Over two days, more than 2,000 people visited one of Saanich’s best-kept secrets.
For the 31st year, the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific opened its doors to the public to celebrate its annual Arts & Music Festival.
Set across nine hectares of carefully curated and themed gardens, the event showcased more than 40 local art vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities from Aug. 9 to 10.
For HCP’s director of operations, Lynn Evans, the event was an ideal opportunity for gardening enthusiasts and newcomers alike to wander the gardens, ask questions, and browse goods from local craftspeople.
Additionally, the event doubled as a way to showcase the work of HCP’s staff and numerous volunteers to the Greater Victoria community.
“We want to bring awareness to this lovely gem in the middle of Saanich,” she said. “It has been a treasure for so many people and we want to share it with the community.”
More than just a place to buy flowers and plants, Evans noted the centre holds great importance for its wide range of users and caretakers.
“It's a safe and rejuvenating haven for people who are maybe living in apartments,” she said. “They can volunteer, spend time in the gardens and connect with other like-minded people.
“It’s a place for people to just escape the city and be in nature.”
Offering a variety of services, training, and classes, the HCP works to elevate Greater Victoria as Canada’s Garden City.
“This is a great place to come and learn some new skills,” she said. “We have community education classes, youth programs, and summer camps, so there's no shortage of things to do.”
And while for some, horticulture may just be dabbling in gardens, for Evans, horticulture is a vital part of her life.
“Where would we be without our gardens?” she said. “The gardens give us so much. They speak to our hearts, they replenish us, they give us nourishment, (and they) beautify our surroundings.
“(Horticulture) is good for the soul.”
For more information about HCP, visit hcp.ca
