Courses

Bird Photography Essentials
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.

Caring for Rhododendrons: A Beginner’s Guide
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.

The Art and Science of Container Gardening
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.

Companion Plants and Plant Partners
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.

May Intro to Birding
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.