Presenter: Cathy Kavassalis

Beyond Pretty: Gardens That Matter

Cathy Kavassalis, Master Gardener (Halton Region); conservationist; doctoral work at M.I.T.; master’s in environmental education from the University of Toronto; member of the Board of Directors for the Royal Botanical Gardens; co‑founder of the Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation.

Speaker Profile
Cathy Kavassalis is a Master Gardener, environmental educator, and co-founder of the Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation. She is passionate about helping gardeners understand how their plant choices shape the health of local ecosystems. Through her work with Master Gardeners, public gardens, municipalities, and environmental organizations, Cathy promotes science-based gardening practices that support biodiversity, ecological resilience, and sustainable communities. In her presentations, she combines practical horticultural knowledge with a deep appreciation for the interconnected relationships between plants, insects, wildlife, and people, inspiring gardeners to create landscapes that are both beautiful and beneficial.

Beyond Pretty: Gardens That Matter
Beautiful gardens lift our spirits, but they can do so much more. Every garden, no matter its size, can provide food, support pollinators and birds, build healthy soil, and strengthen the living systems we all depend on.

In this inspiring and practical talk, you’ll discover how small design choices can turn your space into a vibrant, productive landscape that gives back. Learn how fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers can work together to feed your household while also nourishing beneficial insects, improving soil life, and creating habitat. You’ll see how thoughtful plant choices help gardens become more resilient to drought, heat, and heavy rain, while remaining beautiful and enjoyable.

You don’t need more space, more time, or more work. You just need a shift in perspective. Whether you grow food on a balcony, in raised beds, or in a backyard, you’ll leave with simple, achievable ideas to make your garden more abundant, more resilient, and more connected to the natural world.

Because a truly great garden doesn’t just look good — it does good.

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Discover the Full 2027 Speaker Lineup

We invite you to explore inspiring season of presentations curated by our Speaker Series Program Leads. Follow the link below to view the complete lineup of speakers, learn about their areas of expertise, and dive into their profiles. It’s a remarkable collection of voices shaping the horticultural conversation in Ottawa and beyond.

https://ottawahort.org/speaker-series-2027/

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NOTE: 

* Effective September 23rd, 2026, all in-person presentations will be held at St. Mark's church, 1606 Fisher Avenue, Ottawa. Free parking available behind the church.
* Online presentations will be streamed live via Zoom (link provided to members in the Grapevine newsletter), and later posted on the OHS YouTube channel for those unable to attend starting at 7:30 PM.
* In-person presentations begin at 7:30 PM, following the OHS announcements and refreshment period from 7:00-7:30 PM.