Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Ottawa Botanical Garden Society and its plan to build a botanic garden.

Q: 1 What is the Ottawa Botanical Garden Society?
A: The Ottawa Botanical Garden Society is a legal entity established in 1998 to operate as a not-for-profit society. The Society is composed of volunteers working for the re- establishment, development and management of a botanical garden at the Central Experimental Farm.

Q: 2 What is a botanical garden?
A: A botanical garden is a garden which displays native and foreign plants and trees. It conducts educational, research, and public information programmes which enhance public understanding and appreciation of plants, trees and gardening.

Q: 3 What are the benefits of having a botanical garden in the National Capital Region?
A: A botanical garden will enrich the community in a variety of ways. It will provide:

• an area of peace and beauty;
• a tourist attraction throughout the year;
• a scientific research centre for horticulture, systematics and taxonomy; the growing of exotic plants; and plant conservation;
• educational and training outreach opportunities for all student levels;
• a therapeutic horticulture programme;
• employment and economic benefits;
• an attractive natural setting for cultural events;
• permanent protection for the heritage features of the area.

Q: 4 Why don’t we already have a botanical garden?
A: An arboretum and botanical garden was begun in 1887 at the Central Experimental Farm, immediately after the 1886 Act which established the Farm. Although numerous early historical documents make reference to Arboretum and Botanic Garden at the Central Experimental Farm reference to a botanic garden gradually faded away after World War 1. (Click for more about the history)

Q: 5 What is the physical area of the proposed botanical garden?
A: 34 acres of land south of Fletcher Wildlife Gardens. It is in this area that we aim to establish a botanical garden.

Q: 6 What are the future plans of Agriculture Canada and Agri-Food Canada for the management of the lands in the Prince of Wales Drive and Rideau Canal area?
A: Agriculture Canada and Agri-Food Canada has announced its Central Experimental Farm National Historic Site Management Plan which includes revitalizing Prince of Wales Drive as a link in the cultural landscape by redeveloping the plantings and pathways.

Q: 8 What is the current relationship between the Society and The Friends of the Farm?
A: The Ottawa Botanical Garden Society and the Friends of the Farm are working together and with other volunteer groups to help implement the Agriculture Canada and Agri-Food Canada. National Historic Site Management Plan for the Central Experimental Farm.

Q: 10 Does the garden plan respect the heritage designation that the government has applied to the Central Experimental Farm?
A: Yes, definitely. The OBGS proposal will pay full attention to the heritage nature of the area, a comprehensive Heritage Management Strategy has been prepared by Commonwealth Historic Resource Management. (available from OBGS $10 plus postage)

Q: 11 Will public access to the Arboretum and the Ornamental Garden be permitted?
A: Yes. Continued public enjoyment of these areas will be encouraged.

Q: 12 Will there be a charge for entry to the Arboretum?
A: No the Arboretum access will remain free to the public.

Q: 13 Will there be any major changes made to the Arboretum, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, or Ornamental Garden?
A: These all have established features of the Central Experimental Farm with volunteer programs and AAFC maintenance programs. Establishment of a botanic garden will not affect these established facilities.

Q: 14 How will the garden affect access to the campus of Carleton University from the west side of the canal?
A: Access through the botanical garden to the Carleton campus will remain open and in some respects will be improved. Bicycle and foot access will not be affected by our plan.

Q: 15 How would we finance the garden?
A: The aim is to be completely self-financing within a few years of start up. Funds would be raised by entrance fees. Other funds would be raised through corporate sponsorships of events (e.g., of the revived Chrysanthemum Show) so that each event would be part of an overall balanced budget.

Q: 16 What can I do to help?
A: Quite a bit! You can:

1. Join the Ottawa Botanical Garden Society now as a Founding Member.
2. Volunteer your time and experience in support of a) the Society’s activities or b) the preparation of the proposal for presentation to the government’s Advisory Council.
   
3. Give additional financial support to the Society to cover the immediate costs associated with the submission of the proposal (donation, endowment, or sponsorship.)

Q: 17 What are the benefits of becoming a Founding Member of the OBGS?
A: Some of the benefits of a founding membership include:

1. Participation in the educational, scientific, cultural, and economic activities of the Society;
2. Discounts for Society events, etc;
3. Information updates on the Society’s achievements and activities;
4. An opportunity to be involved in Society concerns and to have your voice heard;
5. The ability to run for an executive office within the Society;
6. Identification as a Founding Member on membership cards and in future public acknowledgements.

Q: 18 How long will it take to create a botanical garden?
A: It will take three to five years to establish a botanical garden \