The 2025 OHS Photography Competition Winning Photo: Judge’s and People’s Choice “Single Bleeding Heart”, Paula Brown.
Celebrating Ottawa Gardens Since 1892
Welcome to the Ottawa Horticultural Society
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a curious beginner, or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of plants, we’re glad you’re here.
At the Ottawa Horticultural Society (OHS), we believe gardening is more than a hobby, it’s a way to connect with nature, build community, and nurture well-being. Since 1892, we’ve been bringing people together to share knowledge, swap plants, and celebrate the joy of growing.
Discover our Mission
Since 1892, the Ottawa Horticultural Society has been dedicated to promoting gardening knowledge and environmental stewardship. Our mission is to inspire and educate the community about the joys and benefits of gardening. Meet our passionate board members, learn about our affiliations with the Ontario Horticultural Association, and discover our esteemed patrons, including the Governor General and the Mayor of Ottawa.
Upcoming Events
Summer 2026 Garden Pop-Up Tours (July)
July 30, 2026, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Guided Tour
Members: Join us for a guided tour at the Ottawa Art Gallery
A guided tour at the Ottawa Art Gallery, highlighting the intersection of art and science through the pioneering work of Faith Fyles, Canada’s first female botanist in the Department of Agriculture. Members are asked to RSVP; full contact details are available on the flyer.
Summer 2026 Garden Pop-Up Tours (August)
August 9, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Formal Guided Tour
Members: Join us at The Gardens of Paula Brown
Discover two contrasting garden styles, one formal and structured, the other blending seamlessly into the Greenbelt’s natural beauty. This one‑hour guided tour is limited to 25 participants, so sign‑up is required, and full contact details are available on the flyer.
Summer 2026 Garden Pop-Up Tours (August)
August 23, 2026, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Drop-In/Open House
Members: Join us in visiting four different growers
The Beet Box Cooperative Farm in rural Stittsville invites you to explore four featured gardens and the stories behind them. This drop‑in tour is at one location highlighting the gardens of Willow Sharp, Barbara Brown, Alan Viau, and Maggie and Tess. Discover each grower’s unique approach to cultivating flowers, food and community.
Summer 2026 Garden Pop-Up Tours (September)
September 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Guided Tour
Members: Join us at the Gardens of Larry Chamney
Wrap up the OHS Summer 2026 Garden Pop-Up Tour season with a visit to the OHS President’s garden. Larry will guide you through his outstanding shaded front beds, sunny backyard borders, fresh native plantings, and a long‑standing pond and waterfall. It’s a perfect way to finish the season.
Speakers Series
September 22, 2026 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM
In-Person Presentation
Interesting Perspectives and Wisdom from the Master Gardeners of Ottawa‑Carleton (MGOC)
Presenters: Mary Crawford, Odette McIntyre, and Lee Ann Smith
Three MGOCs will share insights on gardening challenges, trends, and creative solutions, with plenty of time for your questions.
Garlic Braiding Workshop
October 17, 2026 | Time: To be Confirmed
Members: The OHS is pleased to announce a special workshop at Willow’s Flowers featuring the creation of beautiful garlic braids accented with dried flowers. The workshop will take place at Willow’s Flower Farm on Saturday, October 17, cost is $50/pp. Registration and full details will be available in September. In the meantime, save the date!
Speakers Series
October 27, 2026 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM
In-Person Presentation
Drama in the Butterfly Garden
Presenter: Carol Pasternak
Discover backyard insect dramas through Carol Pasternak’s vivid macro photography and lively storytelling, revealing hatching, transforming, and wildlife‑supporting behaviours.
Local Events of Interest
Gardening Events E‑Calendar: Ottawa & Area
This gardener‑curated e-calendar highlights horticultural events across Ottawa and beyond, featuring tours, workshops, talks, community gatherings, and seasonal celebrations.
OHS Fundraiser: Notecard Sets
Support the Good Work of the OHS
Now available, beautiful notecards featuring photography
from our members. $20 for a pack of 4 (envelopes included).
Find them at our Monthly Speaker Series (at the Membership Table, or see the Events Calendar for full details).
News & Notices
Now Available to Members – The OHS 2026 Yearbook (12.05.26)
2025 was a year of meaningful progress for the Ottawa Horticultural Society, and this Yearbook aims not only to capture what has taken place, but also to offer a glimpse of what lies ahead. OHS Board members and volunteers alike should feel proud of the remarkable…
OHS Receives District Appreciation Award (11.05.26)
Between 2024 and 2025, 84 new members joined the Ottawa Horticultural Society, and that milestone did not go unnoticed. At the District 2 Annual General Meeting on Saturday, April 18th, organized by the Nepean Horticultural Society, the OHS was presented with a…
The Dibbler Magazine Spring 2026: Now Available to Members: Remembering Two Great Planstwomen (09.04.26)
Our Spring issue of The Dibbler features articles in memory of two amazing plantswomen who were OHS members – Marilyn Light and Gillian Boyd. Read about their many horticultural accomplishments and warm memories shared by those who knew them. With the coming of…
Celebrate Ottawa 200
Contest: Create A Miniature Garden
OHS 2026 Photo Competition
The 2026 OHS Photography Competition is now open!
This year’s theme, “This and That,” features a playful mix of some of the most popular classes from recent OHS photography competitions, along with a couple of new twists. All are designed to inspire gardeners to put down the weeding hoe, pick up a camera, and capture the beauty of gardens and nature. Don’t be shy — get out your camera and join in the fun!
Members can access full details through the Member Menu after logging in.
Give the Gift of Gardening
Celebrate the joy of gardening, every season of the year. Give someone special a year filled with plant‑inspired learning, community, and connection through the Ottawa Horticultural Society with our Gift a Membership option.
Look for the Gift a Membership button in the main header to get started — it’s the easiest way to give a gift that grows.
Picture Perfect
Some of Our Photo Entries From 2025
Discover the creativity of our members in the annual OHS Photography Competition. This gallery showcases breathtaking images from the 2025 contest, featuring beautiful work from both winning and non‑winning entrants, highlighting just how difficult it was to make the final decisions.
The 2025 competition included eight classes, including a junior category. View the full gallery of winning photos, complete with photographer credits and titles, here or by clicking the button below.
What remarkable talent shared by our members. The 2026 competition is now open and we look forward to seeing your entries. Winners will be announced at our annual AGM. Good luck!
Resources & About Us
Garden Library
BROWSE
A curated collection from the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) for OHS, featuring English and French titles to inspire every green thumb.
OHS Publications
DISCOVER
Discover current and past editions of OHS magazines, newsletters and yearbooks. A rich archive of programs, events, and gardening expertise since 2010.
About Us
COMING IN 2026
Our OHS Board & Volunteers
Join a vibrant community of garden lovers, green thumbs, and nature enthusiasts! As a member of the Ottawa Horticultural Society, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to workshops, seasonal events, expert resources, and a network of passionate growers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just planting your first seed, there’s a place for you here.