Friends of the Central Experimental Farm
Farm Notes - January 2021
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Happy New Year!
All the best in 2021! Bonne et heureuse année!
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Here's to a bright and healthy new year!
May your 2021 be filled with all good things!
Friends of the Central Experimental Farm will reopen on
Tuesday, January 5, 2021.
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Our Winter Newsletter is Now Online
Read about our Farm Visitor Survey, Nut Trees in the Arboretum
and More!
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Horse Chestnut Shrub - R Glendinning |
Shagbark Hickory Nuts - R Hinchcliff |
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In our 2021 Winter Newsletter, Eric Jones guides us through the results of last year’s survey of visitors to the Central Experimental Farm. The survey was partially conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown, and respondents commented again and again on how important the Farm has been to them during this difficult time. A report on the survey is available (in English and French) here.
Also in this issue, AAFC'S Robert Glendinning introduces us to the extensive collection of nut trees in the Arboretum, and we catch up with the latest project of artist Raymond Roy, who has often used the Farm as a subject for his stunning photography.
Our Winter Newsletter also celebrates the life of Dr. Vern Burrows, affectionately known as “Dr. Oats,” and tells us why Deepak Shah has been a Friends of the Farm volunteer for 18 years.
All this and more!
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Beautiful Books for Inspiration
History for the past, trees for the present, and blooms for the future!
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We prefer to think that spring and summer are ahead rather than behind us, but whatever your perspective, you can still enjoy the radiant colours of warmer days!
The Friends of the Farm offer Blooms, a stunning book about the Central Experimental Farm's Ornamental Gardens, the heritage plants in the Gardens, and the fascinating stories behind their creation.
By local author, Richard Hinchcliff, Blooms will appeal to any lover of Farm history and horticulture. Cost is $35 plus 5% GST. Take a peek inside for a preview!
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For the Love of Trees is a beautifully illustrated tribute to the heritage collection of trees that have grown and continue to grow in the Central Experimental Farm's beloved Dominion Arboretum.
Now in its third and final printing, fewer than 50 copies remain of this treasured book, a must-have for tree-lovers, walkers, historians, arborists, birders, and green space advocates.
From the book's 580 photographs and 72 drawings of 92 species of trees, you'll learn about tree shapes, leaves, flowers, bark, and fruit, with historical commentary provided by former curators. Several walks through this picturesque green space are described, with colour-coded maps provided at the back of the book.
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Since its creation almost 135 years ago, the Central Experimental Farm has earned an international reputation for excellence in agricultural research. You probably know and love it as a place to pet the animals, smell the flowers, and forget about the city for a while.
But the Farm is also people, and Ottawa's Farm introduces us to the men and women who lived and worked here over the last century, along with the "farm kids" who grew up in this unique rural community.
With text by Helen Smith and beautiful photographs by Mary Bramley, Ottawa's Farm perfectly illustrates why the Central Experimental Farm is a treasure that continues to inhabit a corner of Ottawa's heart!
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And Speaking of Inspiration . . .
See what's new in our Boutique!
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This lovely set of three unique greeting cards features historic botanical renderings of plants introduced by Isabella Preston at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, in the 1920s and 30s. The artist, Arthur Kellett, worked for the Department of Agriculture and created these images circa 1940. The prints were reproduced in Blooms: An Illustrated History of the Ornamental Gardens at Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm and depict Preston's ‘Millicent’ rose, 'Gatineau' Siberian iris, and 'Scugog', one of her well-known Rosybloom crabapples.
The cards are available in our Boutique and may be picked up curb-side near the farm. We can also ship them within Ontario. Shipping is $1.50 for one set, or $3.00 for two sets. Please email us at info@friendsofthefarm.ca to get a quote for shipping of more than two sets or for shipping outside Ontario.
This special offer includes 3 cards with envelopes for $10, usually sold for $4 ea. Available as a set only. Limited quantities are available.
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Celebration Bench Program Coordinator
Are you the one we're looking for?
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The Friends of the Farm are actively seeking a Celebration Bench Program Coordinator to oversee this important intiative on behalf of the Friends. Working under the guidance of the Board of Directors, the Coordinator will work from home at present, as all volunteers are doing now. The bench program runs in cycles (1-2 per year), and during the active cycle, the Coordinator might need to commit a few hours per week to the program.
Above all, this position requires someone who enjoys people and loves the Farm and the Dominion Arboretum, and who is also familiar with or willing to learn simple technology (Google Drive, Google Sheets, gmail, and managing electronic documents, etc.). The Coordinator will launch each bench cycle, answer inquiries, receive contracts and submissions, maintain contact with each donor through email, liaise with and order from the manufacturing company and landscape contractor, and sometimes assist the donor with selecting a bench location (i.e., visiting the Arboretum to show the preselected locations). The Coordinator would also work with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Arboretum staff to help choose locations for the next cycle of bench placements. Work is done in English, but bilingualism would be an asset. This position could be shared between two interested people.
If you cherish the Arboretum and would love to become part of the dedicated team of Friends of the Farm volunteers, please write to bench@friendsofthefarm.ca for more information. Training (with physical distance maintained) would be provided, virtually or in person.
About the program
In Summer 2019, the Friends of the Farm launched the Celebration Bench Program, an initiative created to celebrate loved ones, groups, or special occasions through the installation of a beautiful Celebration Bench, including commemorative plaque, in the Experimental Farm's beloved Dominion Arboretum.
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A Little Good News!
The NCC is expanding Ottawa's winter outdoor infrastructure
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Did you know the walking and biking trails that run between the Arboretum and the Rideau Canal are NCC-owned and maintained? Given their proximity to the Dominion Arboretum and Central Experimental Farm, you're not alone if you thought otherwise.
Now, in a match made in heaven, the NCC has launched a pilot project with the Urban Winter Trails Alliance that will see 450 kilometres of trails open and ready for use in Ottawa this winter. Increased demand for outdoor spaces, due to the pandemic, is the inspiration behind this fantastic initiative. The project also includes more benches along the Rideau Canal Skateway, more rest areas, and more fire pits in Gatineau Park.
If you have concerns about the state of the pathways that lie between the Arboretum and the Rideau Canal, you can contact the NCC for updates and information. You can read more about the outdoor infrastructure initiative here, or check out the NCC's Facebook page here. |
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Oh, How We Love our Volunteers!
But what do you mean I can't volunteer?
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What's the worst thing that can happen to a Friends volunteer gardener? Not being able to garden of course! But that’s precisely what happened this year.
As much as we've missed getting our hands dirty, though, we're not the only ones who want us back in the Ornamental Gardens, Arboretum, and Shelterbelt: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada staff have missed us and the contributions we make in the gardens too. Our fingers are crossed we’ll be back in the New Year -- we can't be sure when, but we'll be ready to respond when we do get the go-ahead.
Did you know the Friends of the Farm are more than just gardening? We are so much more, and we'd love to use your talents in other ways. For example, we’d like to grow our outreach to the public. We’re working on materials for garden tours, both onsite and online. And we’re planning a range of stellar events that will happen as soon as we get the green light to return to the Farm. We're always interested in projects that help people appreciate the Farm and its heritage more, so your ideas are most welcome.
If you’d like to help out, just contact us at info@friendsofthefarm.ca. And if you’re already one of our fabulous volunteers, please bear with us. We’re all hoping for a better year and brighter days ahead!
Volunteers are what the Friends of the Farm is all about.
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New Ottawa Hospital Update |
The Ottawa Hospital’s project to build a new state-of-the-art hospital at the northeast corner of the Central Experimental Farm is reported to be proceeding quickly despite coronavirus challenges.
The project is currently in Stage 2, in which the type of hospital programming, square footage allotment, and the high-level architecture and design is outlined. To be completed in early 2021, Stage 2 will include a detailed breakdown of each clinical and research program, including space requirements, which programs need to be adjacent to which others, the business plan, and operational budgets.
A new project advisory team, Graham Bird Associates, has been appointed to manage all aspects of the project. Preliminary estimates are for a Phase 1 hospital covering a little more than 2 million square feet in area and costing over $2 billion, to be completed by 2028. The long-range plan is to double that area (and cost) over the following two decades.
The Friends of the Farm are represented on a Campus Engagement Group that was set up by the hospital to review plans and provide input from stakeholder groups.
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Give the Gift of Membership!
Join our mission to protect and preserve the Farm
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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), discounts at some Ottawa-area nurseries, discounted events, and free admission for one adult member of a family to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum!
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Praise for the Farm
A tribute to this "marvellous oasis"
We love hearing from you about how and why you enjoy your visits to the Central Experimental Farm. Honestly, if we put together all the nice things people have to say, we could fill a book. Sometimes we just have to share!
In an online video entitled In Praise of Ottawa’s Experimental Farm, Felicity Garrard shared with her Ottawa Garden Club members and with us her appreciation of “this marvellous green oasis in the middle of our busy sprawling city.”
Please note: If you received a print version of our 2021 Winter Newsletter, you'll find the link to the video contained there is incorrect.
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Winter Road Closures at the Farm
You can enjoy the Farm in winter too!
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The following roads at the CEF are now closed to vehicle traffic for the winter:
· McCooey Lane from Merivale Road to Ash Lane
· Ash Lane from McCooey Lane to the NCC Driveway
These road closures are implemented to reduce the possibility of unsafe road conditions in the winter and to reduce the impact of traction aids (salt) on the Farm's fields.
The roads will reopen to traffic in April 2021.
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We're So Social!
Stay in touch this winter
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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*Some restrictions may apply.
Due to Covid-19, please call first or visit the nursery' websites as interprovincial travel restrictions for certain members may be in place.
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Members and Supporters
We welcome your comments and suggestions on articles, events, activities, and more.
or call us at 613-230-3276.
Charitable number 118913565RR0001
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Stay Connected
Friends of the Central Experimental Farm | 613-230-3276 | Building 72, Arboretum, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6 | www.friendsofthefarm.ca
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