This book from Friends of the Farm is described by the Ottawa Citizen as a “tour de force in both words and pictures.” The Canadian Field-Naturalist book review describes it as “first and foremost, gorgeous.” It was the Friends’ gift to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. The Friends gratefully acknowledge the generous support of donors who contributed financial support to this project.

Blooms: An Illustrated History of the Ornamental Gardens at Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm is about the Ornamental Gardens at the Farm and how they came to be the beautiful and historic place we enjoy today. It is illustrated with many fascinating historic photos of the gardens and the unique flowers that were bred here at the Farm, along with stunning photos that capture the splendour of the present-day gardens and plants.

Blooms is the story of the people and events that have influenced the way the gardens have grown from 1886 to the present day, and it introduces the spectacular past and present floral collections, such as roses, peonies, lilies, lilacs, irises, crab apples, and chrysanthemums.

In Blooms, local author Richard Hinchcliff pays tribute to both 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. Her cover for Blooms features a striking red modern Explorer rose with a historic photo inserted in the middle of the bloom.

For a preview of Blooms, LOOK INSIDE!

304 pages, ISBN 978-0-9879734-3-6, hardcover, 9″ x 9”


How do you get a copy of Blooms?

Purchase options:

Shipping – Buy it here online with a credit card and have it shipped to a location of your choice for a cost. Quotes are available for out of province shipping, or call the office during these Office Hours to arrange payment by credit card.

Pick up at our office – Buy it here online with a credit card or call the office during these Office Hours to arrange payment by credit card, cheque or cash. Then arrange a time to pick it up at the Friends’ office in Building 72 weekdays during our Office Hours. (We are closed on statutory holidays.)

Questions? Email info@friendsofthefarm.ca