Programs offered at each campus may vary, so be sure to check other campus offerings for the course you are most interested in.
Courses covering those interested in growing flowers for themselves or learning about how to grow a career in the floral design industry.
The 10-month Horticulture Certificate Program is designed for individuals who seek to become professional gardeners. After 10 months, you will be ready for employment or self-employment in the field of horticulture. The program runs from January to November so students can follow an entire growing season. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to successfully enter and succeed in the field of horticulture. The course is spent learning the theory in the classroom and practicing new skills out in the gardens.
Throughout the program, students participate in the maintenance and development of the Gardens at HCP, performing a variety of tasks common to each season. This includes garden projects, garden maintenance, design proposals and installations and greenhouse work. Students also take numerous field trips during the year to visit other local gardens and garden-related businesses, as well as offsite student work projects.
For those interested in a career in horticulture and part-time studies, PHC offers a part-time Level 1 apprenticeship training program. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and skills, this program will prepare students to write SkilledTradesBC provincial exams and work towards completing their full apprenticeship. After successful completion of Level 1, students may choose to take Levels 2, 3 and 4 if they plan to pursue the full apprenticeship and inter-provincial Red Seal qualification.
The Level 1 program is currently offered over four to five months on a part-time basis (two evenings per week and most Saturdays). The program includes both classroom and practical components.
For those interested in a career in horticulture and part-time studies, PHC offers a part-time Level 2 apprenticeship training program. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and skills, this program will prepare students to write SkilledTradesBC provincial exams and work towards completing their full apprenticeship. After successful completion of Level 2, students may choose to take Levels 3 and 4 if they plan to pursue the full apprenticeship and inter-provincial Red Seal qualification.
The Level 2 program is currently offered over four to five months on a part-time basis (two evenings per week and most Saturdays). The program includes both classroom and practical components.
For those interested to further their career in horticulture, PHC offers a Level 3 apprenticeship training program. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and skills, this program will prepare students to write SkilledTradesBC provincial exams and work towards completing their full apprenticeship. After successful completion of Level 3, students may choose to take Level 4 if they plan to pursue the full apprenticeship and inter-provincial Red Seal qualification.
The Level 3 program is offered as a full-time 6 week program from Monday to Friday from 9 am – 4 pm. The program is delivered in a blended format: the first 4 weeks are online and the final 2 weeks are in person. The in-person part of the program includes both classroom and practical components.
For those interested to further their career in horticulture, PHC offers a Level 4 apprenticeship training program. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and skills, this program will prepare students to write SkilledTradesBC provincial exams and work towards completing their full apprenticeship. After successful completion of Level 4, students can take the Red Seal Exam to receive their inter-provincial Red Seal qualification.
The Level 4 program is offered as a full-time 6 week program from Monday to Friday from 9 am – 4 pm. The program is delivered in a blended format: the first 4 weeks are online and the final 2 weeks are in person. The in-person part of the program includes both classroom and practical components.
If you are a new gardener, new to Victoria or just want to brush up on your plant knowledge, this is a great place to get started. This is a monthly class where participants will be introduced to 20 new plants which fit with our local climate. Plants are selected for our local growing conditions and the value they bring to the garden. Part of the class will be in the classroom and part will be out in the gardens to view the plants for that month. Dress for the weather and bring something to take notes.
Gardening 101 for home gardeners, from soils to garden design and more. A prerequisite for joining the Master Gardener Association.
Growing food from seed to harvest with a focus on local growing conditions for small and large urban gardens.
The BC Integrated Pest Management (IPM) course and exam are offered several times throughout the year.
This course provides information for those working in horticulture, forestry, and related fields to manage pests safely and in an environmentally-conscious manner, according to best practices and current legislation. In addition, this course also prepares students to write the provincial Pesticide Applicator Certificate exam.