Friends of the Central Experimental Farm

Farm Notes - August 2026

Photo credit: Louise Bradley

Ornamental Garden Tours


Please click on the links below to see more information and to register for these free events.


Rock Garden:  Tuesday, September 8 


Rose Gardens (both the Heritage Rose Garden and the Explorer Rose Garden): Saturday, September 19



Dominion Arboretum Tree Tours


Architecture of Trees


Sunday, August 16th, 2026



2026 Speakers Series


Stay tuned for more information regarding three interesting talks to be presented by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) researchers on the following topics: Biovigilance, Climate Change Mitigation for Agriculture, and Building Disease-Resistant Agricultural Landscapes. We will be confirming the dates shortly so please check our website for updates and registration.


We are also working with AAFC to host two tours of their newest greenhouse in the fall. More details to follow.


Be aware - Tick Prevention


We would like to remind everyone to take precautions when walking through any wooded or grassy area. For more information, please visit the Ottawa Public Health Website.


Volunteer Spotlight

This month we shine our spotlight on one of our amazing volunteers - Patricia Collins. Patricia has been helping with the Macoun Garden Team since 2022.


Patricia is pictured here with Debra Hauer, one of the the Team Leaders of the volunteer team that tends to the Macoun Garden.


When asked what she likes about helping in the gardens, Patricia stated that she enjoys weeding and making the gardens look beautiful. Not only does Patricia like to garden as part of the Macoun Garden Team - she also likes to help around her home to maintain the plants and flower beds. Being surrounded by lovely plants makes her very happy. Her volunteer contribution is greatly appreciated, along with the entire team. Their work is not easy, especially in the heat of the summer, and the end result helps make the gardens a beautiful haven to visit.

The Macoun Garden itself is a charming destination and one that is steeped in history. It is named after W.T. Macoun was appointed Dominion Horticulturist in 1910. The garden, built on the footprint of his residence, has an upper garden, and a lower garden with a pond. It was designed by landscape architect William Oliver. Many of the perennials and shrubs are those Macoun favoured. At the east end is a memorial sundial featuring lily and iris motifs. At the southern edge is a giant Sycamore tree (Buttonwood), likely planted by Macoun in 1898. In 2018, OHS members, FCEF volunteers, and AAFC staff re-planted historical perennials in the northeast and northwest entrance to the garden.


Please visit our online Boutique to order your books and greeting cards today! Thank you for your orders -- the proceeds help support the valuable work we do!

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


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Friends of the Central Experimental Farm | 613-230-3276 | Building 75 | Central Experimental Farm, 960 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6 | www.friendsofthefarm.ca


Our office hours are Mon-Tues-Wed-Thurs 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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