Spring

Monday, March 20 2023 - Wednesday, June 21 2023

In 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 2023

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

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Fall

Saturday, September 23 2023 - Thursday, December 21 2023

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

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Winter

Thursday, December 21 2023 - Sunday, March 24

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

 

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Watercolour: The Fall Light

Thursday, September 19 - Thursday, October 24

Join us for an inspiring 6-session series where artist and teacher  Susan Pearson will guide you through capturing the essence of fall with watercolours.

As the seasons change, so do our surroundings, with shifting light and vibrant leaves painting a new scene around us. Susan will share techniques for quick watercolour studies, including wet into wet and wet on dry, to help you paint and capture the beauty of autumn.

September Intro to Birding

Saturday, September 21 10:00am

Long-time VanDusen birding guide Jeremy Gordon presents 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 and 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.

Chinese Medicinal Plant Tour

Saturday, September 21 10:00am

Join Lily Liu for a Medicinal Plant Tour at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Learn about Chinese medicinal plants and their potential applications in promoting health and well-being.

Course Highlights:

▪️Identify and understand the characteristics of 20 Chinese medicinal plants
▪️Learn their applications and benefits
▪️Get practical tips for daily health practices

September/October Bird Tours

Sunday, September 22 - Sunday, October 20 10am

Vancouver 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).

Speaker Series: The Fertile Depths of Ecological Grief (Hybrid format)

Tuesday, September 24 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Presenter: Dr. Jason Brown
Topic: The Fertile Depths of Ecological Grief (Hybrid format)

Join us for an engaging and empowering dialogue with Dr. Jason Brown, SFU professor and multifaith lead for the university’s Ecological Chaplaincy Pilot Project. As the climate and extinction crises are deepening, many of us are experiencing a corresponding increase in ecological anxiety and grief.

This hope-centered presentation will help us explore ways we can stay connected to each other and love the world more deeply, even as we struggle with a sense of loss.

To attend this presentation in person click here.
To attend this presentation online click here.

September Multisensory Nature Immersion

Saturday, September 28 10:00am

Escape the stress of modern life and immerse yourself in the Garden’s tranquillity. This guided immersion isn’t just a walk in the park—it’s a slow, gentle experience that engages all your senses, fostering deep connections with nature.

Known as shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, this practice is backed by evidence-based research indicating that it can reduce stress, enhance focus and creativity, and improve sleep and wellness. You’ll be guided by Tara T Brown to enjoy the Garden’s lush soundscape and calming power, with optional journaling and sketching time. The session concludes with reflection over wildcrafted tea and treats.

The Essentials of Mulching

Saturday, October 5 1:00pm - 3.30pm

Mulches are the multitool of the garden: they offer many benefits to our landscapes by providing a barrier for weeds, regulating temperature, alleviating compaction, and so much more. With the guidance of Allison Luke, we’ll explore questions like which mulch is best, where to source it and more, comparing the pros and cons of the 4 broad classes of mulch and exploring the research and best practices to date.