Introducing the Latest Addition to our Boutique!
Just in time for the Summer holidays, we’re pleased to offer puzzles featuring images of our beloved Farm. With three puzzles to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect gift or treat for yourself.
These delightful images were photographed by Richard Hinchcliff, two of the Ornamental Gardens, and one of a painting by Claudette Gratton. These puzzles are sure to keep you entertained with their beauty.
Take a look at all three puzzles: Buffet Garden, Le Jardin, and Peonies, find your favourite! Available now in our online Boutique!
Upcoming Events
Tree Tours
Autumn Tree Colour in the Dominion Arboretum
Sun. Oct 16, 2022 9:30 a.m.
FCEF Annual Events
2022 Used Book Sale
Postponed – stay tuned for a new date!
Follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute announcements.
New for Visitors to the Ornamental Gardens!
Self-guided walking tour of the Ornamental Gardens – English with descriptions and map.
Guide des Jardins Ornementaux – Français avec descriptions et plan.
Who we are
The Friends of the Central Experimental Farm are the volunteer gardeners who help protect, preserve, maintain, and enhance the Ornamental Gardens and the Dominion Arboretum.
Who we aren’t
For information about weddings, farm animals, the tropical greenhouse, photo sessions, plant identification, and more, please go to our FAQs page for helpful links to the answers you need.
Are you a member? We have new benefits: discounts at some local nurseries!
Support the Friends’ mission and receive membership benefits on Master Gardener Lectures.
Summer 2022 – Our set of Summer Greeting Cards is now available in our online Boutique! These sets of 6 cards feature images from photographer Richard Hinchcliff (co-author of For the Love of Trees) of the Dominion Arboretum in all its glory. Click here to place your order while supplies last.
Boutique
Visit our Boutique to share books with friends and family all year long. We ship across Canada, to the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Blooms is the Friends’ contribution to Canada’s 150th and tells the story of this Ottawa gem – take a peek inside!
See how you can buy Blooms or our other publications for local pick-up or delivery within Canada.
The Friends gratefully acknowledge the very generous financial support of our Blooms book donors.
What’s Happening Now
See the Gardening Calendar for more garden events in the Ottawa area.
Read the Friends’ letters and responses to encroachment on the Farm. “It’s a research facility. It’s a public garden. It’s a heritage site. We’d like to see it stay that way.”
River Ward City Councillor Riley Brockington asks Ottawa Centre candidates of the 2019 election salient questions about the Central Experimental Farm, “Ottawa’s jewel in the crown.”
Collections
You may now visit the Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens Collections at the Farm, but please continue to respect COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and practice appropriate behaviour with respect to the gardens and Arboretum.
Self-guided walking tour of the Ornamental Gardens – English with descriptions and map. Guide des Jardins Ornementaux – Français avec descriptions et plan.
The Friends are located at Building 72 in the Arboretum during these Office Hours. Due to Covid-19, visitor access to our offices is limited. Please call us at 613-230-3276 during office hours if you’d like to stop by.