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.
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 News & Notices
Algonquin College to End Intake to Its Horticultural Program in Fall 2026 (03/03/26)
Read OHS's Statement on Proposed Cuts to Algonquin College’s Horticulture Program (28/02/26)
Upcoming Events
Speakers Series
March 24, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM
In-Person Presentation
Food for Life: How Some Organizations in Ottawa are Addressing the Food Insecurity Gap
Presenters: Peter Tilley, Nelson Coyle, Carla De Ciccio, Cecilia Lee and Tom Robson.
Featuring a panel of five community leaders and experts discussing how horticulture and community action are transforming food security in our region.
Seed Swap!
March 24, 2026 | 6:45 - 7:30 PM
In-Person Event
Speaker Series
April 28, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM
In-Person Presentation
A Team Approach to Protecting Canada’s Biosecurity: How a Detector Dog and His Handler Work Together on This Important Issue
Presenter: Matthieu Morin
Food, Plant and Animal K9 Officer, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Discover how a CBSA officer and his detector dog help protect Canada’s gardens and ecosystems.
Speaker Series
June 16, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM
In-Person Presentation
Culinary Delights with Herbs and Edible Flowers
Presenter: Nancy McDonald
Master Gardener of Ottawa-Carleton and Member of the Ottawa Horticultural Society
Explore the culinary magic of herbs and edible flowers with a Master Gardener.
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.
Local Events of Interest
Seedy Saturday
March 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Discover heirloom seeds, free gardening talks, local vendors, crafts, and a welcoming seed‑exchange table.
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 2025 Photo Competition Winners
Photo Competition Results
The 2025 OHS Garden Competition, “The Garden is Your Canvas,” sparked a wonderful range of imaginative entries. Thank you to every member who shared their photos. Voting took place in November 2025, and the winners were revealed at the December Annual General Meeting.
We are delighted to announce that the overall winner is Paula Brown for her stunning photo, Single Bleeding Heart, now featured on our homepage. Two buttons accompany this section: one leads to the Full Gallery of all submissions, and the other takes you to the 2025 Winners page highlighting the First, Second, and Third place entries (also to be featured in the OHS 2026 Yearbook). Additional photos, including both winning and non‑winning entries, will also be featured in the Picture Perfect section below. Enjoy!
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. We look forward to your entries in Fall 2026!
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.