Fall

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

Summer

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

Winter

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

'Plants for Birds' Program and Hummingbird & Songbird Banding

Join us on August 13 from 4pm to 5pm for the ‘Plants for Birds’ program featuring a guided walk highlighting plants that are beneficial for local birds.  Your program will be guided by our Adult and Family Programs Manager and bird & plant enthusiast, Jessica Henry.

The evening will continue with an informative and fascinating session of Songbird & Hummingbird Banding from 5pm-7pm after the Garden has closed.

August Qigong Series (In Person)

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 three-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.

State of the World's Birds & How to Save them (Online)

Join Sheri Ellenberger from the Vancouver Avian Research Centre to explore the top human-related causes of bird loss in the world today and what is required to save them.

Our birds face significant dangers, such as pesticides, powerlines, vehicles, agriculture, glass and cats. We will examine what makes these issues especially harmful as a first step toward empowering meaningful action.

We aim to spread a positive message of hope while sharing great resources to help you take action for birds, whether from home, school, or work.

Forest Bathing

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.

Guided Walk through VanDusen Botanical Garden (In Person)

Appreciate VanDusen Botanical Garden on a deeper level by joining Garden Superintendent Laura Principe, for a one-hour guided walk.

Laura will talk about VanDusen’s infrastructure that supports the collection of plants, focusing on irrigation and drainage. Also, she will include information about the aquifer, pond and waterfall systems.

Create a Garden Children Will Love (In Person)

Gardens no matter how small, are great places for children to learn about life, boost creativity, develop hands-on skills, and learn about the intricacies and wonders of nature!

Join instructor Sangeeta Thomas at VanDusen Botanical Garden and learn what children enjoy most in a garden, which plants they are intrigued by and want to nurture, as well as ways to include your child in your garden maintenance while having fun! 🐛

How to Use Daylilies for Rope Making and More (In-Person)

Daylilies are an excellent drought-tolerant, easy-care plant and an ideal material for soft basketry: easy on the hands and plentiful in the garden.

Join Sharon Kallis, Lead Artist and Executive Director of EartHand Gleaners Society, to learn how to use them as material for rope making and then take that rope into other possible woven forms. Expect to leave with a few small samples, lots of inspiration, and the capacity to continue an independent winter weaving journey with success.