Our new book “Pathways to the Trees at the Central Experimental Farm” is now available!
Published in the fall of 2024, Pathways to the Trees at the Central Experimental Farm showcases the Farm’s remarkable collection of trees in the Arboretum, on the Farm’s main campus, and in the Merivale Shelterbelt. It celebrates 125 rare and familiar tree species and features over 800 stunning colour and archival photographs. The text and accompanying maps guide visitors along eight different exploratory walks. Selected trees are profiled through a close-up view of their shape, leaves, flowers, bark, and fruit, accompanied by a discussion of their growing conditions and native habitats. The authors are forestry specialists Eric Jones and Roman Popadiouk and photographer and writer Richard Hinchcliff. The Farm has been called “the lungs of the city,” and research has revealed its importance in mitigating air pollution and moderating temperatures. The climate crisis and the pressures of urban development make appreciation of the Farm’s trees all the more vital. The price is $25 per copy, including tax.
Four seasons of greeting cards showcase the Farm’s beauty year round!
Featuring the stunning photography of our own Richard Hinchcliff, author of Blooms: An Illustrated History of the Ornamental Gardens (also available here in our Boutique), each season is available in sets of 6 unique images for $20. Save $10 when you order all four sets.
Our Winter Greeting Cards are filled with images that capture the pristine beauty of the Farm at work and at play in the winter. This set of six greeting cards is perfect as a gift set or for sending holiday cheer to family and friends.
These beautiful Spring Greeting Cards feature colourful images of the Dominion Arboretum and the Farm in all their blooming glory – perfect for sending birthday and Easter greetings to friends and family.
The Ornamental Gardens, including our favourite rose and rock gardens, and the Farm’s stunning sunflowers, are showcased in our cheery Summer Greeting Cards.
With six unique images, our lovely Fall Greeting Cards celebrate the Arboretum wrapped in all its autumnal glory.
Available in person at our office, we also have many other assorted cards available for $4 each or in sets of 3 for $10. Please drop in to browse or phone to inquire.
All of our Publications Feature the Farm
“The book is a remarkable accomplishment, one that so beautifully demonstrates that heritage value
is inextricably woven into the site and buildings, in both tangible and intangible ways.”
Robert Martin, Principal Architect, Robertson Martin Architects
Building Canada’s Farm is a beautiful, engaging new book that explores the iconic buildings of the Central Experimental Farm and the storied history they represent. Each building was carefully situated in a pastoral landscape planned by the Farm’s founding director, William Saunders. Filled with stunning photographs and fascinating history by local authors and Friends of the Farm volunteers Richard Hinchcliff and Patricia Jasen, Building Canada’s Farm celebrates the Farm’s many achievements and the people responsible for them.
Please visit our Boutique to get your copy.
We’re delighted to introduce the latest addition to our collection of books: Our Farm in the City, by author Kalli Dakos and illustrated by Erin Mercer. This delightful book of prose poetry for children sees our beautiful Farm through fresh young eyes, and introduces the animals, plants, and insects that make our Farm unique in the world. You’ll meet Dotty the cow and Precious the piglet, and the scientists who help everything grow strong and healthy.
Blooms: An Illustrated History of the Ornamental Gardens at Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm, by local author Richard Hinchcliff, pays tribute to the successes of ornamental horticulture at the Farm and the beauty of the gardens within this National Historic Site. The creative designer is Alison Hall, who designed our popular For the Love of Trees book. For a preview of the Blooms book, LOOK INSIDE!
For over 125 years, the Central Experimental Farm has gained international recognition as a centre for agricultural research. But the farm is also the men, women, and children, who lived and worked here over the last century. Ottawa’s Farm and its “farm kids” by Helen Smith and Mary Bramley, is a must-have for all history-lovers and those who wish to know more about the Farm and its kids who grew up in a unique rural community.
Our jigsaw puzzles are now sold out. Stay tuned for possible new ones sometime in future!