Gardens

There are five public areas to visit at the Central Experimental Farm. The Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens are cared for by the Friends of the Farm volunteers under the expert direction of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada staff.

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 - 15 min drive to the centre.

A Significant Contribution - Ornamental Hybridization
For almost 100 years from its founding in 1886, the Central Experimental Farm of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) provided ornamental plant research information that was important to Canadian gardeners and the development of Canada's horticultural sector. Isabella Preston, A.P. Saunders (who worked in Clinton, NY), and Felicitas Svejda improved ornamental plants for home and civic gardens using hybridization - combining different plant varieties to create new strains better suited to Canada's climate.

CANADIAN ORGANIC GROWERS (COG)
DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
• This garden was started in the spring of 1990 It is an on-going project designed to demonstrate how to garden successfully without chemical fertilizers/ and pesticides. Alternative techniques are used to create a healthy soil, control weeds, pests and diseases, and maintain a balanced environment in which plants can thrive. The different sections of the garden show how these techniques can be used for growing fruits, vegetables and ornamentals.

The Friends of the Central Experimental Farm (FCEF) is a volunteer organization helping to care for the Arboretum, the Ornamental Gardens and other public areas of the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Our goals are to preserve, maintain, protect and enhance this beautiful and historic green space, enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. Your FCEF membership, volunteer work and support of FCEF fundraising efforts help us accomplish our goals.

National Historic Site
In 1998 the entire Central Experimental Farm was declared a National Historic Site, a place ‘of profound importance to Canada.' These sites 'bear witness to this nation's defining moments.' Read the Central Experimental Farm National Historic Site Management Plan here.Læs mere