Friends of the
Central Experimental Farm
Fall 2007 Newsletter Volume 19 No. 4
Friends Publish Book on Arboretum
For the Love of Trees – to go on sale October 4
By Fay Devlin
said Valerie Cousins, who was the With passion, commitment – and some
inspiration for the book and project help. From raising $19,000 to designing
coordinator. Valerie and author/ the book, several people stepped up.
photographer Richard Hinchcliff – like so
many Friends of the Farm – share a long- Friends volunteer Dorothy Forsythe,
time love of the Farm and its Arboretum. for example, led the group to Sandra
Co-author and forestry scientist Roman Crabtree, whose family foundation funded
Popadiouk brought his passion for a large part of the book. Neville Ward
communicating his knowledge of trees, thought that supporting this project
which is a great asset to his associates at would be a wonderful way to remember
the Friends of the Farm. his recently deceased mother Kathleen, a
long-time lover of the Arboretum. And
Complementing Richard’s photographs Richard Conway and Friends of the Farm
are illustrations by Karen (Gier) Cameron. president Doug Shouldice put together
Karen, whose drawings have appeared in the successful grant proposal to the City
this newsletter, drew silhouettes of actual of Ottawa.
trees in the Arboretum for the book.
“Karen’s beautiful tree skeleton Professionals engaged in For the Love
illustrations,” says Valerie, who also of Trees, such as Alison Hall, also went
contributed a sketch, “are so important to that extra mile to help out with the
the understanding and identification of publication. Alison is a graphic designer
the trees.” Indeed, these drawings will who was born and raised in Ottawa. Her
help readers identify deciduous trees even enchantment with the Arboretum is
during the leafless winter.
evident in the book’s clean, airy and
handsome design.
n exciting new book will be launched So just how does a small group of
A October 4, 2007. For the Love of Trees
is, as its subtitle suggests, a guide to the
volunteers produce such a lovely book? continued on page 3
trees of Ottawa’s Central Experimental
Farm. It is filled with historical and
science-based text and explodes with
gorgeous photographs and illustrations.
The book presents 92 of some 1700 trees
and shrubs at the Arboretum, subdivided
into four categories: Ornamental, Fruit,
Environmental and Resource. Each entry
boasts an illustrated profile as well as a
key to its location on one of several
walking tours suggested in the book. Of
additional interest are the notes on the
Arboretum’s history and curators.
For the Love of Trees is a creation that
took over three years and was made
Photo by R. Hinchcliff
possible by volunteers seeking to promote
the Farm’s magnificent tree collection. As
elegant as a coffee-table book, it is small
enough to use on self-guided walks.
“We did this book because we hold the
arboretum very close to our hearts,” Oaks in November
Page 2 Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007
From the President
and beautiful. Sincere thanks to the With this edition, we are assembling a
whole team. new Newsletter editorial team, with many
of the experienced writers still in place.
Talking about checking, if you have not Many thanks go to our outgoing editor,
been on The Farm recently, come and Judy Benner. Judy, it has been a job well
check out all three of our flourishing done! We look forward to your other
growing areas – the Arboretum, the contributions on The Farm.
Shelterbelt and the Ornamental Gardens.
Each is a feast for the eyes. Many thanks Fundraising is always an important
to our many volunteer gardeners who element of keeping the Friends of the
have been working with the Agriculture Farm in business. Through special events
garden staff. and membership, we raise most of our
Doug Shouldice yearly funds, and we appreciate every
Our fondness for good food has been single dollar. In this regard, Santa
ust as Santa Claus makes his list and well satisfied with the Strawberry gratefully accepts either ‘cheques’ or
J then checks it twice, careful checking is
an important part of what we do at the
Shortcake on Canada Day and the
Victorian Tea, which anchored the
cash. We also recently were awarded a
$10,000 grant from the City of Ottawa’s
Farm. It may not be Christmas time, but many other events of the summer. Green Partnership Program. Some of
Santa has nothing on the work that has these funds are already in the ground
been going on with The Friends of The book sale was a real treat. at the Merivale Road Shelterbelt, with
the Farm. Our appeal resulted in an estimated the balance to be allotted during
collection of 20,000 books. It was a the fall.
Our book For the Love of Trees has major exercise to sort and store the
almost arrived. As I write this column, the books as they came in. Setting up the Members of the FCEF and public are
book is at the printer. I have seen some sale was also a major undertaking, but invited to join us for the Annual General
proofs and it is every bit as wonderful as the whole project was well worth the Meeting on Wednesday, September 19.
we have been predicting for some trouble. The cash register recorded Come and hear guest speaker, Diana
months. The book team (profiled in this about $5,000. Again, many thanks Beresford-Kroeger. Her topic is “Trees for
issue) has not only been writing, drawing to the volunteers, donors, and Wealth, Trees for Health”. I look forward
and photographing, but they have the patrons. It was a first-time event to seeing you there.
checked and checked and re-checked to but it looked as though we had been
make sure that everything is both accurate doing it for years.
At its June meeting the Friends' Board asked Doug Shouldice to extend his term as President for
one year past the stipulated six-year term. The Board is happy to announce that he has agreed.
New Volunteers Put Together Newsletter
any thanks to Reid Barry (left) and Peter Hecht for
M their invaluable help in the editing and writing of
this newsletter issue. Both Reid and Peter come to us
with great experience and expertise. Thanks especially
to Reid Barry who jumped in with both feet, coordinating
the unruly process for this celebratory issue, and the
result is something of which we can all be proud.
V. Cousins
Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007 Page 3
Friends Publish Book on Arboretum – For the Love of Trees
(continued from page 1)
Underpinning the project were two and has worked to reforest or preserve
Friends who shared both a vision of the forested areas in Russia, Ukraine and
project and a love of trees. Co-authors Canada. He began volunteering at the
Roman Popadiouk and Richard Hinchcliff
Farm in 1998, just one year after
seeded, nourished, transplanted and
thinned out a forest of photos and immigrating to Canada, and is now a
research to arrive at this stunning Friends’ board member.
collection.
At the Central Experimental Farm, he
Roman Popadiouk – a wealth of has developed a database for tree, shrub,
experience and expertise and perennial plant collections in the
Dominion Arboretum; developed and
updated the database of source
information extracted from specimen tags
of dry plant collection at Agriculture and Co-author Richard Hinchcliff among
Agri-Food Canada’s Vascular Plant the Western white pine
(Pinus Monticola) trees
Herbarium; designed a pamphlet for
interpretative programs at the Arboretum; As if in preparation to write this book,
and guided many visitors on tours of the Roman had put some of his verbal stories,
Photo by R. Hinchcliff
Arboretum. prompted by his tours, onto paper. “We
were lucky Richard was interested in
Roman co-authored this book to help illustrating those written stories,” he says.
readers understand that “trees have more Richard Hinchcliff – captures the history
value than just the trees themselves. and beauty of the tree collection
People should know why trees are here,
where they grow naturally. How people Richard has his BA (in History and
Co-author Roman Popadiouk points out
use trees adds to their value. People need Political Science, from the University of
the fruit on a Purple Martin chokecherry
(Prunus Virginiana “Purple Martin”) to pay attention to trees, not just cut Canterbury, New Zealand) and an MA in
or damage them indiscriminately. Economics from the University of
Western Ontario. Richard joined the
“Furthermore, Roman adds, “Trees are
Friends in 2002, writing and taking
Born in Western Ukraine, Roman part of Canada’s history. Europe has
photographs for the newsletter,
earned a PhD in Forest Ecology in 1990 buildings – castles and churches. But
developing and maintaining the website,
from Moscow State University, has Canada is not so old. The Arboretum is
and, through photography, assisting the
published 42 articles in scientific journals part of history, almost as old as Ottawa is.” Lilac and Iris teams in their identification
and documentation work. Richard is also
a member of the Board of the Friends of
the Farm.
“When I think of how little I knew
compared to what I know now,” says
Richard, “I attribute that knowledge to
Roman. I got to understand so much
more, including the science and the use
of trees in a Canadian context.”
“We initially wanted to highlight about
120 species but pared it down to 92, which
represents about 100 trees.” Richard already
had many photographs of the Arboretum,
but this project required hundreds more
to properly illustrate the text.
Richard selected the first cut of photos,
then worked with Roman to pick the best
representation of what he wrote, e.g. to
best illustrate that the “bark is dark and
deeply furrowed”. The team tried to
ensure each species is identified through a
sample tree, bark, seed, cone and leaf.
continued on page 4
Page 4 Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007
Richard also contributed historical Karen (Gier) Cameron – an artist’s
information to the book. He credits the
inventory in Agriculture and Agri-Food
eye and a love of trees UPCOMING EVENTS
Canada’s The Living Collection of the Spending hundreds of hours drawing Saturday, Sept. 8 – Celebrate
Agriculture in the City at the Annual
Dominion Arboretum as important in the many tree skeletons with pen and ink,
Open House on the Central
putting the 92 species into context with Karen expressed her reverence for the
Experimental Farm, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
the entire collection. He also consulted Arboretum and her joy in walking through rain or shine. There will be family-
annual reports from the Dominion the trees regularly. To make the skeleton friendly exhibits of insect, plant and
Horticulturalist and sometimes of the accurate she took many photographs and fungus collections, as well as displays
Director, which gave insight into what then began the painstaking process of by Friends of the Farm, 4-H and the
was planted, and why. getting the drawing right. Fletcher Wildlife Garden. Admission to
the Canada Agriculture Museum and
The combination of stunning photos, Before becoming engrossed in the tree parking is free, as are most activities.
fluid prose, dramatic illustrations and book, Karen contributed some of her For more information, call 613-759-1000
lovely design is destined to make For the drawings, from a series called “Shapes in
Nature” to the Friends’ newsletters FRIENDS OF THE FARM
Love of Trees a best-seller among not only ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING -
tree-lovers and Friends, but among beginning with the Summer 2004 issue.
Karen has completed courses in drawing, September 19, 7 to 9 p.m.
Ottawans and visitors to the nation’s
capital. “In many ways,” writes Doug painting and sculpture at the Ottawa
Members and non-members are invited
Shouldice in the book, “it is our love song School of Art and through the Ottawa to join us. Our guest speaker will be
to the trees and we hope it will be yours School Board Continuing Education Diana Beresford-Kroeger who will speak
as well, for many generations to come.” program. Prior to 1998, Karen held a on “Trees for Wealth, Trees for Health”.
variety of management positions in the Diana is the author of Arboretum
telecommunications industry and holds a America: A Philosophy of the Forest
Valerie Cousins adds: “I hope it makes
Bachelor of Commerce degree from (2003), winner of the American
people cherish the Arboretum as much as
Carleton University. National Arbor Day Foundation Award
we do”. for exemplary educational work on trees
Rosaleen Leslie Dickson – Copy Editor and forests, and more recently she has
“I also hope that the book will generate published, A Garden for Life, about
much-needed funds for the Friends to help Rosaleen, a professional editor, has growing gardens for pleasure as well as
us in our many endeavours such as written, co-authored, edited and published to be eco-friendly.
foresting the Merivale Shelterbelt, the books on widely diverse topics, but this is Sir John Carling Building, Cafeteria,
purchase of tools and plant life for the Central Experimental Farm
her first book about trees. Editor and
Arboretum and the Ornamental Gardens, publisher of THE EQUITY, in Pontiac
our education program of lectures, our FOR THE LOVE OF THE FARM,
County, Quebec, for 32 years, she also has ANNUAL ART EXHIBIT -
walking tours and much more. written features for the Ottawa Citizen October 4-14
and the old Ottawa Journal. She later
We give the last word, however, to produced features and columns and was Monday-Friday (1:30 to 6 p.m.)
Roman: “The Farm is hand-made, like a book editor for The Hill Times, Canada’s Weekends to Thanksgiving (10 a.m. to
building or a bridge, and as such has its Politics and Government Newsweekly, 5 p.m.) The beautiful photography of
own individuality. It was made by many and for Embassy, Canada’s Foreign Richard Hinchcliff will be featured at
generations who each left their imprint, Policy Newsweekly. Rosaleen has also this year’s exhibit. Richard has been a
and it needs volunteers to continue – but taught Journalism at Ryerson University long-time member of the Friends and
we can’t forget those who came before us.” in Toronto. is co-author of a book entitled
For the Love of Trees - A Guide to
Ottawa’s Central Experimental
Farm Arboretum.
Scheduled to coincide with the
publication of the book, this exhibit will
include numbered limited photographs
from the book, all depicting Richard’s
unique vision of this precious historical
landscape.
Building 72, Arboretum,
Central Experimental Farm
Admission and parking free
CRAFTS & BAKE SALE -
November 3 & 4
Photo by R. Hinchcliff
Creations of area artisans
Delicious baked goods and great
gift ideas
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Building 72, Arboretum,
Central Experimental Farm
Admission and parking free
Maple in the Arboretum
Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007 Page 5
JUDY BENNER
Editor of Friends of The Farm Newsletter for Six Years
hen she retired, Judy Benner was
W asked to join the Friends of the
Farm (FOF) and become editor of this
newsletter. She agreed to take it on for
two years. As it turned out, she stayed
for six.
Now that she has decided to pursue
other interests, the former editor might
get a chance to listen to her varied
collection of CDs, ranging from opera to
chamber music to jazz. Then, there is a
neglected cello in a corner of her house –
an instrument she took up as an adult
some time ago and may try to play again.
The hard part of that effort, she says, is
not to be discouraged by the sounds she
makes, when she knows the beauty of the
real music from her own collection.
Photo by R.D. Barry
All those who know Judy will be
happy to hear that she will continue to
be active at the Farm, particularly
weeding and pruning every week on the
Shelterbelt project.
Former Editor Judy Benner
Born and raised in Prince Edward Island,
Judy grew up envying friends who were machines, a particular interest of hers. For He went on to say that she also brought
able to visit the farms of relatives. Years all its beauty and sheer size, the Farm also some innovative ideas to the layout of the
later, when she became editor, she was has stories of human interest. One newsletter, adding vertical and horizontal
able to live out those dreams. As editor, particular story came out when she images and drawings.
one of the highlights for Judy was talking interviewed one employee who told her
to federal employees at the Farm for a about his family’s struggle in war-torn Judy sees the Friends of the Farm as
series of newsletter articles. She was Cambodia before coming to Canada. doing the essential, everyday work—a
impressed with how they combine work Martha role, as she calls it. At the same
and life values, doing what they believe in. When Judy began as editor, she says time, she feels the Friends must draw in
she had no newsletter experience but she more volunteers and donors. She says,
saw it as a challenge. She credits many “The Friends make a big difference to the
During her career with the federal reliable contributors as well as Richard Farm as a place to visit and appreciate the
public service, she worked in positions Hinchcliff, photographer and writer, for beauty that can happen when nature is
ranging from senior writer to human giving her extensive help along the way. cultivated”.
rights adviser. In those days, the Farm She also values the help she received from
was never far from her mind. As she says: many volunteers along the way. What would she change about the
“I used to take the #3 bus to work every Farm if she could? She would reroute
day and always put down whatever I was Judy brought her own style to the heavy traffic from Prince of Wales Drive
reading to look at the Farm as we drove position of editor. It was her desire to and build gateways where we enter and
through—such changes through the show that the Friends work with the leave to provide “a greater sense of the
seasons and such beautiful sunsets in the permanent staff at the Farm. This view Farm as an entity.”
late fall.” inspired a series of profiles of buildings
located on the Farm. According to Richard Now that Judy has scaled back her
Judy recalls a memorable interview Hinchcliff: “I did these but it was her idea. activities, the gardening magazines she
with John Kevern, who drove her all over Again, to establish the close connection delights in might be the inspiration for her
the Farm. This gave her some idea of the the Friends has with the Farm.” As for her to turn her townhouse garden into the
magnitude of the Farm and how much relationship with the volunteer staff, he attractive, small garden of her dreams.
research is carried out. She saw many said: “She was always patient and Then, there is that neglected cello in a
corners of the Farm she did not know encouraging to contributors…well, with corner of her house.
existed; the hedges for example. They me for sure…conveying enthusiasm,
also visited buildings with massive farm providing great ideas and suggestions.” R.D. Barry
Page 6 Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007
For the Love of the An exhibition of photographs by Richard Hinchcliff
Building 72, Arboretum, Central Experimental Farm, October 4 – 14
Exhibit hours: Weekdays 1:30 – 6 p.m. • Weekends to Thanksgiving 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
A lifetime involvement camera that survived his experiences from
running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain,
Photography has always been part of to living in an adobe hut on a Mexican
Richard’s life. His father, Frank Hinchcliff, beach for several months after working at
was a prominent New Zealand Expo ‘67. Unfortunately, as a young man
photographer who had winning prints and caught up in the activities of the moment,
slides accepted in many international he often forgot to use the camera.
photographic salons. Finding black and
white prints floating in the bathtub was a Richard worked briefly as a journalist
common early morning experience in his on a daily newspaper in Christchurch,
early years when his father had his New Zealand, prompted more by an
darkroom beside the bathroom. His father interest in writing than photography.
would often talk about the composition,
Many years later he had a winning entry
lighting, and technical issues he faced in
in the photojournalism category of a
taking a particular photo.
Christchurch photographic competition.
ichard Hinchcliff’s photo exhibit
R opens at the same time as the launch
of For the Love of Trees - A Guide to
The children all had cameras at early
ages. Richard was very pleased with a During his career as an economist,
Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm Voigtländer rangefinder camera that his Richard maintained his involvement with
Arboretum. Richard is the book’s co- father gave him when he left New Zealand photography. For several years he had a
author and photographer. to travel overseas. It was a sturdy, quality small photographic business, with
Photo by R. Hinchcliff
View of the Southern Lookout
Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007 Page 7
Farm Art Exhibit
Photo by Richard Hinchcliff
Butternut and Willow
weddings being the bread and butter Photography influences with volunteer horticultural specialists –
work. That ended after too much anxiety Joan Speirs (lilacs), Mary Pratt (peonies)
about whether the pictures would Richard has taken courses with and Polly McColl (irises) – on photographs
for identification, collections and the
measure up for such a big event for a Freeman Patterson and other Canadian
website. “Seeing Joan’s wonderful scans of
couple and their families. Also, it occurred photographers. The Patterson course was
lilac panicles made me appreciate the
to him that he may not have been a a huge influence, for both technical tips beauty of lilacs and want to capture them
and ‘the art of seeing’, especially in one’s in photos, and Mary’s gorgeous photos
positive influence when most of the
own backyard. Another influence was his helped me understand why she and others
happy couples seemed to split up soon father, with whom he had too few have such a passion for peonies.”
after the occasion, one couple lasting discussions, being on the other side of the
just two weeks, without buying a world, but who had set such high Working on the Tree Book with Karen
single photo. standards with his own photography. (Gier) Cameron, artist, and Roman
Popadiouk, dendrologist, Richard shared
Richard joined the Friends of the Farm The intention when he began a discovery of the special trees in the
and has played a large role in the Friends’ volunteering was to tell the story of the Arboretum. “Roman would tell us where
Friends’ work at the Farm and to illustrate they were and what were their
quarterly newsletter. Writing many of the
stories in the newsletter or pages on the characteristics, then Karen and I would
lead articles as well as a series of articles enjoy trying to capture them in drawings
website. After many hours rambling all
on the Farm’s historic buildings, Richard and photos.”
over the Farm in all seasons and times of
also took accompanying photos that let
day, he came to love the Farm’s
many readers see the Farm with new and landscape, and learned to prepare for and Having taken about 5,000 photos
more appreciative eyes. His photographs see the magic it provides. related to the book during the past
include small and large scale perspectives two years, Richard points out, “There are
of the Farm, from a close-up of a magnolia around 1,600 species and varieties of trees
Through his photography Richard soon
bud to the scene from the Farm’s lookout and shrubs that we didn’t include in the
learned what a treasure we have in the
over the canal. His photos of people and book, that I would love to dwell on with
public areas of the Farm, and what the same intensity as we did with those
various creatures enjoying activities on the dedicated people there are both working selected for the book and do justice to
Farm reveal it as a beautiful place to visit on the Farm for AAFC and volunteering their individual natures.”
all year round. with the Friends. He has worked closely Judy Benner
Page 8 Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007
The Value of One – The Power of Many
Thank you all FCEF Volunteers!
STARBUCK’s Clean Up STILL LOOKING FOR .....
The Farm Day – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Sponsorship – May 25, 2007 Fundraising Coordinator
For the forth year, the Farm enjoyed 16 September - Shelter Belt Ceremony A qualified volunteer for the position of
another Starbucks Employees / FCEF Team – morning set-up; afternoon take down; Fundraising Co-ordinator reporting to the
who worked at various locations to clean, and volunteers to serve at the refreshment Board of Directors, while researching
mulch, and weed. Starbucks Corporation table. potential corporate, commercial and
donates $10.00 for every hour of private donors and sponsors to raise
volunteer time, to a maximum of 19 September – AGM – volunteers funds.
$1,000.00! Thank you to Starbucks needed in the evening to help stage a
Coffee and to all who volunteered! Membership Coordinator
successful Annual General Meeting
A qualified volunteer for the position of
Thank you Special Events ìMembership Coordinatorîreporting to the
5 - 14 October – Art Exhibit – staffed Board of Directors, while developing and
Volunteers: the Rare & Unusual Plant two by two for this ten day exhibit to executing strategies to increase and
Sale; July’s Ten Mile Run on The Farm; and
assist with promoting FCEF and to provide maintain membership.
the Canada Day Strawberry Social; the
security to the beautiful photography
August Victorian Tea and Art On The Farm Computer Support
featured.
– without your support these events A computer literate volunteer is need in
would not be possible. Please refer to your 2007 Events & the office to perform data backups; to
Education brochure for these and all other ensure anti-virus and anti-spyware
A special thank to Book Sale upcoming FCEF sponsored activities and definitions are up to date; and to
volunteers – all 140 of you (including events. download and install the latest Windows
the North Gloucester Giants Football updates. Approximately three hours to
Team) who helped with the tremendous FALL POT LUCK complete per visit, ideally on a bi-weekly
work needed both before and during basis. Training is available.
LUNCHEON:
our first ever Spring Book Sale held in
Wednesday, 26 September, noon, For further information on these or
early June.
Bldg. 72, Arboretum. other volunteer opportunities, please
contact Debra Thornington, Manager,
All are welcome.
Volunteer Services 613 230-3276
GET COPIES
OF
FOR THE LOVE
OF TREES
Photos by D. Kennedy
A Guide to the
Trees of Ottawa’s
Central Experimental Farm
Ken Last hefting more books
$24.95
Thank you garden Available at the
volunteers and Board
members who helped represent and Friends’ Office and
promote FCEF at the Spring Volunteer
local book stores
Information Sessions. And to the 80+ new
volunteers recruited and placed October 4, 2007
throughout the Gardens and Arboretum
this season, a huge WELCOME!
Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007 Page 9
The 170 year-old Halifax Public Gardens
Survive Hurricane Juan
concerts. A restored heritage building
serves as a snack bar.
Halifax was founded in1749 and by
1753, public gardens were very popular.
The Public Gardens were started by the
Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in 1836
and consisted of plots where Society
members grew plants and flowers, which
the public was invited in to view. The City
developed an adjacent civic garden in 186.
In 1874, the City took over
responsibility for both gardens and
brought in garden designer, Richard
Power to bring together both gardens. He
created and developed the present design
Photo by P. Hecht
by 1875. That design survives today and is
well worth a visit by any garden lover as
example of how a formal garden can fit
into and enhance the urban environment.
Peter Hecht
The magnificent entrance gates
recent visit to the Halifax Public The park comprises 17 acres of lavish FRIENDS OF THE FARM
A Gardens in August of this year showed
that the grounds have been remarkably
floral displays, many varieties of plants
and trees – some local and others ANNUAL
restored after the damage wrought by collected from all over Canada and many
Hurricane Juan on September 29, 2003. parts of the world. Tender plants and GENERAL MEETING
Many large trees were blown down and bushes are kept in adjacent greenhouses Date: Wed, Sept 19, 2007
numerous plantings damaged. Luckily, over winter.
much of the statuary and fountains were Time: 7 to 9 pm
undamaged. A high, wrought iron fence encloses
the park and the main entrance consists of Location: Cafeteria,
Citizens rallied to save and restore this a large set of crested, ornamental gates.
rare, intact and relatively unspoiled Numerous walkways lead to the floral Sir John Carling Bldg.
example of a formal Victorian public displays, statues, and fountains.
garden in the middle of a busy city.
Subsequently, the gardens underwent a Ornamental bridges grace a large pond.
multi-million dollar restoration and There is also a Victorian bandstand, which
reopened on Canada Day, 2004. is used every summer Sunday for free
Unversity of Michigan
Diana Beresford-Kroeger,
world-renowned arboreal
Photo by P. Hecht
specialist, will speak on
Trees for Wealth:
Trees for Health
Page 10 Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007
The Victorian Tea 2007 a Great Success
ver 300 people attended the Friends’ The winner of the hat contest, who There were also four runners-up whose
O Annual Victorian Tea held on
Sunday August 12 with more fancy hats
gives her name only as Helena, has won
many times before with size and creativity
hats brought out the “wow” factor. In
addition to all the fun, the tea made about
than ever before. making her a strong contender each year. $1,300 for the Friends.
Diana Dakers-Ryan with hat contest winner, Helena
Victorian Tea Ladies (Left to Right) Rita Patterson, Adrianne Duff, Sylvia Marchand, One of our elegant servers,
Bev Donnelly, Elizabeth White Adrianne Duff
Photos by R. Conway
Runners-Up, including a mystery lady under the veil
Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007 Page 11
Ottawa Botanical Garden Tour shows off
Seven Ottawa gardens
number of Friends went on the
A Ottawa Botanical Garden Tour on a
hot day last June. Seven gardens in Ottawa
were featured, including those of:
Mary Pratte, our long-time Friends’
volunteer advisor and peony expert,
Carol Henderson, Gillian Edelson,
Les Mobb/Dave Norris, Gay Cook and
Dr. J. Chalmers.
There were many highlights on the tour.
One garden perched on several levels,
from a high rocky cliff to a sweeping
lakefront, was a feast for the eyes.
Mary Pratte’s peonies were magnificent.
Many on the tour noted the Henderson’s
romantic garden gate. Phil and Carole
Reilly of Reilly’s Country Gardens were
available to answer all gardening
questions. Elinor Mueller (left) and Valerie Cousins in Gay Cook's shade garden.
A beautifully presented lunch, served Their garden, which spans two properties, food columnist and author, was a
at the home and garden of sisters, Grete is home to many large shade trees – all of charming hostess, chatting with
Hale and Gay Cook, was a delightful which come with history and memories. everyone warmly throughout the visit.
respite from the heat of the day. Gay, who is a popular Ottawa Citizen
New Minister Named
griculture and Agri-Food Canada has a Standing Committee on Agriculture and
A new minister, the Honourable Gerry
Ritz, who also assumes the role of Minister
Agri-Food. He has been very active in
Parliament on various House of Commons
for the Canadian Wheat Board. Committees. During the course of his
career, Mr. Ritz has run his own farming
Photo – AAFC website
Gerry Ritz was first elected to operation, owned and operated a general
Parliament in 1997. He was re-elected in contracting business and co-owned a
2000, 2004 and 2006. On January 4, 2007, weekly newspaper. Mr. Ritz is married to
Mr. Ritz was appointed Secretary of State Judy and has two children.
(Small Business and Tourism) and on
August 14, he became Minister of We wish outgoing minister, Chuck
Agriculture and Agri-Food. Strahl, every success in his new position
as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern The Honourable Gerry Ritz - Minister
Mr. Ritz has served as the Chair of the Development. of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Friends of the Central Experimental Farm is a volunteer organization committed to the maintenance and protection of the
Ornamental Gardens and the Arboretum of the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Membership in the Friends
of the Farm costs $25 per year for an individual and $45 per year for a family, $20 Seniors/Students. Membership fees support the
many projects of the Friends of the Farm.
The Newsletter (ISSN 1702-2762) is published four times a year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) by Friends of the Central
Experimental Farm. All members receive the newsletter and it is sent either by regular mail or e-mail. Co-Editors: Reid Barry,
Peter Hecht. Design: Nancy Poirier Digital Colour. Printed by: Dollco Printing. Contributors: Fay Devlin, Valerie Cousins,
Judy Benner. Photo art: Richard Hinchcliff, Richard Conway, Denise Kennedy, Valerie Cousins, Peter Hecht, Reid Barry.
Mailing Address:
Friends of the Farm Telephone: (613) 230-3276
Building 72, Central Experimental Farm Fax: (613) 230-1238
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6 E-mail: info@friendsofthefarm.ca
Friends of the Farm website: www.friendsofthefarm.ca
Page 12 Friends of the Central Experimental Farm • Fall 2007
Gardening tips from Polly McColl
Putting your garden to bed • The only plant you need to back is • Rake maple and ash but not oak or apple
Siberian iris. Cut back to 2 ft. This will leaves over your beds. It is better to
for winter help prevent wind or sun burn in case mulch the beds, if you can.
of insufficient snow coverage.
Otherwise, leave vegetation to provide • Bag up extra leaves in plastic garbage
winter interest and to help trap snow bags and store until spring. Put the slimy
to insulate roots and prevent rapid mess on your beds in the spring for
soil temperature changes during quick compost feeding.
warmer days.
• Roses don’t need to be cut back unless
• Leave rudbeckia, globe thistle, sea holly, canes are very long. Wait until
Photo by R. Conway
sunflowers and other seed-head plants December and then cut back to 4 feet.
to provide food for the winter birds. Mound up soil 1 ft over the graft (which
They also look nice with ice and snow should be 4-6” below ground level) but
on them. use care not to damage the canes. Wait
• In late October-early November, put until the weather is very cold so mice
tree guards on young or small trees won’t shelter in the mound. Explorer,
Polly McColl such as Schubert cherries to protect Parkland/Morden and other hardy roses
from mice damage. Put a board on the don’t need any treatment.
ate fall is time for getting your garden south side of, or wrap, smooth barked
L ready for winter. We consulted long-
time Farm friend, board vice-president and
trees to stop freeze/thaw damage
during sunny winter days. Don’t do this
• Tender plants such as tree peonies and
zone 5 or 6 plants like hydrangeas
too early. should be covered in November.
master gardener, Polly McColl for some
tips. You can start this work anytime after Rhododendrons and azaleas require
• Water all evergreens well until the protection for the flower buds and
the first frost, which can occur anytime ground freezes up. They slowly respire
from early September to mid-October. leaves. Place stakes around them and
all winter and can dry out if there is no
The following is a handy to-do list of tips wrap with burlap. Fill enclosure
water frozen around the roots, especially
from Polly: with leaves.
in tubs or planters.
• Empty your rain barrel to prevent • In mid-October give the lawn its last cut
• Dig up cannas, callas and tuberous
cracking and place upside down in a which should be short.
begonias, dust with sulphur to kill
fungus and store in brown paper bags in location out of the sun if you can, to
• For mice problems, place products such
dry sand or vermiculite and place in cold protect from ultra-violet light and extend
as Scoot, Warfarin or Repel under
storage or any dry cold basement which its life.
junipers, yews, conifers or multi-
stays above freezing but below 8°-10°C. stemmed bushes. Bird feeders attract
• Plant daffodils by the end of October. mice so clean up under them on a
Tulips, narcissus, crocuses, etc. can be regular basis.
planted until the ground freezes.
Anything else can be left until spring.
• There are two theories about cutting Don’t plant any shrubs in the fall. If you
back. The first is the “clean ground” want to protect shrubs or bushes from
theory which states all dead vegetation falling snow or ice, use little houses. But
should be cut and removed before don’t wrap them too tightly. Tie them up
snowfall. The second theory is the loosely; you are not protecting them from
“natural state” theory which Polly the cold.
espouses. Peter Hecht
NEW MEMBER REGISTRATION FORM TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP Please make cheque or money order payable to:
“Friends of the Farm”. A receipt for income tax
NAME: purposes will be issued for all donations of $10
FAMILY ................................................................... $45/year or more.
ADDRESS:
ADULT ..................................................................... $25/year We are located at Building 72 in the Arboretum.
CITY: POSTAL CODE: You can visit us or mail this part of the form with
SENIOR/STUDENT................................................. $20/year
PROVINCE:
your payment to:
BASIC CORPORATE .............................................. $250/year
FRIENDS OF THE CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM
TELEPHONE #:
NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION............................ $25/year Building 72, Central Experimental Farm
FAX #: Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6
INDIVIDUAL LIFE ................................................. $200
E-MAIL: SENIOR COUPLE LIFE .......................................... $250 Telephone: (613) 230-3276
INTEREST IN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DONATION ............................................................. $
Fax: (613) 230-1238
Email: info@friendsofthefarm.ca
YES K NO K TOTAL $ Website: www.friendsofthefarm.ca