Images from the 2023 Ottawa Water Garden Tour

The 2023 Ottawa Water Garden Tour featured 11 water gardens on a self-guided day-time tour around the Ottawa area. Also included was an evening “Thank you” event at one of the most spectacular water gardens in the Ottawa area. The tour offers several benefits for both participants and the community as a whole. Here are some of the advantages:

1. Inspiration and Education: The tour provides an opportunity for participants to gain inspiration and ideas for their own water gardens. They can see a variety of water features, pond designs, and landscaping techniques, which can help them in creating or improving their own water gardens.
2. Community Engagement: The water garden tour fosters a sense of community among water garden enthusiasts and homeowners. It brings people together who share a common interest and passion for water gardening. Participants can exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences with fellow gardeners, creating a supportive network of like-minded individuals.
3. Environmental Benefits: Water gardens offer numerous environmental benefits. One of the gardens on the tour in 2023 was Berit Erickson’s “Corner Pollinator Garden. They can serve as habitats for wildlife, attracting birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. They also act as natural filters, purifying and recycling water through the use of plants and biological processes. By showcasing various water garden designs and promoting sustainable practices, the tour encourages participants to adopt eco-friendly approaches in their own gardens, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of the local environment.
4. Fundraising and Charitable Causes: The Ottawa Water Garden Tour is organized as a fundraiser for local initiatives, many listed here. Participants purchase tickets to visit the gardens, and  proceeds go towards community projects in the Ottawa area.
5. Beautification and Property Value: Water gardens enhance the aesthetic appeal of residential properties. They add a natural, tranquil element to the landscape and create a relaxing atmosphere. Participating in the water garden tour allows homeowners to showcase their beautiful gardens to the public, contributing to the overall beautification of the community. Well-maintained and thoughtfully designed water gardens can also increase property values, benefiting homeowners in the long run.

Overall, the Ottawa Water Garden Tour offers numerous benefits, including inspiration, education, community engagement, environmental conservation, charitable contributions, and enhanced property values. It provides a platform for water garden enthusiasts to connect, learn, and make a positive impact on both their own gardens and the community as a whole.

Finally, in support of these initiatives, join the Greater Ottawa Water Garden and Horticultural Society and help make a difference.

(Click on photos for larger images)