Herbs for Digestion

VBGA Members: $31.50 | Non Members: $35

This informative talk will cover how certain herbal medicines can assist digestive health through various actions. Explore the benefits of some common spices and carminative rich herbs, and understand the effects of bitter and demulcent herbs. Participants will sample a digestive tea and demulcent mixture and will take home a small bag of a carminative digestive spice blend.

Course fee includes all supplies.

Instructor: Katolen Yardley.

Forest Therapy Walk

VBGA Members: $27 | Non Members: $30

Experience the health benefits of nature as you learn the basics of forest therapy from Vancouver’s first certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku (which translates to “forest bathing”), this walk will introduce you to a variety of techniques designed to deepen connections with nature, ourselves, and one another. Participating in this mindfulness-based practice encourages our bodies and minds to slow down, and to disconnect from the stressors of our modern lives. Expect to have some fun, share stories along the way, and enjoy a cup of forest tea at the end of the session.

Instructor: Ken Ouendag.

The Watercolour Palette

VBGA Members: $99 | Non Members: $110

Delve deeper into understanding watercolour in this two-part drop-in watercolour series. In the first session, explore the Subtleties of White using the white of the paper to create subtle shades and tints. In the second session, we will learn to Make Colours Sing with the use of brighter pigments and layered colour washes. Some watercolour painting experience is recommended. Please bring your own supplies.

Instructor: Susan Pearson.

Conifer ID Walk

VBGA Members: $31.50 | Non Members: $35

Further your plant ID skills using the tree collections at VanDusen. Garden staff Samantha Sivertz will introduce you to the basics of conifer identification, including the key characteristics of the most common conifer families and some handy tips and tricks to recognize species seen around Vancouver both in urban areas and in the wild. Sam’s engaging teaching style weaves stories with science – learn about researchers, explorers, and folklore, plus medicinal, practical, and ceremonial uses. Meet at the Visitor Centre and enter the Garden as a group. Entire class is spent walking outdoors, rain or shine.

Instructor: Samantha Sivertz.

Veggies on Your Patio

VBGA Members: $36 | Non Members: $40

This seasonal favourite is perfect for urban gardeners who want to get started with growing veggies in containers, but need tips on where to begin. Learn which vegetable varieties are best for patios or balconies, good companion plants, and which containers and soil mixes to choose. Work in groups with Jennifer’s assistance to design the layout of a container to plant at home. Receive a mix of patio-appropriate veggie seeds to get started!

Instructor: Jennifer Lipka.

Permaculture Garden Design

VBGA Members: $58.50 | Non Members: $65

With Certified Permaculture Designer Justin Schneider, learn the basics of designing a diverse landscape that yields food, provides habitat, and looks beautiful. Exploring principles of permaculture design, you will gain an understanding into how to survey the land, maximize useful connections in the landscape, and how to select appropriate plant species. Use practical mapping and design methods in class to start your own personalized design plan. Justin will take the class on a short outdoor walk to help students see the useful connections in the landscape, and synthesize classroom learning.

Instructor: Justin Schneider.

Forest Therapy Walk

VBGA Members: $27 | Non Members: $30

Experience the health benefits of nature as you learn the basics of forest therapy from Vancouver’s first certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku (which translates to “forest bathing”), this walk will introduce you to a variety of techniques designed to deepen connections with nature, ourselves, and one another. Participating in this mindfulness-based practice encourages our bodies and minds to slow down, and to disconnect from the stressors of our modern lives. Expect to have some fun, share stories along the way, and enjoy a cup of forest tea at the end of the session.

Instructor: Ken Ouendag.