Canadensis Let's Build a Garden

04/19/2026

Canadensis Botanical Garden Society team in action. 🌿

We spent the day together in a focused planning workshop, working through priorities, next steps, and the path forward for Canadensis.

With Adrian Horwood guiding the conversation, we explored ideas around growth, communications, and how to keep building momentum behind the vision for a national botanical garden in Ottawa.

A big thank you to Courtney for organizing such a welcoming space - and to Gerry and Courtney for keeping everyone well fed!

There’s a strong sense of direction - and real energy - around what comes next.

Let’s build a garden. 🌱

📸 Photo (clockwise from centre): Tina Liu (photographer extraordinaire), Gérald Lajeunesse, Steve Wilson, Dave Ballinger, Satya Brink, Courtney Flood, Adrian Horwood, Tommy Wingreen, Monique Oaks, Kath Thompson


Canadensis Let's Build a Garden Patricia Lajeunesse Dorothy Wilson Monique Goffinet

02/17/2026

UPDATE: Algonquin College has postponed its February decision on proposed program suspensions - including the Horticultural Industries program and Horticulture Techniques apprenticeships - following the Province of Ontario’s announcement ending the tuition freeze and introducing new sector funding.
This pause allows time for further assessment and dialogue.

Canadensis continues to support the importance of strong horticultural education in Eastern Ontario and will monitor developments closely.

Thank you to everyone who has shared respectful feedback - your voices make a difference. 🌱
Canadensis Let's Build a Garden

🌿 A Call to Support Horticultural Education at Algonquin College

Dear Canadensis Members, Colleagues, and Friends,
We want to share an important development affecting horticultural education in our region.

Algonquin College has proposed the elimination or suspension of the Horticultural Industries program and the Apprenticeships in Horticulture Techniques.

On behalf of the Canadensis Botanical Garden Society, our Board of Directors has sent a formal letter to President Claude Brulé and the Board of Governors expressing our concern.

These programs are foundational to Eastern Ontario’s green-sector workforce. Graduates go on to work in:
Public gardens
Municipal landscape and forestry departments
Conservation and restoration projects
Landscape and greenhouse businesses
Community greening initiatives

At a time when climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable landscapes matter more than ever, horticultural education is not something that can easily be rebuilt once lost.

As an organization working toward the future Botanical Garden of Canada in Ottawa, we see firsthand how vital skilled horticultural professionals are to the health of our communities.

How You Can Help
If you feel moved to do so, we encourage you to write a brief message to Algonquin College leadership. Even short, respectful notes from individuals and organizations can help demonstrate the broader community impact of this decision.

Below is a simple template you may use or adapt and send to: [email protected].
------------------------------
Claude Brulé, President and CEO
Algonquin College
Dear President Brulé,
I am writing to share my concern about the proposed closure of the Horticultural Industries program and the Apprenticeships in Horticulture Techniques at Algonquin College. These programs are vital to the environmental and green-sector workforce in Eastern Ontario, supplying skilled professionals to public gardens, municipalities, landscape businesses, and community projects.

At a time when sustainable landscapes, climate resilience, and biodiversity matter more than ever, eliminating horticultural training would have long-term consequences for our region. I respectfully urge you and the Board of Governors to consider the broader community impact and explore every possible option to maintain horticultural education at Algonquin College.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[City / Organization, if applicable]
----------------------------------
We recognize that the College is facing difficult pressures and complex decisions. Our intention is not to criticize, but to ensure that the long-term environmental, economic, and community implications are fully considered.

Horticulture shapes our cities, our food systems, our biodiversity, and our shared green spaces. It deserves strong and sustained support.

Thank you for being part of this growing conversation.

With appreciation,
Gérald Lajeunesse
On behalf of The Board of Directors
Canadensis Botanical Garden Society
Ottawa, Ontario

02/15/2026

UPDATE: Algonquin College has postponed its February decision on proposed program suspensions - including the Horticultural Industries program and Horticulture Techniques apprenticeships - following the Province of Ontario’s announcement ending the tuition freeze and introducing new sector funding.

This pause allows time for further assessment and dialogue.

Canadensis continues to support the importance of strong horticultural education in Eastern Ontario and will monitor developments closely.

Thank you to everyone who has shared respectful feedback - your voices make a difference. 🌱

Canadensis Let's Build a Garden

🌿 A Call to Support Horticultural Education at Algonquin College

Dear Canadensis Members, Colleagues, and Friends,

We want to share an important development affecting horticultural education in our region.

Algonquin College has proposed the elimination or suspension of the Horticultural Industries program and the Apprenticeships in Horticulture Techniques.

On behalf of the Canadensis Botanical Garden Society, our Board of Directors has sent a formal letter to President Claude Brulé and the Board of Governors expressing our concern.

These programs are foundational to Eastern Ontario’s green-sector workforce. Graduates go on to work in:

Public gardens
Municipal landscape and forestry departments
Conservation and restoration projects
Landscape and greenhouse businesses
Community greening initiatives

At a time when climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable landscapes matter more than ever, horticultural education is not something that can easily be rebuilt once lost.

As an organization working toward the future Botanical Garden of Canada in Ottawa, we see firsthand how vital skilled horticultural professionals are to the health of our communities.

How You Can Help

If you feel moved to do so, we encourage you to write a brief message to Algonquin College leadership. Even short, respectful notes from individuals and organizations can help demonstrate the broader community impact of this decision.

Below is a simple template you may use or adapt and send to: [email protected].

------------------------------
Claude Brulé, President and CEO
Algonquin College

Dear President Brulé,

I am writing to share my concern about the proposed closure of the Horticultural Industries program and the Apprenticeships in Horticulture Techniques at Algonquin College. These programs are vital to the environmental and green-sector workforce in Eastern Ontario, supplying skilled professionals to public gardens, municipalities, landscape businesses, and community projects.

At a time when sustainable landscapes, climate resilience, and biodiversity matter more than ever, eliminating horticultural training would have long-term consequences for our region. I respectfully urge you and the Board of Governors to consider the broader community impact and explore every possible option to maintain horticultural education at Algonquin College.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[City / Organization, if applicable]
----------------------------------

We recognize that the College is facing difficult pressures and complex decisions. Our intention is not to criticize, but to ensure that the long-term environmental, economic, and community implications are fully considered.

Horticulture shapes our cities, our food systems, our biodiversity, and our shared green spaces. It deserves strong and sustained support.

Thank you for being part of this growing conversation.

With appreciation,

Gérald Lajeunesse

On behalf of The Board of Directors
Canadensis Botanical Garden Society
Ottawa, Ontario

01/23/2026

An update from our neighbours near the Central Experimental Farm. 🌿

The NCC Board has approved the 66% Developed Design of The Ottawa Hospital’s New Campus.
This approval includes:
🚗 A parking garage
🌳 A rooftop park
📍 Located near Dow’s Lake, the new facility will feature tennis courts, lawns, play areas, viewpoints, seating, trees and gardens.

Canadensis Let's Build a Garden National Capital Commission

Our Board has approved the 66% Developed Design of The Ottawa Hospital’s New Campus.

This approval includes:
🚗 A parking garage
🌳 A rooftop park

📍 Located near Dow’s Lake, the new facility will feature tennis courts, lawns, play areas, viewpoints, seating, trees and gardens.

Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/virtual-board-of-directors-meeting-january-2026?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

01/13/2026

🌿 A hidden chapter of botanical history has just come to light.

Newly digitized records reveal that many of the plants collected during Captain Cook’s voyages were documented using Indigenous knowledge shared directly with European botanists - knowledge that was later absorbed into Western science, often without credit or recognition.

Tucked inside 18th-century notebooks are Indigenous plant names, uses, and observations - voices nearly lost to history, now resurfacing through the archives of London’s Natural History Museum.

This isn’t just about the past. It’s about who gets remembered, who gets cited, and how botanical knowledge is built.

At Canadensis, these stories matter. As we work toward a Botanical Garden of Canada, we’re committed to acknowledging Indigenous knowledge systems, understanding plants in their full cultural context, and learning from the land and the people who have stewarded it for generations.

📖 Read the full story via Smithsonian Magazine:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/newly-digitized-records-reveal-how-indigenous-people-shared-their-knowledge-of-new-zealands-plants-with-captain-cooks-crew-180987953/

Canadensis Let's Build a Garden

01/07/2026

At Canadensis, we believe community-led greening is how great gardens grow. 🌱
This program supports residents and community groups who want to turn ideas into lasting gardens and greening projects on City land.

🌿 Applications are now open for Ottawa’s Community-led Greening Initiatives and Gardening Program
🗓️ Applications close February 3
📍 Join an in-person information session on January 14 at the Nepean Sportsplex

🔗 Find out more: https://bit.ly/4bqfwQW

Canadensis Let's Build a Garden City of Ottawa

Applications are now open for ’s Community-led Greening Initiatives and Gardening Program.

This program gives residents and community groups the chance to create or expand gardens and greening projects on City land.

Applications are open until February 3.
Join us for an in-person information session on January 14 at the Nepean Sportsplex.
Find out more : https://bit.ly/4bqfwQW

01/06/2026

🌿 Garden lovers: there’s a new Monty Don series - and it takes viewers along the Rhine River.

Presented by Monty Don, Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens is a three-part BBC series exploring how gardens are shaped by landscape, history, and culture. From alpine plant collections high in the Swiss mountains to the unique microclimates of Lake Constance and historic gardens woven through Germany’s castles, cities, and river valleys, the series is rich with ideas and inspiration.

At Canadensis, we’re always keen to see how great gardens around the world reflect a strong sense of place - and how long-term vision and stewardship shape what grows.

📺 Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens premieres January 16 on BBC Two
🇨🇦 Canadian viewers: check your local listings or streaming services to see when and where it airs in Canada.

News from Monty Don Canadensis Let's Build a Garden

01/01/2026

As we welcome 2026, we look ahead with hope.

Together, Canadensis continues planting the seeds for a future botanical garden that supports nature, learning, and community well-being. 🌱✨

Canadensis Let's Build a Garden

12/30/2025

🌺🌿 Did you know hummingbirds are evolving right before our eyes?
Research shows that feeders and non-native plants can shape how wildlife adapts over time - proof that gardens matter. That’s why Canadensis is working to build a botanical garden rooted in research, native plants, and responsible stewardship.

Read more about hummingbird research here: https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-are-dramatically-evolving-bill-shape-in-real-time-thanks-to-humans/

Canadensis Let's Build a Garden

12/23/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to wish you very Happy Holidays.

May this holiday season bring joy, peace, and warmth to you and your loved ones.

We thank you for supporting the future botanical garden for our community and believing in CANADENSIS.

We look forward to advancing our botanical garden project in 2026 and enhancing our community’s environmental health and quality of life.

Warmest wishes,
Canadensis Board of Directors

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Alors que 2025 tire à sa fin, nous tenons à vous souhaiter de très joyeuses fêtes.

Que cette période des Fêtes vous apporte, à vous et à vos proches, joie, paix et chaleur.

Nous vous remercions de votre soutien du futur jardin botanique de notre communauté et de votre confiance en CANADENSIS.

Nous avons hâte de faire avancer notre projet de jardin botanique en 2026 et ainsi améliorer la santé environnementale et la qualité de vie de notre communauté.

Bien cordialement,
Conseil d'administration de Canadensis

Canadensis Let's Build a Garden

09/26/2025

🌳 It’s Not Too Late to Plant a Tree! 🌳

Join us at Canadensis this Saturday, September 27, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, and be part of growing Canada’s future National Botanical Garden!

You can:
✅ Plant a tree at Canadensis
✅ Request a tree for your community group this fall

📧 Email [email protected] to sign up.
📍 Location: Hartwells Locks Ln, just south of the main gate. Look for the tent & flags!

Let’s grow something lasting - together! 🌱

Canadensis Let's Build a Garden Tree Canada / Arbres Canada

09/23/2025

🌳 Celebrate National Tree Day with Us
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | Canadensis Site | 11 am - 12:30 pm

National Tree Day honours the beauty, strength, and vital role of trees in our lives. More than a celebration, it is also a step toward our mission. By planting and caring for trees, we grow both the canopy of Canadensis and the foundation for Canada’s future national botanical garden.

On this day, you are invited to plant a tree at Canadensis and help grow our future tree canopy. To register, please email [email protected].

You can also identify a community group that can receive a seedling from our native tree nursery to plant in their own space this fall.

👉 If your community group would like a tree donation, email [email protected].

Learn more about National Tree Day at Tree Canada / Arbres Canada
Canadensis Let's Build a Garden