Calendar of Events 2012

Bird Walk, 10 a.m. meet under the Atrium in the Visitor Centre. Join Jeremy Gordon for a birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Free for Members or with Garden admission.

HSBC VanDusen Family Program, Folk Stories of Familiar Plants, for families with children aged 5 – 11. Celebrate the hardy plants of the winter season from holly to the Christmas rose by exploring the garden and sharing folk tales. Come together for this blend of plant stories, science, and craft as you make your own starch poinsettia that will last the entire season! One session: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Price: Member Family $10, Non-member Family $20 (includes admission to VanDusen). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required: call 604.718.5898 or familyprograms@vandusen.org

Cedar Lecture: Hellebores - Jewels of the Winter Garden, 7:30 p.m. in Visitor Centre with Gary Lewis of Phoenix Perennials. Phoenix Perennials has become famous for its annual Hellebore Hurrah! Weekend which draws hundreds of gardeners to one of the largest selections of Hellebores offered in North America. In this presentation you’ll learn about the botany, ecology, and distribution of hellebores as well as their history in western gardens and the complex breeding required to arrive at the stunning array of modern forms. Gary will tour you through the best of what’s available today and speak to new directions in breeding. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office (Monday – Friday) or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2012. Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3).

Metro Vancouver Gardening Society Spring Flower & Penjing Show, Admin Bldg., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days. Admission: $2 per person/ $5 per family. Information: Tony Wu 604.473.9837 tonychwu@gmail.com

Bird Walk, 10 a.m. meet in the Visitor Centre Atrium. Join Jeremy Gordon for a birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Free for Members or with Garden admission.

Seedy Saturday, Floral Hall, Admin Bldg., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Presented by the BC Master Gardeners Association. A celebration of heritage varieties and organic gardening featuring more than 30 growers, seed companies and exhibitors and Heritage Seed Swap. Admission by donation.

Kids’ Corner at Seedy Saturday in Floral Hall, Admin Bldg., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. This free family event will have a variety of seed inspired activities during our annual Seedy Saturday event.

Annual Manure Sale, parking lot, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. $5 for a 20kg bag. First come, first served.

Volunteer Orientation, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Orientation is a prerequisite for volunteer activities at VanDusen Garden. Bring your lunch, we’ll provide refreshments. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Garden Entrance at 10 a.m. Learn about the many volunteer opportunities at VanDusen. Meet representatives from the VBGA staff and Board. Tour the Garden with experienced Guides who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm. To register or for more information, call Judy Aird at 604.257.8674 volunteer@vandusen.org

Cedar Lecture: TBA, 7:30 p.m., Visitor Centre. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office (Monday – Friday) or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2011 Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3).

HSBC VanDusen Family Program: Kaleidoscope Eyes in VanDusen, for families with children aged 5 - 11. See a winter wonderland through a new perspective with your own hand-made kaleidoscope. Participants will freely create with access to a multitude of unique materials or and will leave the Garden with a new tool to use in their garden, on long car rides or out any frosted window. One session: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Price: Member Family $10, Non-Member Family $20 (includes admission to VanDusen). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required: call 604.718.5898 or familyprograms@vandusen.org

Medicine Wheel Ceremony, Noon - 3 p.m. at the First Nations’ Medicine Wheel in the Canadian Heritage Garden. Join elders from the First Nations community in a spiritual ceremony to mark the changing of the season. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, bring a small stone to bless and leave at the wheel as well as a food item to share at the pot luck meal at the conclusion of the ceremony. Information: Contact VanDusen’s Librarian Marina Princz at library@vandusen.org or 604.257.8668

Bird Walk, 10 a.m. meet in the Visitor Centre Atrium. Join Jeremy Gordon for a birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Free for Members or with Garden admission.

Vancouver Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale, in Floral Hall & Cedar Room, Admin. Bldg., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission $7. Information: Stella Li, li.stella@gmail.com or Wayne Riggs 604.597.5709 wayne.riggs@ubc.ca

The Great A-Mazing Egg Hunt, for families with children ages 2 – 10. Two time slots available: 10 a.m. - noon or 1 - 3 p.m. Meet Mr. E. Bunny. Participate in crafts and hunt for eggs in and around VanDusen’s Maze. Pre-purchased tickets required. Tickets are NOT available at the Gate on the day of the event. Tickets go on sale March 9th, in person only, at the Visitor Centre Admissions Desk. Sorry, no phone, fax, mail or email orders. All sales final, no refunds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Prices: All Children (Non-Members and Members, ages 2-10): $6:50, Adults: $10.75, Seniors: $8. Adult & Senior Garden Members: free with their membership card. Membership card must be shown.

Cherry Tree Talk and Walk, 1 – 2:30 p.m. with Garden Director Harry Jongerden. Guided walk highlighting the Garden’s ornamental cherry trees. Regular admission in effect. Details: www.vcbf.ca

Plein-Air Blossom Painting, in the Garden from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A unique opportunity to paint en plein air under a canopy of cherry blossoms with other artists. Course led by professional teaching artists. Pre-registration is required. $50 per session or $180 for all 4. Other dates April 14, 21 & 28. For more information or to register visit www.vcbf.ca

Sakura Day Japan Fair, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days in the Visitor Centre. As they do in Japan, come celebrate the blooming of our cherry trees and the start of spring with this family-friendly Japanese festival. Enjoy festival food, the traditional tea ceremony, sake, cultural performances, arts and crafts, and shopping! Also learn more about Japanese businesses and technology. Regular admission in effect. Presented by the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival www.vcbf.ca

Alpine Garden Club of B.C. Spring Show, Floral Hall, Admin Bldg., Saturday: noon - 4 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission free. Information: Philip MacDougall 604.580.3219 / philipmacd123@hotmail.com

Cedar Lecture: George Forrest-‘Braveheart’ of the Great Plant Explorers, 7:30 p.m. in Visitor Centre. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2011 Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3).

Plein-Air Blossom Painting, in the Garden from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A unique opportunity to paint en plein air under a canopy of cherry blossoms with other artists. Course led by professional teaching artists. Pre-registration is required. $50 per session or $180 for all 4. Other dates April 7, 21 & 28. For more information or to register visit www.vcbf.ca

Vancouver Dahlia Society Annual Tuber Sale, Floral Hall, Admin Bldg., Saturday: 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday: noon - 4 p.m. Admission free. Information: Evelyn Crawford 604.437.8395 evelyn.crawford@shaw.ca

VBGA Annual General Meeting & Volunteer Recognition, at 7 p.m. in the Visitor Centre. The meeting will begin with volunteer awards and then proceed to the business portion.

BC Fuchsia & Begonia Society Annual Plant, Bake & Craft Sale, Floral Hall, Admin Bldg., 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission free. Information: info@bcfuchsiasociety.com

Pt. Grey Chrysanthemum Association Rooted Cutting Sale, Cedar Room, Admin. Bldg., 9 a.m. - noon. Admission free. Information: Gerald Pinton 604.943.0996 / sgpinton@dccnet.com

HSBC VanDusen Family Program: Calling all budding meteorologists, for families with children aged 5 - 11. On this adventure your family will learn to chart the subtle differences in daily weather variation. You will practice being a meteorologist by building your own rain gauge and weather vane! After some hands on practice with your hand-made tools and thermometers in the garden you will have everything you need for your very own backyard weather station! Two sessions: 10:30 a.m. - noon or 1:30 - 3 p.m. Price: Member Family $10, Non-Member Family $20 (includes admission to the Garden). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Pre-registration required by calling 604.718.5898 or familyprograms@vandusen.org

Plein-Air Blossom Painting, in the Garden from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A unique opportunity to paint en plein air under a canopy of cherry blossoms with other artists. Course led by professional teaching artists. Pre-registration is required. $50 per session or $180 for all 4. Other dates April 7, 14 & 28. For more information or to register visit www.vcbf.ca

Special Lecture: Private Paradise - Elsie Reford's Lily Garden on the Lower St. Lawrence, in the Peggy Gunn Woodland Hall (Visitor Centre) at 7:30 p.m.

In 1926, Elsie Reford embarked on a project that would occupy much of her time, energy and fortune for over thirty years. On a large promontory overlooking the St. Lawrence River, she developed an ornamental garden on a vast scale. Importing specimens from growers worldwide, she created a collector's garden around the fishing camp left her by her wealthy uncle, CPR founder Lord Mount Stephen. Incorporating indigenous plants native to the region and fashioning a series of gardens within the site's unique topography, Elsie Reford's gardens were a private paradise until they opened to the public fifty years ago.

She styled herself an amateur gardener. But with her love of paintings and objets d'art, her travels, and network of plant collectors and horticultural experts, she achieved mastery in the selection and placement of plants. Her great-grandson, and the gardens’ current director, Alexander Reford, has picked up her passion and will lead us through the story of the development of Les Jardins de Métis / Reford Gardens and how they continue to contribute to innovation in horticulture and garden design.

Tickets: in advance online, from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2012 Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3).

Bird Walk, 10 a.m. meet in the Visitor Centre Atrium. Join Jeremy Gordon for a birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Free for Members or with Garden admission.

Plein-Air Blossom Painting, in the Garden from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A unique opportunity to paint en plein air under a canopy of cherry blossoms with other artists. Course led by professional teaching artists. Pre-registration is required. $50 per session or $180 for all 4. Other dates April 7, 14 & 21. For more information or to register visit www.vcbf.ca

VanDusen Plant Sale, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. THE sale of the year. More than 40,000 plants for sale. Catalogues available in advance at the Garden Cashier for $2 starting April 1st. Bring your wheelbarrow and a friend. Master gardeners will be on site to give advice. Other features include Plant Check and Plant Pick Up areas. Visa, MasterCard, personal cheques and cash accepted. Admission to the Garden is free this day.

Volunteer Orientation, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Orientation is a prerequisite for volunteer activities at VanDusen Garden. Bring your lunch, we’ll provide refreshments. Dress for the weather. Meet near the Garden Entrance at 10 a.m. Learn about the many volunteer opportunities at VanDusen. Meet representatives from the VBGA staff and Board. Tour the Garden with experienced Guides who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm. To register or for more information, call Judy Aird 604.257.8674 volunteer@vandusen.org

Vancouver African Violet & Gesneriad Society Annual Show & Sale, Floral Hall & Cedar Room, Admin Bldg., 1 - 4 p.m. Admission: $2. Information: Arleen Dewell 604.254.8975 / arleendewell@shaw.ca

Cedar Lecture: TBA, Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2011 Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3).

Canadian Geranium & Pelargonium Society Annual Plant Show & Sale, Floral Hall, Admin. Bldg, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission free. Information: Barbara Puchala 604.327.3937 info@cdngeraniums.com or www.cdngeraniums.com

All British Field Meet of more than 400 classic British cars on the Great Lawn from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Information: Patrick Stewart 604.736.6754 or www.westerndriver.com/abfm

Vancouver Japanese-Canadian Sumi Bonsai Club Annual Show, Floral Hall & Cedar Room, Admin. Bldg., Saturday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission by donation. Information: Tony Nasu 604.432.6160

Bird Walk, 10 a.m. meet in the Visitor Centre Atrium. Join Jeremy Gordon for a birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Free for Members or with Garden admission.

HSBC VanDusen Family Program: Pond Dipping, The World Beneath the Lily Pads, for families with children aged 5 - 11. This seasonal favourite returns, but with a twist - this year we will be dipping for whirling beetles, back swimmers and mayflies. We will identify their trophic positions in the food chain and sketch what we find amongst and beneath the lily pads in our own layered-mini books. Anyone can dip, but can you identify? Two sessions: 10:30 a.m. - noon or 1:30 - 3 p.m. Price: Member Family $10, Non-Member Family $20 (includes admission to the Garden). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Pre-registration required by calling 604.718.5898 or familyprograms@vandusen.org

Penjing Exhibition and Sale, presented by the Chinese Penjing Society of Canada. Floral Hall, Admin. Bldg. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days. Exhibition of penjing (bonsai), demonstrations by penjing masters and plant sale. Information: Lawrence Yung 604.266.8571 / prisyung@yahoo.com

Taguchi Bonsai Club Annual Spring Show & Sale, Floral Hall, Admin. Bldg., 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days. Admission: $2 per family. Information: Sandy Knoll 604.224.1343

Desert Plant Society of Vancouver Show & Sale, Floral Hall, Admin. Bldg. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Admission free. Information: Dirk Himschoot 604.825.1447 / dhimscho@shaw.ca

Private Garden Tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Don’t miss this weekend feast of garden hopping in which carefully selected private gardens are open to visitors. This is a self-guided tour where friends band together and spend a lovely, relaxed time over two days visiting gardens around the city. It is not wheelchair accessible. Tour goers are permitted one visit to each garden and must be over the age of 12. Tickets: $30 By mail after March 15 - available by sending your cheque, payable to VBGA, with a self-addressed and stamped envelope to private Garden Tour, c/o VBGA, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1. Tickets and map will be mailed to you after May 15. In person after May 15 – in the Garden Shop only. Tickets are limited and sold on a first come basis so get your order in early. No telephone calls please.

Cedar Lecture: Hidcote Manor Garden, in Floral Hall Administration Building, 7:30 p.m. Join Derek Bull, Hidcote Guide & Archivist, as he discusses the restoration of this famed 1907 Arts & Crafts Garden created by horticulturist Maj. Lawrence Johnston. Acquired by Britain’s National Trust in 1947, this grand English garden has recently undergone an extensive restoration made possible by a $1.6 million donation. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture, and are available on-line. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2012 Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3).

HSBC VanDusen Family Program: Spotlight on Turtles, For families with children aged 5 - 11. Be sure to poke your head out for this adventure with VanDusen’s resident turtles. Have you ever wondered what turtles eat or where they disappear to in the cold? These questions and more will be explored through a variety of games, stories and observations. Now an expert, you will also make your very own duct tape turtle to take home with you! Two sessions: 10:30 a.m. - noon or 1:30 - 3 p.m. Price: Member Family $10, Non-Member Family $20 (includes admission to the Garden). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Pre-registration required by calling 604.718.5898 or familyprograms@vandusen.org

Medicine Wheel Ceremony, Noon - 3 p.m. at the First Nations’ Medicine Wheel in the Canadian Heritage Garden. You are invited to join elders from the First Nations community in a spiritual ceremony to mark the changing of the season. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, bring a small stone to bless and leave at the wheel as well as a food item to share at the pot luck meal at the conclusion of the ceremony. Information: Contact VanDusen’s Librarian Marina Princz at library@vandusen.org or 604.257.8668

Bird Walk, 10 a.m. meet in the Visitor Centre Atrium. Join Jeremy Gordon for a birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Free for Members or with Garden admission.

Vancouver Rose Society Annual Rose Show, Floral Hall & Cedar Room, Admin. Bldg., noon - 4 p.m. Admission $4. Information: Brenda Viney 604.936.1514 brendaviney@telus.net

Cedar Lecture, TBA, 7:30 p.m. Visitor Centre. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual Tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Information: educate@vandusen.org

Vancouver Shade Garden Society Annual Show and Sale, Floral Hall, Admin. Bldg., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission free. Information: Chris Jennings 604.602.6644 / sikokianumcjl@shaw.ca

BC Fuchsia & Begonia Society Annual Show & Competition, Floral Hall & Cedar Room, Admin. Bldg., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission $2.50 Information: Catherine Whitford 604.924.3251 / info@bcfuchsiasociety.com

Cedar Lecture, TBA, Visitor Centre, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual Tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2011 Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3). Information: educate@vandusen.org

Vancouver Orchid Society Summer Sale, Floral Hall, Admin. Bldg., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Information: Koichi Nakatani 604.261.0023 / knakatani247@yahoo.co.jp

Vancouver Dahlia Society Annual Dahlia Show, Floral Hall & Cedar Room, Admin Bldg., Saturday: 1 - 5 p.m. Sunday: noon – 3:30 p.m. Admission by donation. Information: Evelyn Crawford 604.437.8395 / evelyn.crawford@shaw.ca

Cedar Lecture, TBA, 7:30 p.m, Visitor Centre. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2011. Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3).

Volunteer Orientation, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Orientation is a prerequisite for volunteer activities at VanDusen Garden. Bring your lunch, we’ll provide refreshments. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Totem Poles near the Garden Entrance at 10am. Learn about the many volunteer opportunities at VanDusen. Meet representatives from the VBGA staff and Board. Tour the Garden with experienced Guides who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm. To register or for more information, call Judy Aird at 604.257.8674 volunteer@vandusen.org

Pt. Grey Chrysanthemum Association Show of Early Varieties, Floral Hall, Admin. Bldg., Saturday: noon - 4 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission free. Information: Gerald Pinton 604.943.0996 / sgpinton@dccnet.com

Medicine Wheel Ceremony, Noon - 3 p.m. at the First Nations’ Medicine Wheel in the Canadian Heritage Garden. Join elders from the First Nations community in a spiritual ceremony to mark the changing of the season. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, bring a small stone to bless and leave at the wheel as well as a food item to share at the pot luck meal at the conclusion of the ceremony. Information: Contact VanDusen’s Librarian Marina Princz at library@vandusen.org or 604.257.8668

Alpine Garden Club of B.C. Fall Plant Sale, Floral Hall, Admin. Bldg., noon - 4 p.m. Free admission. Information: Philip MacDougall 604.580.3219 / philipmacd123@hotmail.com

Annual Compost and Spring Bulb Sale, Parking lot 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. $5 for a 20kg bag of compost. While picking up your compost, why not add a few bulbs to your purchase. Wide selection available.

Dried Flower Sale, Visitor Centre 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sale of dried flower centre pieces for Thanksgiving and autumn wreaths made from materials gathered in the Garden.

Cedar Lecture, TBA, 7:30 p.m., Visitor Centre. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2011 - Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3)

Dried Flower Sale, Visitor Centre, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sale of topiaries, wreaths, bouquets and arrangements made from materials gathered in the Garden.

Vancouver Mycological Society Mushroom Show, Floral Hall & Cedar Room, Admin. Bldg., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission $3. Information: Brian Didier 604.985.8506 / brdfungi@gmail.com

Cedar Lecture, TBA, 7:30 p.m., Visitor Centre. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15.

Members’ Only Christmas Sale in the new Garden Shop. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. both days. Members receive 25% off all purchases except books and magazines. Proof of Membership required.

Volunteer Orientation, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Orientation is a prerequisite for volunteer activities at VanDusen Garden. Bring your lunch, we’ll provide refreshments. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Garden Entrance at 10 a.m. Learn about the many volunteer opportunities at VanDusen. Meet representatives from the VBGA staff and Board. Tour the Garden with experienced Guides who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm. To register or for more information, call Judy Aird at 604.257.8674 volunteer@vandusen.org.

Festival of Lights, 4:30 - 9 p.m. every evening except Christmas Day (December 25) when the Garden is closed. A magical experience for the whole family with 1.4 million twinkling lights. Highlights include the Dancing Lights on Livingstone Lake (Dancing Lights video), Gingerbread Wood and Candy Cane Lane. Evenings prior to Christmas also feature Community Choirs on the Deck and Santa in his Living Room. In the Heather Garden, be sure to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation by lighting a candle at the Candle Shrine. Special prices in effect – FOL Prices.   Avoid the line-ups and purchase advance tickets at the Garden starting November 1st or call Tickets Tonight at 604.684.2787 to order by phone or on-line at www.ticketstonight.ca. In the case of heavy snow storms or other extraordinary weather conditions: call the Garden Shop at 604.257.8665 to confirm that FOL has not been closed for that one evening.

Holiday Wreath & Centrepiece Sale, Entrance Pavilion 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cedar Lecture, TBA, 7:30 p.m., Visitor Centre. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15.