Canadensis: The Garden of Canada

​The Master Plan design for Canadensis intends to transform the 34-acre piece of fallow Central Experimental Farm land just south of the National Arboretum, into a modern meaningful botanical masterpiece of international standing. Imagine! Visitors may be able to travel by water taxi from downtown Ottawa, heading towards the distant silo – a vertical garden tower that will act as a visible landmark, an architectural and horticultural statement in the heart of the Garden. Stepping off the boat at a landing by the Hartwells Locks on the Rideau Canal, they can join other visitors already enjoying the multiple attractions of Canadensis, The Garden of Canada.

If you visit today: Canadensis presents Beyond the Edge: Artists’ Gardens – a land art exhibition, first shown in 2014. The exhibition explored the notion of a rural oasis in the heart of an urban centre. In 2016, Canadensis Botanical Garden Society partnered with the Canada Council Art Bank to present outdoor works by a group of artists who created installations in response to three outdoor sculptures on loan from the Art Bank collection. Three new installations have been added to the site for a total of 6 unique experiences. An attractive, modern sun shelter has also been constructed at the site designed by graduate students from Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism students. The site is a wonderful picnicking venue set in an inspiring, urban, pastoral landscape.