Growing Chinese Medicinal Plants in your Garden (Online & In-Person)

Chinese medicinal herbs may be used to make herbal teas and therapeutic foods, alleviate illness, make natural beauty products, or be used to start an herbal plant-based business. However, growing good-quality medicinal herbs is challenging because many factors influence their medicinal qualities and therapeutic efficacy. This course will introduce you to 15 common Chinese medicinal plants and provide you with basic knowledge on properly growing, harvesting, processing, and using medicinal herbs.

You will learn what factors influence the medicinal quality and therapeutic effects of a medicinal plant and how to select appropriate species. In addition, you will learn about the stories and legends, alternative uses, and cultural and historical significance of the medicinal plants. You will also learn how to prepare herbal remedies.

Botanical Drawing and Painting Flowers

Improve your drawing skills to capture more realistic depictions of flowers in this four-session series. Instructed by artist and educator Katharine Dickinson, her demonstrations will guide you through various exercises on capturing a flower’s identifying features through line, shape, structure and form, and observing critical angles and accurate proportions.

Explore watercolour techniques for botanicals, mixing and matching a flower’s natural colours, and applying washes and dry brush details.

June Forest Bathing

Come discover the regenerative power of body and mind in nature with Kristine Koster, certified Forest Therapy Guide. The Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing, is the eco-antidote to modern-day stress. Kristine will lead you through a variety of gentle activities in the Garden, all designed to promote relaxation, wellness, and connection.

Learn how the practice of forest bathing boosts our immune system and supports healing. The walk concludes by sharing wildcrafted tea and treats in the Garden.

Easy Ecology Walk on Bowen Island

With a focus on plants, explore the native biodiversity of Bowen Island on a gentle walk along shaded forest trails. Led by former VBGA Education Director, Gillian Drake, this comfortable stroll will stop regularly for a closer look at local flora and fauna, discuss ecosystems, and identify native ferns, trees, and more. We won’t walk very far, but we will see a lot!

The tour will start at the library, 30m from the ferry dock (no car needed), and will finish in time to board the 1:15 pm ferry back to Horseshoe Bay. Consider making a day of it and visit Bowen’s many cafes, shops, and galleries within walking distance of the ferry.

Chigiri-e Paper Art

June 23 & 30, 12.00pm – 2.30pm

Chigiri-e is a Japanese art form using pieces of hand-dyed washi paper to create beautiful and detailed images. The result resembles a watercolour painting with a delicate texture. In this hands-on, creative art two-session workshop, you will practice handcrafting skills, learn step-by-step Chigiri-e paper techniques and create two art pieces. Supplies included.

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Bumblebee Walk: Discovering the Lives of Our Fuzzy Friends

Do you know that bumblebees are crucial pollinators, responsible for making our blueberry pies richer and fruit salads juicier? Join Jennifer Lipka for a fascinating journey into the secret lives of these fuzzy friends.

Learn about the important role that bumblebees play in our ecosystem, as well as their enchanting behaviours and physical characteristics. You will also take a leisurely walk through the beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden, where you will have the opportunity to catch, identify, and release bumblebees using ethical practices followed by the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas.

Introduction to Qigong

Join Anita Wong of the YS Traditional Chinese Medicine & Martial Arts College for an introduction to Qigong. Qigong is a meditation in motion and a simple but effective system to enhance overall health and fitness. This exercise incorporates breathing techniques with body movements and directs energy throughout the meridians. Through this four-session course, you will relax the body and mind, strengthen bones, enhance balance, and improve blood circulation. This series is suited for beginners and experienced students, with easy-to-follow steps and deep relaxation. Class starts with Qigong practice, followed by some Taichi steps to close.