Friends of the Central Experimental Farm
Farm Notes - June 2021
Enjoy the Beauty of the Preston Lilacs
Created by Isabella Preston almost 100 years ago

After you've had your fill of the captivating blooms and fragrances along the Lilac Walks in the Ornamental Gardens, wander over to the Preston lilacs to enjoy more! The internationally acclaimed Preston Lilacs are located at the western edge of the Gardens, beyond the Explorer roses. 

Isabella Preston’s goal was to extend the flowering season of these beautiful plants into early June, beyond the May splendour of the French hybrids. She also wanted latebloomers to avoid the damaging late frosts that can occur in some parts of Canada. 
Preston lilac ‘W.T. Macoun’, named for Dominion Horticulturist William T. Macoun.who hired Preston to work at the Farm.

Preston began her hybridizing 101 years ago, and in the spring of 1922 had almost 300 seedlings of a brand-new lilac ready to plant. Five years later, their profuse blooming and showy appearance inspired the international lilac community to give them a unique name—Prestoniae, the Preston lilacs.

The Preston Heritage Lilac Collection was built in a joint project by Friends of the Farm volunteers and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada staff. It was officially opened in 2009 during a convention of the International Lilac Society.
Preston lilacs. Photos by Richard Hinchcliff
Design Details for The Ottawa Hospital Released
New expansion will occupy 50 acres of Farm land



Design details for the new 2.5 million square foot Civic campus of the Ottawa Hospital were unveiled to the public in early May. The new hospital will be sited on 50 acres of land located on the northeast corner of the Central Experimental Farm. The initial campus will cost $2.8 billion and is scheduled to open in 2028. 



In case you missed the release, key features of the new development are as follows:
  • The main hospital building will sit on an escarpment on the Experimental Farm across from Dow’s Lake, with its emergency department located one floor below grade, covered by a green roof;
  • Below the escarpment, a partially submerged parking garage will provide up to 2,500 parking spaces; 
  • Queen Juliana Park will be redeveloped on the roof of the parking garage;
  • The Dow’s Lake LRT station will connect to the hospital site with a covered walkway; and
  • The main building will consist of two towers—one 11 storeys and one 7 storeys—separated by an atrium.
Several important background documents revealing much more about the plans for the new hospital can be viewed at the City of Ottawa Development Application website.
 
These documents are extensive, but a brief review has highlighted some preliminary concerns and questions about the site design, including:

  • The entrance to the Farm from Carling Avenue onto Maple Drive appears to be planned for use by emergency vehicles. What will be the effect on this intersection and on Farm traffic on Maple Drive? Will major changes be required? It was understood from the outset that Farm roads would not be affected.
  • Queen Juliana Park is to become a parking area, with the park green space integrated on the top of the garage. This work is to begin in 2022. Do parking studies determine if the planned 2,500 spaces meet the requirements of both employees and visitors?
  • What measures will be put in place to ensure Farm roads are not used as parking areas?
  • Does the plan take into account the flow of traffic from the south (the most rapidly developing section of the city) and the human inclination to take the shortest, quickest route? Do the plans factor in an increased volume of traffic through the Farm, which surely will occur?
  • Earlier design documents indicated the hospital would not occupy the entire 50 acres. Why has that been changed?
  • Are increased safety measures being considered for pedestrians visiting the Farm and using the roadways?
  • Great potential exists for bringing in more people to the Farm, Arboretum, and Ornamental Gardens; however, that may result in undesirable congestion and overcrowding. Will a review be undertaken with CEF/FCEF on how to make the numbers sustainable?

These are just a few of the questions and concerns raised by the site plans that were submitted. The Friends of the Farm will be reviewing the background documents and will raise any further issues of concern. The transportation, environmental, and cultural impact studies (among others) outlining how this project will unfold and affect the Farm are critical for us to understand. Please join us in looking at these studies, and let us know of your concerns and questions.
Introducing our New Summer Greeting Cards
Coming soon to our Boutique!
You've seen our beautiful and popular selection of Spring Greeting Cards and Winter Greeting Cards, featuring breathtaking images from author and photographer Richard Hinchcliff. But did you know we'll soon be offering a set of Summer Greeting Cards showcasing the Farm and Arboretum in all their summer glory
These summer images will celebrate the timeless beauty of the Farm in its busiest season, so visit our Boutique or our Facebook page regularly for an announcement on when these elegant sets of 6 cards will be available.

Our greeting cards are available in sets only and can be shipped to you or picked up curb-side at a location near the Farm. Sets are $20 (regularly $24).

Visit our online Boutique to order yours!
. . . also in our Boutique . . .
Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm has been loved for many years as a place to pat the animals, smell the flowers, and just forget about the city only minutes away. But a farm is also people, and author Helen Smith introduces us to the men and women who lived and worked at Ottawa's Central Experimental Farm over the last century--and their children, the “farm kids” who grew up in a unique rural community.

Since its creation 135 years ago, the Central Experimental Farm has gained international recognition as a centre for agricultural research. The many beautiful photographs by Mary Bramley also show why the Central Experimental Farm occupies such a warm corner of Ottawa’s heart.

Ottawa's Farm: A History of the Central Experimental Farm is a must-have for history-lovers and anyone who wishes to know more about the Farm and its people.

How do you get your copy of Ottawa’s Farm? Visit our online Boutique to purchase this beautiful book and have it shipped to wherever you are! (Non-Ontario residents, please email us for shipping rates.) Local, non-contact pickup can also be arranged in Ottawa, but please email us at info@friendsofthefarm.ca to inquire. 
Are You a Member?
Join FCEF's mission to protect and preserve the Farm
The future of the Farm as we know it is now more important than ever. Over the past number of years, budgetary constraints have placed continued pressure on research projects and jobs, and while core research areas remain, the Farm lands, Dominion Arboretum, Ornamental Gardens, and historic buildings still need constant care and protection. 

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

Once lost, this jewel in the crown of Canada's capital city cannot be replaced.

By becoming a member today, you support the Friends' mission to bring the Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens to their full potential. Membership benefits include our beautiful and informative quarterly newsletter (by mail or email - in addition to our monthly Farm Notes), discounts at some Ottawa-area nurseries (see below), discounted events, and free admission for one adult member of a family to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum!

If your membership has expired, renew it now so you don't miss an issue! If you're not sure of your membership status, you can contact us at membership@friendsofthefarm.ca to find out.
We're So Social!
Stay in touch this spring
Now more than ever we're active on social media promoting Friends activities, events, and gift ideas. Follow us for helpful gardening tips, awe-inspiring garden photos, recipes, DIY projects, general information about the goings-on at the Farm, the Ornamental Gardens, and the Arboretum, and so much more. You can see what we're up to by liking our Facebook page or catching our tweets. 


FCEF Membership has Even More Benefits!
Now you can support the Friends and local plant vendors too

We are pleased to announce the following nurseries are offering discounts to our Friends of the Farm members.
Thank you for supporting these local businesses! 
Since 1987, Whitehouse Perennials, located at 594 Rae Road in Almonte, ON, has been a destination for Ottawa-area gardeners. Whitehouse Perennials is offering a 10% *discount on all regularly priced plant materials at their nursery location upon presentation of a **valid FCEF membership card.
Beaux Arbres Native Plants specializes in plants native to the Ottawa Valley, and garden-worthy wildflowers from eastern North America. Beaux Arbres welcomes all current members of the Friends of the Farm to their location at 29 Ragged Chute Rd, Bristol, QC, and is offering a 10% *discount on Farm Sales only upon presentation of a **valid FCEF membership card. 
Established in 1994, Stoneridge Gardens and Nursery is a family-owned and operated nursery located at 1851 Galbraith Rd RR 2 in Clayton, ON (near MIddleville). Stoneridge Gardens is offering a 10%  *discount to all FCEF members upon presentation of a **valid FCEF membership card. 
*Some restrictions may apply. 

**FCEF resumed membership renewals on July 24, 2020. To join or renew, please contact membership@friendsofthefarm.ca.

Due to Covid-19, please call first or visit the nursery' websites as interprovincial travel restrictions for certain members may be in place.
Members and Supporters
We welcome your comments and suggestions on articles, events, activities, and more.
Please contact us at info@friendsofthefarm.ca
or call us at 613-230-3276.
Charitable number 118913565RR0001