Courses
Storytelling & Hula at Bloedel Conservatory
Join Poh Tan in this two-session hula and storytelling class where you will connect with plants and culture at Bloedel Conservatory. In addition to being a scientist, Poh is also a hula dancer, having learned this dance form with Kumu Josie de Baat from Halau Kia’i O Ka Hula. Join us in learning a few basic steps of hula and how hula can help tell meaningful stories about our environment.
For this activity, you need to bring a sarong or a cloth that you can wrap around your hips to dance. No previous experience with hula is required; we will start with the basics.
Hand-Felted Succulents
Wool+Water+Agitation=Magic!
In this introduction to wet felting workshop, you will learn how to make a soft sculptural hand-felted succulent. Starting with a flat layout of fibres, your insrtuctor will guide you through the steps that result in a personalized, take-home 3D wool sculpture.
Felting tools and fibre supplies provided.
Bird Identification Workshop
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.
Intro to Birding
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.
Wildlife-Friendly Gardening
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.
From Seed to Centerpiece: Growing Your Own Cut Flowers
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!
Free Birding Tours
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.
