DESTINATION GARDENS

Spend the day exploring these wonderful gardens!

 

 

NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA GARDENS

  • Taiga Garden – National Gallery

Garden Name: Taiga Garden

Location: National Gallery

Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4

Garden Promenade Route: Sussex Drive Garden Route

Garden Number: 5.1

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Washrooms – Child Friendly

Description: The garden spans the side of the National Gallery, from the building to St Patrick as it turns into the Alexandra bridge. A part of the garden can be seen from the street but most of it can’t.

Landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander created the National Gallery’s indoor and outdoor gardens. Her inspiration for the taiga garden came about because the group of seven first showed Canada the north with their paintings – for this garden, A.Y. Jackson’s painting “Terre Sauvage”, was the main one. Oberlander was also wanting to incorporate some of the plants that are found in the Canadian North, with its severe northern beauty and muted colours. Pines, grasses and native Dogwoods make up the plants in this garden. The results later earned awards, but the concepts seemed radical at the time, and required careful selling. “I had to fight for them, and enlighten them,” says Oberlander.

Because the National Gallery did not want any water features included in the garden, as the idea originally had, irises represent the water that would have been there. It features Rock that was excavated as well, while building the Gallery and the stone was washed by Oberlander herself. The pine trees are uniquely shaped as well, giving a nice quality to the space.

The Gallery and the Landscaping were opened in May 1988 and cost 122 million dollars to make happen. The design architect was Moshe Safdie

  • Sunken Garden – National Gallery

Garden Name: Sunken Garden

Location: National Gallery

Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4

Garden Promenade Route: Sussex Drive Garden Route

Garden Number: 5.2

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Washrooms – Café and Eating Areas

Description: On the northeast side, a sunken garden of 12 flowering crab-apple trees is surrounded by the living rock into which the building is set. There are vines on the walls as well, on the side of the wall (and stairs) which provides access to the garden. The public walkway next to the sunken garden leads to a path that zigzags up the hill toward Nepean Point.

The Crab-Apple trees are spaced in a nice way and are well maintained. They provide nice shade and visitors can walk underneath the canopy they create.

The Gallery and the Landscaping were opened in May 1988 and cost 122 million dollars to make happen. The design architect was Moshe Safdie

  • Fred & Elizabeth Fountain Garden Court

Garden Name: Fred & Elizabeth Fountain Garden Court

Location: National Gallery

Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4

Garden Promenade Route: Sussex Drive Garden Route

Garden Number: 5.3

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible – Child Friendly – Café and Eating Areas

Description:  When the Gallery invited celebrated landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander to redesign its interior garden court, she didn’t hesitate. Oberlander, after all, was responsible for the institution’s original landscape design, inside and outside the building, when she worked with the building’s architect Moshe Safdie in the late 1980s.  “It was very exciting,” says Oberlander. “The idea was to have a garden based on the Canadian Shield.” The garden is fluid and organic, meant to evoke the iconic, pre-settlement Canadian landscape, as well as the Gallery’s stunning setting atop Nepean Point, overlooking the Ottawa River. It contains massive Canadian Shield limestone rocks that create an undulating topography, a gravel path that suggests a riverbed and a bed of greenery with ferns and orchids. “These rocks depict the escarpment that is our original landscape of Canada,” says Oberlander.

The garden court’s original purpose remains as it was: no revision required. It’s meant to be a calm, reflective space. “We have made a contemplative space for the 21st century,” Oberlander says. “It’s very green, it’s beautiful, it’s inviting, and it relates to the needs of the city dweller to have contact with nature.”

____________________________________________________________________

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM

Overview:

Visit the Central Experimental Farm which includes the Dominion Arboretum, the Ornamental Gardens and the Fletcher Wildlife Garden. You’ll see colourful beds of annuals and perennials, and several species of trees and shrubs.

The Central Experimental Farm (CEF) was established in 1886 by the Canadian government. It was the centrepiece of five experimental stations set up across Canada at a time when a large proportion of the country’s population made its living from the land.

In 1887, 465 acres were acquired (in the township of Nepean) for the CEF; 64 of these were allocated for an arboretum. A further 361 acres were obtained in 1929 from lumber baron J.R. Booth. Today the Farm occupies over 1,000 acres.

  • ORNAMENTAL GARDENS

Garden Name: Ornamental Gardens

Location: Central Experimental Farm

Address: 75 National Capital Commission Scenic Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0Z2

Garden Promenade Route: Central Experimental Farm Garden Route

Garden Number: 5

Services for Visitors: Parking – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms nearby – Partially wheelchair accessible – Child Friendly 

Description: An 8-acre showcase of hardy perennials and shrubs developed in Canada and collected from around the world. Many of the lilacs and roses are proudly Canadian-bred. Gardens include the Saunders peony collection, annual, rock, hosta, and sunken gardens.

A favorite site for wedding parties and photographers since they opened in the 1880’s.

The Ornamental Gardens are composed of a number of different areas:

  • the perennial collection,
  • the rock garden,
  • the rose garden,
  • the annual garden,
  • the Macoun sunken garden,
  • the Macoun Memorial Garden and
  • the hedge collections.

Features of the Gardens include:

  • 100 types of irises.
  • 125 different lilac varieties, including a number of “Preston lilacs” developed by Ottawa researcher, Isabella Preston.
  • 65 different plant species in the two hedge collections. The “old” hedge collection contains plantings dating to 1891, while the “new” hedge collection dates from 1965.
  • The Explorer series of roses developed at the CEF and renowned for its winter hardiness.

The Gardens are open, free of charge, to the public.

  • FLETCHER WILDLIFE GARDEN

Garden Name: Fletcher Wildlife Garden

Location: Central Experimental Farm)

Address: near 865, Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON K2C 3K1 (Prince of Wales at Cow Lane)

Garden Promenade Route: Central Experimental Farm Garden Route

Garden Number: 8

Services for Visitors: Parking  – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – partially Wheelchair Accessible – Child Friendly – Picnic Areas

Description: A beautiful organic garden with two distinct sections including wildlife-friendly native plant displays, perennial beds, water feature, rock garden, a managed woodland, a ravine with a pond and a wildflower meadow offering wildlife habitat and food.

Features of the Fletcher Wildlife Garden:

  • Amphibian Pond
  • Evergreen Woods
  • The Hedgerow
  • Butterfly Meadow
  • Old Field
  • Old Woodlot
  • FWG Resource Centre
  • Backyard Garden

THE DOMINION ARBORETUM

Garden Name: The Dominion Arboretum 

Location: Central Experimental Farm

Address: Arboretum, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6

Garden Promenade Route: Central Experimental Farm Garden Route

Garden Number: 4

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – partially Wheelchair Accessible – Child Friendly – Dog Friendly (on leash) – Picnic Areas 

Description: Located on 64-acres of rolling land between Prince of Wales Drive and the historical Rideau Canal system, the arboretum was developed to test the hardiness of woody plants in the Canadian climate. With a variety of micro-climates and showcasing a range of woody plants, the collection contains around 4000 specimens.

The Dominion Arboretum displays a wide range of well-established trees and shrubs, some dating back to 1889.  Because the Dominion Arboretum is north of the 45 degree latitude, it is considered to be the most northerly Arboretum on the continent.

Garden Unique features: A unique space in the heart of Ottawa, with its open space, beautiful views over the North and South lookouts, as well as a nice Hosta garden in between the lookouts. Lots of different growing environments and tree and shrub specimens to go with them. A few different Crab Apple Tree areas, mostly along Prince of Wales, a Magnolia Grove, lots of Weeping Willows and One the most beautiful specimens of Bebb’s Oak – a significant tree at over 100 years old.

  • TROPICAL GREENHOUSE

Garden Name: Tropical Greenhouse

Location: Central Experimental Farm

Address: Maple Dr, Ottawa, ON

Garden Promenade Route: Central Experimental Farm Garden Route

Garden Number: 6

Services for Visitors: Parking – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms nearby – partially Wheelchair Accessible -Picnic Areas nearby

Description: This 1,600 sq ft tropical garden is found in a heritage building, built in 1928, notable for its beautiful lines and traditional design. Raised beds frame the circular path featuring a variety of heat-loving plants, tropical rainforest natives, Cacti and succulents.

The Tropical Greenhouse is free of charge.

Hours of operation are:

  • Sundays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturdays: Closed

 

  • CANADA AGRICULTURE AND FOOD MUSEUM

Garden Name: Canada’s Agriculture and Food Museum

Location: Central Experimental Farm

Address: 901 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa ON K2C 3K1

Garden Promenade Route: Central Experimental Farm Garden Route

Garden Number: 7

Services for Visitors: Admission $ – Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible – Child Friendly – Picnic Areas nearby

 

Description: Come explore the outdoor exhibition Discovery Park at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Discover various crops grown to produce energy as well as plants that benefit pollinators. Interpretive panels and hands-on activities are also part of the experience

The garden, which is within the grounds of the Museum itself is about 1000 sq feet. The garden itself has some perennial grasses, and other herbaceous plant material. It also has a round, covered structure with seating in it, and a playground for children.

 


DOW’S LAKE PAVILION BOARDWALK GARDEN

Garden Name: Dow’s Lake Pavilion Boardwalk Garden

Location: Dow’s Lake

Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5K7

Garden Promenade Route: Central Experimental Farm Garden Route

Garden Number: 2

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible – Child Friendly – Café and Eating Areas

Description: Dow’s Lake Pavilion offers an ideal scenic location to enjoy Ottawa’s historic Rideau Canal. Come walk the boardwalk and experience the charm of one of Ottawa’s best kept secrets as the Dow’s Lake boardwalk is decked out with beautiful annual color.


LANDSCAPES OF CANADA GARDENS

Garden Name: Landscapes of Canada Gardens

Location: Canadian Museum of Nature

Address: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K2P 2R1

Garden Promenade Route: More Gardens (West Side of the Rideau Canal)

Garden Number: 7 

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible – Child Friendly – Café and Eating Areas – Bank Machine – Pay Phone

Description: This outdoor exhibition space on the museum’s property features about 60 native species of trees and plants (including grasses, sedges and mosses). They are species that are typically found in Canada’s boreal forest, Arctic tundra and prairie grasslands.

 


MAISON DU CITOYEN GARDENS   

Garden Name: Maison du Citoyen Gardens (City Hall Gardens)

Location: Maison du Citoyen

Address: 25 Laurier St, Gatineau, QC J8X 4C8 

Garden Promenade Route: Downtown Gatineau Garden Route

Garden Number: 8

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible – Child Friendly – Café and Eating Areas

Description: Maison du citoyen slopes gently down to the Ottawa River from the top of its seven storeys. The magnificent 20-metre high glass frontage lets the light through to the offices bordered by mezzanines. A multitude of beautiful gardens fill and surround this site. Photo source: Ville de Gatineau.

 


THÉÂTRE DE L’ÎLE GARDENS

Garden Name: Théȃtre de l’Ȋle Gardens

Location: Théȃtre de l’Ȋle

Address: 1 Rue Wellington, Gatineau, QC J8X 2H3

Garden Promenade Route: Downtown Gatineau Garden Route

Garden Number: 3

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible 

 

Description: Built in 1886, this former water tower is now home to the Théâtre de l’Île and is a most beautiful site. The first municipal theatre in Quebec, it provides a magical meeting site for local and visiting audiences and artists.

This theatre has been fitted into a stone building constructed in 1886. Professional actors, amateurs and students, directors, and designers share a passion and desire to fill audiences with delight! This is a venue where magic abounds and the world reinvents itself! Photo source: Ville de Gatineau


 

UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA

Overview:

The University of Ottawa, often referred to as uOttawa or U of O, is a bilingual public research university in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The University hopes that gardens will help bridge the urban / green space divide, providing an opportunity for people to interact and enjoy green space on campus. 

 

Garden Name: Green Campus Community Garden

Location: University Of Ottawa

Address: 85 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 9A7

Garden Promenade Route: More Gardens 

Garden Number: 2(1)

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible 

Description: The University of Ottawa community gardens bring us closer to each other, so we can work together as students, staff members and neighbours. In a sense, community gardens help us create long-term relationships and lasting friendships.

The University hopes that community gardens will help bridge the urban / green space divide, providing an opportunity for people to interact and enjoy green space on campus. Furthermore, we hope that community gardens will help raise awareness about the importance of growing food in the local community.

 

Garden Name: Social Science Building Vertical Garden/ uOttawa Living Wall

Location: University Of Ottawa

Address: 120 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

Garden Promenade Route: More Gardens 

Garden Number: 2(2)

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible – Child Friendly – Eating Areas

Description: The FSS Building houses one of North America’s largest biofilter walls. The six story living wall is made up of 2000 plants of 12 different species. The living wall reduces the amount of air intake and lowers heating and cooling costs. The unit can even render the building’s humidifier unnecessary and lower concentrations of dust, fungal spores, and airborne bacteria as well. At 78 feet, it is the tallest in Canada.

A living wall has to be cared for like any garden or other plants. Once a month, the wall is trimmed and the greens, which are rooted in sheets of substrate with water running behind, are groomed.

 

Garden Name: Place des Francos-Ontariens Garden

Location: University Of Ottawa

Address: 75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

Garden Promenade Route: More Gardens 

Garden Number: 2(3)

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible – Eating Areas

 

Garden Name: Learning Community Garden

Location: University Of Ottawa

Address:  649 King Edward, Ottawa, ON K1N 7N8 – Garden behind the UCU near the Pivik

Garden Promenade Route: More Gardens 

Garden Number: 2(4)

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible – Eating Areas


 

CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM ROOFTOP  GARDEN

Garden Name: Canadian War Museum Rooftop Garden

Location: Canadian War Museum

Address: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0M8 

Garden Promenade Route: More Gardens (West Side of the Rideau Canal)

Garden Number: 14

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Wheelchair Accessible – Child Friendly – Café and Eating Areas

Description: One of the largest of its type in North America, the green roof of the War Museum is over 10,000 sq m. Designed to function as an ecosystem, it blends architecture with nature. A must visit to experience nature being integrated into urban settings.


CANADIAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY JAPANESE ZEN GARDEN

Garden Name: Japanese Zen Garden

Location: Canadian Museum of History

Address: 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8

Garden Promenade Route: Downtown Gatineau Garden Route

Garden Number: 9

Services for Visitors: Parking $ – Bicycle Racks – Washrooms – Café and Eating Areas

Description: The Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s national museum of human history. It is located in the Hull area of Gatineau, Quebec, directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario. 

The Japanese Zen garden designed in 1995 by Zen monk and Landscape Architect Shunmyo Toshiaki Masuno, this peaceful garden melds the serenity of a traditional Japanese Zen garden with plants and materials native to Canada and the National Capital region.

 

Spread the word

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on google
Google+
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn

OUR GARDEN

Garden Promenade Routes map Ottawa 2019

Off The Promenade Gardens

BEECHWOOD CEMETERY GARDENS   Garden Name:  Beechwood Cemetery Gardens Location: Beechwood Cemetery Address: 280 Beechwood Ave,Ottawa,ON K1L 8A6 Garden Promenade Route: Off the Promenade Gardens Garden Number: 1 Services

Read More »

MORE GARDENS

BANK OF CANADA PLAZA GARDEN   Garden Name: Bank of Canada Plaza Garden (Bank of Canada Rooftop Terrasse Garden) Location: exterior of Bank of Canada

Read More »

COMMUNITY GARDENS

About the Community Gardening Network: started in Ottawa in 1997 – 22 years old this year! Housed at the organization Just Food – For More

Read More »