July 2018 Farm Notes

FRIENDS OF THE CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM

Farm Notes - July 2018

Summer Newsletter

Now Availible on our Website

Our Summer 2018 issue of the Friends of the

Farm newsletter is now available on the

Friends' website. Hard copies will soon be

delivered to those who indicated on their

membership form they wish to receive them by

mail (another great reason to become a member).

Our summer newsletter features the Macoun Memorial Garden, and a joint project of the Ottawa Horticulture Society and the Friends of the Farm that was completed in June. The new planting is intended to capture the spirit of the Garden as it was at its opening in 1936. The Garden and Mr. William T. Macoun, former dominion horticulturist, after whom the Garden was named, are celebrated in a poem by Blaine Marchand.

The newsletter also has a focus on art. We learn about two shows in Ottawa that are part of this year's worldwide exhibition of botanical art, and that are promoted by local artists sketching in the Ornamental Gardens. We hear about a sketching program for youngsters in the Arboretum. We are introduced to an art collection begun by one of Mr. Macoun's daughters, and to a pair of photographers who love to shoot their portraits at the Farm.

We meet a Friends of the Farm volunteer, Matthew LaCompte, whose job keeps dragging him back to court.

Merivale Shelterbelt

Last opportunity for plaque inscription is July 31!

Thousands of trees once marked the northern and western boundaries of the Central Experimental Farm. The Friends of the Farm have been working diligently on the Merivale Shelterbelt to recreate a boundary forest at the western edge of this National Historic Site. It beautifies the surroundings, provides a recreational path, protects the fields from salt and soil erosion, and helps clean the air at the Farm and neighbourhoods nearby.

The project is almost finished, thanks to a major contribution by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. So this year will be the last opportunity to help complete this important project.

Until July 31, 2018 you can donate to this beautification project in the name of someone or something you care about. An inscription on a plaque will acknowledge your contribution. Plaques are on a commemorative wall in the plaza or rest area on the pathway. The wall acknowledges the official opening of the Shelterbelt and pavilion by the Governor-General of Canada in 2005.

Thanks to many generous donors, the Friends' volunteers have planted new trees and shrubs each year. We have room for one more year's donations. Help us build this beautiful green space and place a personalized inscription to a loved one or a special cause. Donations must be made by July 31, 2018, to be included in the final annual celebration in September 2018. For more information please visit the Shelterbelt page.

Guided Arboretum Tree Tours

Explore this urban gem with tour leaders

Thursday July 12th at 3:30pm Canadian Institute of Forestry Tour The Ottawa Valley Section of the Canadian Institute of Forestry is holding their AGM in Bldg 72 at the Arboretum. This will be followed by a tree tour in the Arboretum with participation open to anyone who would care to join in.

Although the tours are free and open to the public, please register in advance.

Saturday July 14 at 8pm Got Bats?

Learn about our flying furry friends, Ottawa's bats species, their superpowers and their habitat. Learn foraging and roosting features used by bats and practices that can be used to improve these features. Bring a flashlight, good footwear and bug repellent! Although the tours are free and open to the public, please register in advance.

Friday July 20 8:30pm (rain date is Friday August 3)

A Night With the Moths Come to the Arboretum to discover the nightlife of moths!
Black lights will be set-up and then we will wait as the various moths come to the white sheet set up to attract them. Bring a flashlight, good footwear and bug repellent! Although the tours are free and open to the public, please register in advance.

All tours start at Building 72 in the Arboretum. Although the tours are free and open to the public, please register in advance on each tree tour website page. Donations to the Friends of the Farm are gratefully accepted during the tour.

Victorian Tea in the Arboretum

Sunday July 22 from 2pm to 4pm

(will be cancelled in event of rain)

Classic Tea is served under the trees at the Arboretum - celebrating 20th anniversary!

This annual event brings out the Victorian flair in all of us. Dress in period garb and enter the Best Hat and Best Costume Contest (Men and Women). Bring a patio chair and listen to live music on the lawn.

The Victorian Tea is $15 per person.

Ticket sales end at 3:15pm or until sold out -
tea is served until 4pm.

Tea i ncludes handmade finger sandwiches, scones, and piping hot tea in fine china cups on outdoor tables and chairs beside Building 72 at Arboretum.

Reservations are not required . For more information call 613-230-3276 or email at [email protected]

Volunteers for Garden Teams

Help us make a difference

Macoun Garden Volunteers 2017

It's once again time to spring out and get into gardening. What better way to enjoy nature, fresh air, exercise, plant life and contribute to the beauty of the Farm than to join one of the Friends' Garden Teams. Go to our Volunteer activities page for more info on garden team days, times and tasks.

For those interested please download and complete our enrolment and waiver Volunteer form then mail it directly to our office at Bldg 72, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6.

Art on the Farm

Saturday August 11 from 10am to 4pm in the Arboretum

Rain Date: Sunday Aug 12

Friends of the Farm's premier summer event Art on the Farm showcases local and regional artists. There isn't a more beautiful and peaceful setting in Ottawa than under the luxurious canopy of the Arboretum next to Building 72 on the Central Experimental Farm. A wide range of original media is featured including watercolour, acrylic and oil paintings, photography, glass fusion and jewelry, wire works and stained glass, wood and leather, pottery and scroll saw art, and much more.

The event is FREE to the public and runs from 10am to 4pm Saturday August 11 with a rain date on Sunday August 12 (10am to 4pm). A silent auction, food and beverages will also be part of the event.

If this natural setting is the place for your artwork, please visit Art on the Farm for information and registration material or call 613-230-3276 or email [email protected].

Volunteer Spotlight

Over 10,000 hours donated each year

Did you know that Friends' volunteers donate over 10,000 hours every year to support its mission and activities? Every month a different volunteer is highlighted on the Friends website. We invite you to read the stories of our volunteers such as Dorothy Tol , our Volunteer of the Month.

Previous spotlights are also listed. Each volunteer has an interesting story to tell and a unique connection and commitment to the Farm. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by the entire community! Thank you.

Master Gardener Lectures

The tradition
expands with new fall lectures!

Every year the Friends partner with the Master Gardeners of Ottawa Carleton to offer timely and informative presentations.

NEW this fall - two added lectures!

October 16 Bulbs for Year Round Enjoyment with Mary Reid

November 6 History of English Country House Gardens with Heather Clemenson( photo)

All presentations are from 7pm to 9pm in Building 72 just east of the Prince of Wales roundabout with free parking. Lectures can be purchased individually $12 members and $15 non-members. For more information, email [email protected] or call 613-230-3276.

Are You a Member?

Join our mission to protect and preserve the Farm

Join the Friends of the Farm to influence decision-makers to preserve the integrity of this cherished National Historic Site and its exceptional setting in the heart of Ottawa.

The future of the Farm as we know it is more important than ever. Over the past number of years, there has been continued pressure on research projects and jobs from budgetary constraints. While the core research areas remain, the Farm lands, Dominion Arboretum, Ornamental Gardens and historical buildings still need constant care and protection. If lost, this jewel can never be replaced.

Become a member today and support the Friends' mission to bring the Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens to their full potential. Membership benefits include o ne adult member of a family free access to to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, a quarterly newsletter, discounted events, and more

Blooms for your Garden

For the Love of Trees Companion Book

Friends of the Farm presents Blooms, a book about the Central Experimental Farm's Ornamental Gardens, introducing these heritage plants and the fascinating stories behind their creation.

Localize your garden this year with made-in-Ottawa flowers, shrubs. By local author, Richard Hinchcliff, this book makes a great gift all year, and is the perfect read to prepare for spring. Cost is $35 plus GST. Take a peek inside for a preview.

How do you get a copy? Come to the Friends office in Building 72 weekdays Monday to Thursday from 9am to 2pm and purchase with cash, cheque, or credit and take it home! Or purchase it online on our website with a credit card and pick up at the Friends' office in Building 72 or have it shipped to a location of your choice . For local booksellers, please see Blooms.

This set of important works is also available for purchase in the Boutique for $25 each plus GST: For the Love of Trees and also Ottawa's Farm. Need more information? Call 613-230-3276 or e mail [email protected].