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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 2024

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

 

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Courses

Drawing Tree Shapes and Textures (Online)

Wednesday, February 12 - Wednesday, February 26

Join local artist Katharine Dickinson for an immersive online series on capturing the beauty of trees through drawing. Over three engaging sessions, you’ll refine your observational skills, explore colour matching, and uncover the unique features that define different tree species.

Learn essential drawing techniques inspired by botanical art and tree photography, simplifying concepts like foreshortening and perspective. Practical exercises will focus on textures and details, including bark, twigs, leaves, and cones, using live tree examples.

Register

Essentials of Landscape Design (Online Class)

Thursday, February 13 - Tuesday, February 27 2024

Whether you’re designing a small green entrance to your home or an expansive backyard oasis, this online series will equip you with the essential principles of landscape design. Join Janis Matson, horticulturist and owner of Shoreline Landscape Design, for this 4-part workshop series.

Learn foundational design concepts, such as soil, slope, sun exposure, and irrigation. Expand your learning with the principles and elements of design like focal points, scale, colour, balance, and more. Bring photos or drawings of your garden and work on your own property’s design with feedback and insight from the instructor. Leave inspired and ready to design your garden.

Free Bird Tours

Sunday, February 16 - Sunday, March 16

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).

Register for birding here.

February Ivy Basket Weaving

Saturday, February 22 10.00am - 12.00pm

Discover 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 - 12.30pm

Celebrate 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 - 8.00pm

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.

Register

Drawing Plants

Wednesday, March 26 - Wednesday, April 16 10.00am - 1.00pm

Enhance 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.

Register