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Courtesy of HCP
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By Perry Mack
The Gardens at HCP (Horticulture Centre of the Pacific) are the only Botanical Gardens in Victoria, and are located a mere 15 minutes from Downtown. They are a year round demonstration garden with over 25 different gardens to view, offering many varieties of plants that are commonly found in the Pacific Northwest and it is also the proud home of the largest Bonsai collection in Canada, in fact second only to the one in San Francisco.
Dedicated volunteers under the direction of the head gardener and her team maintain their fabulous gardens and grounds. A variety of Horticulture programs, as well as community education programs, are available throughout the year to members and non-members including a Master Gardener Certificate program.
The adjoining Conservation Park is free to the public and encompasses 93 acres with cycling and walking trails that wind through wetlands, forests and fields. Several viewing platforms allow visitors to view over 35 varieties of birds.
The Garden is open Monday to Friday 10-3pm and Saturday/Sunday 9-4pm with an admission of $11 for non-members but is free on the third Thursday of every month. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria BC V9E 2J7 - 250-479-6162