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.

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.

Guided Walk through the Garden

Deepen your connection to VanDusen Botanical Garden through an enriching guided walk led by expert Subforeperson & gardener Andrew Fleming.

Join us for an hour-long exploration where Andrew will showcase fascinating plants with distinctive qualities that captivate all year round. Discover stunning species such as Stachyurus praecox, Decaisnea fargesii, and Holboellia coriacea.

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.

Family Art in the Garden: Let's Draw Pond Animals!

Join illustrator Bea Martin in the Garden for a fun, all-ages family drawing workshop: Let’s Draw Pond Animals! While being guided through the drawing workshop with easy-to-follow steps, and learning tips and tricks, we will take a walk around the Garden ponds, drawing and sketching en plein air the plants and animals we find along the way, including turtles, dragonflies, ducks and water lilies!

Wildlife-Friendly Gardening

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

Pruning Roses 101

July 28, 12.30pm

Discover the art of rose pruning in this engaging course! Join us for a hands-on experience that will transform your garden.

Led by Brent Chomicki, the mastermind behind VanDusen’s Rose Garden, this course equips beginners with the skills to prune roses and other plants. Learn the dos and don’ts for modern and old garden roses, and gain valuable insights applicable to trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

Multisensory Nature Immersion

Escape the stress of the modern world and immerse yourself in the soothing tranquility of the Garden. This guided immersion isn’t just a walk in the park – it’s a slow and gentle journey that invites you to engage all your senses, promoting profound connections with the beautiful surroundings.

Led by Tara Tiger Brown, a certified forest bathing guide trained in Japan, this class will guide you through diverse plant species, inviting you to bask in the lush soundscape and fully absorb the calming power of nature.