The Horticultural Center of the Pacific is a 10 acre garden in Victoria, B.C. that really makes a difference. This is a garden that prides itself on involving hundreds of volunteers in its programs. Volunteers host educational seminars and cultural events featuring local gardeners and artists.

The Center is also home to a 10 month Horticultural Technician Program. The students and volunteers maintain the gardens and propagate new plants which go on sale each spring and fall.

The Center is well known for its extensive fuchsia collection as well as it spectacular Doris Pages Winter Garden. This garden is alive with vibrant color even in the dead of winter. Hellebores, Witch Hazels, Daphnes and many other plants belie the short overcast winter days.

The Doris Pages Winter Garden is one of many wonderful gardens within the Center. There are extensive summer perennial gardens, rhododendron gardens and the exquisite Takata Gardens.

If you love gardens, do visit the Horticultural Center of the Pacific. Call them for an event schedule at 250 479-6162 or visit their website at www.islandnet.com/~hcp/