It's looking like a colourful and fruitful fall and winter for the Old Ottawa South Garden Club. In September, award-winning landscape designer Welwyn Wong will emphasize how important our local growing conditions are for the effective use of shrubs and trees; in October, master gardener Edythe Falconer will talk "how to grow roses in Ottawa"; and, in November, landscape architect John Szczepaniak will lead a hands-on design exercise to redevelop an Old Ottawa South garden. And that's just what's on before Christmas! — Gwendolyn Gall, OSCA Web Editor
Program 2010-2011
Old Ottawa South Garden Club members represent a mix of beginners and more experienced gardeners, with gardens that range from pot-filled apartment balconies to professionally landscaped lots. We share the passion, curiosity, frustration, and pleasure of this pastime.
September 14: Trees and Shrubs in the Urban Garden. Award-winning landscape designer Welwyn Wong will talk about the effective use of trees and shrubs in the urban garden with special emphasis on urban growing conditions.
October 12: Roses for All Reasons. Master Gardener Edythe Falconer will discuss how to grow roses in Ottawa gardens. Topics will include: types of roses and their characteristics; choosing the right roses for your garden; soil preparation; conditions required for healthy growth; and ongoing maintenance.
November 9: Hands-on Garden Planning. Landscape Architect John Szczepaniak will lead the group through a hands-on design exercise to redevelop an Ottawa South garden. Using a real site and before and after pictures from completed projects, John will demonstrate and explain the design process. The group will prepare an actual plan for the site by the end of the meeting. Registration is required: please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 613-563-8791.
January 11: Peonies with Mary Pratt. The well-know local peony expert will share her passion for, and knowledge of, peonies and their cultivation—and bring some much-needed colour to our mid-winter meeting!
February 8: Indoor Gardening with Miniature Landscapes. Members of the African Violet Society will demonstrate how to create dish gardens and terrariums. Topics will include: plant selection, soil preparation, design, and maintenance.
March 8: The Square-foot Garden. Master Gardener Fleurette Huneault will discuss how to plan small, but intensively-planted, organic food-gardens with the added benefit of reducing work, water and weeds.
April 12: A to (almost) Z of Native Plants in the Ottawa Area. Master Gardener Lee Boltwood will share the beauty and benefits of growing great native plants based on her experiences in her two-acre garden near Ottawa. At least one plant should suit your garden!
May 7: Spring Perennial Exchange—Good Plants, Good Deals. Bring potted and labelled perennial plants to exchange. Set up starts at 9:30 A.M., exchange at 10:00 A.M., sale of remaining plants follows. At the covered picnic area at Brewer Park.
Meetings: Ottawa South Community Centre (The Firehall) 260 Sunnyside Avenue
Time: Second Tuesday of the month: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Membership: $25 per year; drop-in fee - $7 per meeting
Information: The Old Ottawa South Community Centre at 613-247-4872 or Marilyn at 613-730-0597