The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) is a not-for-profit society created in 1979 and registered in the Province of British Columbia. Situated on the Saanich Peninsula of South Vancouver Island, the HCP is dedicated to the provision of high-quality horticulture education to people of all ages, locally, nationally and internationally.
With 41 hectares (103 acres) of gardens, woodlands and wetlands located within 15 minutes of downtown Victoria, the Gardens at HCP provides a unique learning environment for students, volunteers, visitors and members.
In 2014, the HCP received its accreditation through Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI Canada) and has implemented a number of plant research trials.
Most of the land is vital green space and is designated as a conservation park devoted to the preservation of the native flora and fauna. The Glendale Trail, designed to allow access without damage to the ecosystem, is a part of the Saanich Centennial Trails program and includes loops for birdwatchers and dog walkers. A wetland, known as Viaduct Flats, has become an important wildlife sanctuary and is vital to the ongoing restoration and enhancement of historical salmon habitats. A weir built in 2005 helps to maintain the water level and an observation platform gives birdwatchers a clear view of the many returning species. A pair of bald eagles began a nest in the spring of 2008—an exciting indicator of the rebalancing of the ecosystem.
The year-round Gardens at HCP fill the remaining 3.5 hectares. The Gardens are an extensive and successful system of volunteer-directed demonstration gardens supported by local gardens societies and individuals. The Doris Page Winter Garden, begun in partnership with the Victoria Horticulture Society, is a world-class example of an all-season garden. The Takata and Zen Gardens show off the Japanese garden style. A ceremonial teahouse, created in 2008, complete the picture.
Vegetable gardens, orchards and a herb garden demonstrate sustainable garden practices for food production. The Drought-Tolerant and Mediterranean Gardens are designed to make the best of the challenging Northwest Pacific climate, with its moderate but very wet winters and dry summers. The Native Plant Garden has a wealth of plant material that can be integrated into any garden. The Children’s Garden is a great favorite for school tours and the Birds, Bees and Butterflies Garden shows how to attract wildlife to a garden.
The Rhododendron Garden, created in 1985, is tucked in natural woodland and under-planted with hostas and hardy fuchsias for year-round interest. There are gardens devoted to collections of perennials, hardy fuchsias, heathers, ornamental grasses and lilies.
The Bonsai Garden was opened in 2013 and is the largest bonsai garden in Canada.
The HCP's Pacific Horticulture College (PHC) is the only private not-for-profit post-secondary institution in British Columbia accredited by the Province to provide horticulture education. With its small class sizes set in a unique "living classroom" of gardens and conservation park, the PHC is consistently rated as one of the premier schools for horticulture education.
In addition to its accredited horticulture programs, the HCP provides a wide range of horticulture-related programs to our community. These include programs for schools and families that help connect children to nature and enable them to learn the importance of our natural environment to a healthy, sustainable world.
The HCP provides over 30 community education classes, including the ever-popular Year-Round Harvest program and the Victoria Master Gardener program to food production, plant ID, composting, pruning, and dry stone wall building to cooking.
Events include Arts and Music in the Gardens, an annual event held on the second weekend of August, and major plant sales in the spring and fall. Private functions, including weddings, anniversaries and life celebrations, are held in the Gardens. The Gathering Place can accommodate a large marquee for both ceremonies and receptions and the 3,000 square foot Couvelier Pavilion provides a wonderful event and meeting space.
Nourish Bistro, with its healthy and creative menu, has become the "in" place for lunch, dinner and afternoon tea.