A buzz-worthy field trip experience for students to learn about pollinators and the environments that support them.
As flowers bloom around VanDusen, bring your class to explore the special relationships between plants, pollinators, and people. Over three days in June, our facilitators will promote curiosity and stewardship through fun, hands-on activities at stations throughout the Garden.
2023 Pollinator Days is sold out!
Learn MoreThe Vancouver Mycological Society Spring Mycology Show & Sale takes place June 4th in the Floral Hall at VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Sunday June 4th: 10.00am – 3.00pm
For more information click here or email events@vanmyco.com
Vancouver-born Fleurs de Villes brings its world-renowned floral show to VanDusen Botanical Garden for the first time ever. From June 9 to 18, experience Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE, a floral journey of discovery celebrating iconic global destinations.
Learn MoreThe Desert Plant Society of Vancouver Show and Sale takes place June 10th from 10.00am – 4.00pmpm and June 26th from 10.00am – 3.00pm.
For more information call: 604-825-1447
Summer Equinox
June 18, 12.00pm – 3.00pm
People from varying backgrounds and spiritual traditions are invited to gather and celebrate the beginning of the summer season at VanDusen Botanical Garden. The Medicine Wheel is a symbol of holistic teachings based on the cycles of nature. Drumming and prayers are shared at this event.
Learn MoreIn spring the Garden is bursting with cheerful rhododendrons, stunning magnolias, delicate cherry blossoms and bloom-full camellias – to mention a few…
Learn MoreSummer in the Garden features vibrant colours and fragrant smells for our visitors to enjoy.
Learn MoreAutumn colours are absolutely stunning at the Garden, and there are plenty of blooms still showing.
Learn MoreThe winter Garden features muted colour palettes, stunning silhouettes and a scattering of colour with winter berries and blooms.
Learn More
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
