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.
OHS 2026 Photo Competition
The 2026 OHS Photography Competition is now open!
There is still time. Submit your entries soon. Deadline: 9:00 pm Wednesday October 28th.
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!
Deadline has been extended to 9:00 pm Wednesday October 28th.
Members can access full details through the Member Menu after logging in.
Upcoming Events
Native Tree Seeds for Volunteer Growers
October 27, 2026 | 7:00 - 7:30 PM
In‑person
Arrive early! Native tree seeds and nuts such as Ironwood, Cherry birch, Bitternut hickory and Ohio buckeye will be available ahead of the Speaker Series with Carol Pasternak on October 27. Visit our table to pick up yours and help grow native trees to increase the biodiversity of Ottawa’s tree canopy.
Speakers Series
October 27, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM
In‑person and streamed online 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. Members, link to the event will be provided via Grapevine.
Houseplant Swap!
November 24, 2026 | 7:00 - 7:30 PM
In‑person
Arrive early for the OHS houseplant swap from 7 to 7:30 pm before our November Speaker Series with Barbara Brown. Bring a labelled, potted plant to trade or give away, and you may discover a charming new companion for your indoor garden. See you there!
Speakers Series
November 24, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM
In-person Presentation
In-person Presentation
Designing with Nature, for Outdoor and Indoor Enjoyment
Presenter: Emma Terrell
Explore fresh plant ideas, creative greening solutions, and the transformative power of moss. This session blends practical guidance with artistic inspiration to help you welcome more greenery into your everyday spaces.
AGM & A Winter's Tale Social
December 1, 2026 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Members: Join us on Tuesday, December 1 for A Winter’s Tale, our festive holiday social and AGM with treats, prizes, and seasonal cheer. We look forward to seeing you at our annual get‑together.
Speakers Series
January 26, 2027 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Online Presentation
Beyond Pretty: Gardens That Matter
Presenter: Cathy Kavassalis
See how thoughtful gardening transforms any space into a resilient, abundant ecosystem that gives back, supports wildlife, and deepens your connection to the natural world.
Speakers Series
February 23, 2027 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Online Presentation
Edibles in the Urban Landscape
Presenter: Stephen Biggs
Learn with Stephen Biggs how to grow fruit, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers beautifully and productively, even in the smallest outdoor spaces.
Speakers Series
March 30, 2027 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM
In-Person Presentation
Fruits and Berries for Urban Gardeners
Presenter: Mary Reid
Discover fruit trees and berry bushes suited to Ottawa, plus practical planting tips and simple ways to increase your harvest in limited spaces.
Past Events
Event Recap: Ottawa 200 Block Party
From Saturday September 26th | Ottawa City Hall
Thank you to everyone who visited the OHS booth at Ottawa’s 200 Block Party. We loved sharing gardening tips and showcasing our miniature garden contest.
See the miniature garden contest results and photos by clicking on the button to access them.
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.
Friends of the Farm Speaker Series
Saturday November 21 | 2 PM | Location: Neatby Salon, 960 Carling Ave., Ottawa
Friends of the Farm presents its final Speakers Series talk on November 21: The Farm’s Hidden Network, with Dr. Wen Chen exploring the unseen microbial world that shapes plant health.
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 Program (at the Membership Table, or see the Events Calendar for full program details).
News & Notices
OHS Statement on Proposed Cuts to Algonquin College’s Horticulture Program (28.02.26)
As many of you are aware, the Horticultural Programs at Algonquin are facing elimination. The College’s Board of Governors’ decision meeting on the cuts was to have been held on February 23, 2026. This has been deferred pending a reassessment by the College of the...
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.
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
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!
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.