Drama in the Butterfly Garden

Event Details

October 27:  In-person presentation, Carol Pasternak, MBA, LLB, is an author, photographer, and sought-after motivational nature speaker.
Drama in the Butterfly Garden

         

Explore the secret lives in your yard or nearby natural area. Through graphic macro photography and videos, you’ll see insects hatching, eating each other, transforming, parasitizing, courting, and even farming! Take a break from the news. Butterfly expert and author Carol Pasternak will dazzle you with her passion, humour, and brilliant photography, then stay to answer all your questions.
Speaker ProfileCarol Pasternak, MBA, LLB, is an author, photographer, and sought-after motivational nature speaker. She has been raising butterflies on her dining room table for 40 years and never gets tired of it. Her first book, How to Raise Monarch Butterflies: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids, has sold 60,000 copies and inspired a new generation to grow native plants. In her newest book, 5 Butterflies, Carol merges her mottos — Discover it. Love it. Protect it. and It’s Gotta Be Fun — to ignite people’s love of nature through the raising of butterflies.
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Discover the Full 2026 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.
View the Speaker Series 2026 Program








June 16:  In-person presentation by Nancy McDonald, Master Gardener of Ottawa-Carleton and member of the Ottawa Horticultural Society
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Culinary Delights With Herbs and Edible Flowers
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Nancy McDonald, Master Gardener, will shed a new light on how we can enjoy the fruits of our gardening labor in a different way.  Join us for a flavorful gardening talk that explores the culinary magic of herbs and edible flowers. Learn how to grow, harvest and use these aromatic and colorful plants to elevate your cooking and add beauty to your plate. You’ll discover creative ways to incorporate garden-fresh ingredients into everyday meals and special occasions.
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Speaker profileNancy McDonald grew up on a farm on PEI and learned the practical aspects of gardening from her parents. Her love of flowers came from spending time in her grandmother’s beautiful mixed garden. After 42 years of a very fulfilling nursing career, Nancy’s thoughts turned to retirement and volunteer opportunities. She has been a member of the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton for 15 years.  As a Master Gardener, Nancy completed the Pollinator Steward Certification in 2024. She is a member of the Ottawa Horticultural Society and continues to enjoy her small suburban garden and the birds, bees and butterflies that visit. She also enjoys making flavorful recipes in her kitchen using herbs and edible flowers from her garden.
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Discover the Full 2026 Speaker Lineup
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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.
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View the Speaker Series 2026 Program