Spring
Monday, March 20 2023 - Wednesday, June 21 2023In spring the Garden is bursting with cheerful rhododendrons, stunning magnolias, delicate cherry blossoms and bloom-full camellias – to mention a few…
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Summer
Wednesday, June 21 2023 - Friday, September 22 2023Summer in the Garden features vibrant colours and fragrant smells for our visitors to enjoy.
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Saturday, September 23 2023 - Thursday, December 21 2023Autumn colours are absolutely stunning at the Garden, and there are plenty of blooms still showing.
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Thursday, December 21 2023 - Sunday, March 24 2024The winter Garden features muted colour palettes, stunning silhouettes and a scattering of colour with winter berries and blooms.
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Free Bird Tours
Sunday, February 16 - Sunday, March 16Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association is delighted to present free, guided Birding Tours at VanDusen Botanical Garden with our knowledgeable volunteer guides. Tours are free with admission, registration is required as space is limited.
During this leisurely 2-hour tour through the Garden, your small group will look & listen for some of the many resident & migratory bird species that frequent the site, while your guides share their birding skills, enthusiasm, and knowledge. Beginners are encouraged to attend! Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them (we will have a few pairs on hand to share).
Register for birding here.
February Ivy Basket Weaving
Saturday, February 22 10.00am - 12.00pmDiscover the art of crafting baskets and trivets from invasive English ivy!
In this hands-on experience led by Grace Nombrado, you will learn all the steps of collecting, preparing and weaving ivy. Enjoy refreshments while you connect with fellow participants. You’ll leave with your very own completed ivy creation. No experience is necessary; all materials are provided.
Watercolour: The Colours of Spring
Thursday, March 6 - Thursday, April 10 10.00am - 12.30pmCelebrate the vibrant colours of spring in this 6-session watercolour painting series!
Under the guidance of instructor Susan Pearson, you’ll explore how to mix and create the subtle hues of the season through demonstrations and hands-on exercises. From soft moss greens to vibrant blooms, discover how even the smallest adjustment in your palette can transform your colours and bring your paintings to life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this course offers the perfect opportunity to refine your watercolour skills.
Speaker Series: Birds in a Unique Light
Thursday, March 20 6.30pm - 8.00pmMarch 20, 6.30pm
Presenter: Liron Gertsman
Topic: Birds in a Unique Light
Join multiple award-winning professional wildlife photographer Liron Gertsman as he shares stories and images from his favourite moments photographing birds. The presentation will include a mix of visual storytelling, science, and discussions about the creative process that Liron uses to create unique and eye-catching photos of birds.
You may have seen him on CBC’s “The National”, heard his voice on CBC Radio One, or seen his work in publications such Canadian Geographic magazine, Audubon Magazine, The Guardian, and GEO magazine.
Drawing Plants
Wednesday, March 26 - Wednesday, April 16 10.00am - 1.00pmEnhance your drawing skills to create more realistic depictions of plants in this four-session series, instructed by artist and educator Katharine Dickinson. Her demonstrations will guide you through various exercises focused on capturing a plant’s identifying features through line, shape, structure, and form, while also observing critical angles and accurate proportions.
Explore watercolour techniques for botanicals, including mixing and matching a plant’s natural colours and applying washes and dry brush details.
Low Maintenance Garden Design (Online)
Thursday, March 27 6.30pm - 8.30pmWhat is low maintenance in the garden? And, how to achieve it? These are the main questions landscape design and horticulture expert Janis Matson will cover in this course while bringing her ample knowledge and experience.
Ideally created for homeowners and garden enthusiasts, this class will focus on plant selection and includes essential maintenance tips such as soil preparation, mulching, and watering.
Worm Composting Fundamentals
Saturday, March 29 2.00pm - 4.00pmJoin Neill McCallum for a workshop on the essentials and benefits of worm composting—a highly efficient method for creating vibrant, thriving gardens that outperforms traditional composting.
Under Neill’s guidance, discover how worm composting produces nutrient-rich vermicompost using household organic waste. Learn to reduce waste, enrich soil biodiversity, and support a flourishing ecosystem through the power of microorganisms.
Watch worms in action and gain hands-on knowledge as Neill provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to building your own affordable worm composting system.