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Alpine Garden Club of BC: Spring Show & Sale

Sunday, April 2 11.00pm - 3.00pm

The Alpine Garden Club of BC Spring Show & Sale takes place in the Floral Hall and Cedar Room at VanDusen Botanical Garden on Saturday April 2nd, 11.00pm – 3.00pm.

Admission: Free

For more information contact Jay Ackerley: 778-874-4172 or jayackerley@hotmail.com

Vancouver Dahlia Society; Tuber Sale

Saturday, April 8 10.00a.m. - 3.00pm

The Vancouver Dahlia Society 2023 Tuber Sale takes place in the Floral Hall at VanDusen Botanical Garden on April 8, 10.00am – 3.00pm.

Entrance: By Donation

For more information contact Peter Krueger; pkrueg53@gmail.com, tel: 604.241.4995

Sakura Days Japan Fair

Saturday, April 15 - Sunday, April 16

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival returns to VanDusen Botanical Garden with Sakura Days Japan Fair on April 15 & 16, 2023!

Sakura Days Japan Fair celebrates all things Japan, from Japanese food and performances to arts and culture. Most activities will take place outdoors, with selected vendors, tea ceremonies, and experiences indoors. Look forward to taiko drumming, theatre performances, woodworking demonstrations, a renewed Japanese Garden display, and more!

*Special event pricing will be in effect and discounted rates are available for those with a valid VBGA membership. The Garden cannot be accessed on April 15 and 16 without an event ticket. TICKETS SOLD ONLINE ONLY.

Learn More

Family Art in the Garden: Let’s Draw Birds!

Saturday, April 22 1.30pm - 3.00pm

April 22 🌎 World Earth Day Event!

Join illustrator Bea Martin in the Garden to celebrate Earth Day with a fun, all-ages drawing workshop: Let’s Draw Birds!

While being guided through the drawing workshop with easy-to-follow steps, participants will learn fun and interesting facts about some of Vancouver’s most familiar birds.

Not an artist? No problem! All skill levels are welcome in this family-friendly workshop. 

SOLD OUT

Vancouver Orchid Society: 2023 Show & Sale

Saturday, April 22 - Saturday, April 23 2022 9.00am - 4.00pm

The Vancouver Orchid Society’s 2023 Show and Sale takes place April 22nd (9.00am – 5.00pm) and 23rd (9.00am – 4.00pm).

To learn more email ingrid.pike@outlook.com

Teacher Pro-D

Monday, April 24

We have two teacher pro-d options on April 24th taking place at VanDusen!

1.  Native Plants of BC’s South Coast Learn more and register!

2. Introduction to Nature Journaling SOLD OUT

Metro Vancouver Gardening Society: Bonsai & Flower Show

Saturday, April 29 - Sunday, April 30 10.00am - 3.00pm

The Metro Vancouver gardening Society Bonsai & Flower Show takes place April 29th from 10.00am – 4.00pm and April 30th from 10.00am – 3.00pm.

Admission: By donation

Bloom Calendar

Spring

Monday, March 20 - Wednesday, June 21

In spring the Garden is bursting with cheerful rhododendrons, stunning magnolias, delicate cherry blossoms and bloom-full camellias –  to mention a few…

Learn More

Summer

Wednesday, June 21 - Friday, September 22

Summer in the Garden features vibrant colours and fragrant smells for our visitors to enjoy.

Learn More

Fall

Saturday, September 23 - Thursday, December 21

Autumn colours are absolutely stunning at the Garden, and there are plenty of blooms still showing.

Learn More

Winter

Thursday, December 21 - Sunday, March 24 2024

The winter Garden features muted colour palettes, stunning silhouettes and a scattering of colour with winter berries and blooms.

 

Learn More
Courses

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

Wednesday, June 7 - Saturday, July 8

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

Wednesday, June 7 - Wednesday, June 28

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

Saturday, June 17 10.00am - 12.30pm

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

Sunday, June 18 10.00am - 12.30pm

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

Friday, June 23 - Friday, June 30

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.

REGISTER NOW!

Bumblebee Walk: Discovering the Lives of Our Fuzzy Friends

Saturday, June 24 9.30am - 12.00pm

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

Monday, July 10 - Monday, July 31

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.