Watercolour: The Magic of Mixing Colours

Join us for an exciting 4-session series where Susan will reveal the secrets to mixing the stunning array of colours used in watercolour paintings. Gain the confidence to create the perfect hues that speak to your soul.

Immerse yourself in a world of creativity as Susan uses fresh-cut flowers from the garden and captivating photos as reference material. You’ll be guided through a step-by-step approach to help you achieve delightful and satisfying results.

Spring 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.

May Intro to Birding

Long-time VanDusen birding guide Jeremy Gordon is back on-site with 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 & 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.

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.

Botanical Drawing and Painting Flowers (Online & In Person)

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.

Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration

May is Bird Celebration Month!

From bird nerd to bird curious, there is an event for everyone during Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration.

Check out the events at VanDusen Botanical Garden!

Tropical Flower Arrangement Workshop

Join us for a delightful journey into the world of tropical flower arrangements, just in time for Mother’s Day!

Unleash your love for flowers and creativity as we guide you in crafting a stunning Tropical Mother’s Day arrangement, perfect for gifting or enhancing your home’s ambiance. Dive into a vibrant palette of tropical blooms, from exotic Birds of Paradise to elegant orchids and striking protea. Learn the art of arranging these beauties to create a truly unique masterpiece. No prior experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm!

The World of Hummingbirds

Join Carol Matthews and VARC as she takes you on a mesmerizing exploration into the world of hummingbirds.

The world of hummingbirds is a testament to the diversity and wonders of the natural world. There are over 350 different species found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, each with unique characteristics and behaviours. They shine and dazzle; they pollinate and migrate and their unique adaptations and behaviours make them a mesmerizing group of birds that captivate and intrigue researchers and birdwatchers around the world.

FREE: Birding Session with the Feminist Bird Club

Join the Vancouver Chapter of the Feminist Bird Club for a FREE birding meetup at VanDusen Botanical Garden! Julia (she/her) and Daniella (she/her) will lead a bird walk/sit in the Garden as part of the annual Vancouver Bird Celebration. The Feminist Bird Club (FBC) was founded in 2016 with the goal of making birding and the outdoors inclusive and accessible for everyone.

This event offers a mobile birding tour along the Garden pathways, with a seated birding option available for those who prefer to observe from a stationary position within the Garden.

Designing Gardens in Small Spaces (Online)

Let’s have some fun in our small gardening spaces!

Join Janis Matson to discuss and understand the design elements and principles, limitations, and potential when designing and gardening in smaller spaces. This session will focus on best practices and creative ideas that make a small space POP—from plants to hard features to garden accents.

A Visit with O.W.L. (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society)

This is your chance for a meet and greet with some of nature’s most beautiful birds, offered through the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (O.W.L).

O.W.L specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors from all over B.C. Learn about how the birds find their way to O.W.L., how they are cared for, and eventually released back into nature. Participants will also meet the teaching birds up close.  Photo ops are available (no flash please).

Discover Birds at Bloedel

Join a member of the VBGA Education team for this all-ages program to celebrate our feathered friends. Meet the birds of Blodel and discover the biodiversity hidden under the Conservatory dome through a mini-tour and activity!

Tea Blending Workshop

Join Raven and Hummingbird Tea Co. for an Indigenous herbal tea blending workshop with Cease Wyss, a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ethnobotanist.

Explore the use of local Indigenous plants in medicine by blending teas, enhancing your connection to the land and improving health and immunity. This workshop aims to deepen your bond with local plants and enhance your understanding of plant-based remedies. 2 bags of customizable loose-leaf bags per person are included.