own cutting garden. No prior gardening experience needed—just bring your curiosity and love for flowers!

Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association is delighted to present free, guided Birding Tours at VanDusen Botanical Garden with our knowledgeable volunteer guides. Tours are free with admission, registration is required as space is limited.

During this leisurely 2-hour tour through the Garden, your small group will look & listen for some of the many resident & migratory bird species that frequent the site, while your guides share their birding skills, enthusiasm, and knowledge.

Located in one of the top wildlife hotspots on the continent, the Vancouver region and its surroundings on the British Columbia coast are home to some spectacular species. With such an incredible abundance of wildlife, it is no surprise that the parks in the region are also popular with photo enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, who visit from near and far.

Join wildlife photographer Liron Gertsman for an in-depth workshop on wildlife photography. We will go over tips, tricks and techniques for wildlife photography that can be applied regardless of your camera of choice, smartphones included.

Expert Thomson Ip will lead this event to explore rhododendrons’ history, cultural significance, and care. You will learn to identify local and international varieties, discover best practices for planting and maintenance, and enjoy a 30-minute guided garden tour to see the rhododendrons at their peak.

This program is perfect for novice gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike.

Enhance your drawing skills and create realistic floral illustrations in this six-session series with artist and educator Katharine Dickinson. Through guided demonstrations, you’ll practice techniques to capture a plant or flower’s defining features—line, shape, structure and colour—while refining your observation skills.

Explore watercolour techniques for botanical art, including colour mixing, layering washes, and adding fine details with dry brushwork.

This series blends online and in-person sessions, offering flexibility and hands-on learning.

On the West Coast, we have the ideal climate and enthusiasm to enhance our gardens and living spaces with container planting. In this online session, we will explore the essential factors that contribute to successful container gardening.

Join horticulturist Janis Matson, to learn expert tips for selecting the right plants, choosing the appropriate container size, type, and shape, understanding soil types and nutrient availability, ensuring proper drainage and root growth, and considering placement and aesthetics.

Join Sangeeta Thomas, VBGA’s Learning Garden Coordinator, in this workshop to explore science-based techniques that demonstrate the effectiveness of common plant pairings. Learn how strategic partnerships can enhance growth, control pests, attract pollinators, and suppress weeds, all while promoting healthier ecosystems.

This hands-on workshop will take place in the new Learning Garden, where participants will engage in planting activities and see examples that inspire confidence in applying these methods in their own gardens.

The class is designed for aspiring and beginner bird watchers to help build a foundation of knowledge and gain confidence to get out and go birding this spring.

Long-time VanDusen birding guide Jeremy Gordon presents this seasonal favourite! During this introductory-level class, he will discuss the best birding resources, such as binoculars and field guides, share tips on identifying local and migratory birds, and highlight hot birding spots around Vancouver. Following a one-hour classroom presentation, Jeremy will take you for a walk to look for some of the 106 species of birds in the Garden.

Featuring presentations by Monique Gray Smith, Suzanne Simard, Brian Minter, Egan Davis as well as a evening with VanDusen’s expert staff and volunteers, join us as we celebrate the past and look forward to the future!

Each talk will be presented both in person and online, and pre-registration is required for both formats.