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Rideau Woodland Ramble
The mission of the Ramble is to capture the imagination of gardeners and collectors. We provide unrivaled experiences, service and quality. – Rob Caron & Dave Dunn
The Rideau Woodland Ramble, located near Winchester in Merrickville, Ontario, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends horticultural excellence with artistic expression. Spanning seven acres of mature woodland, this garden center and display garden has garnered national recognition for its unique offerings and serene ambiance.
🌿 A Sanctuary for Rare and Unusual Plants
At the heart of the Ramble’s allure is its specialization in rare and unusual hostas, conifers, magnolias, and a diverse array of shrubs, trees, and perennials. Garden enthusiasts and collectors are drawn to its meticulously curated plant collections, which thrive in the dappled light provided by stands of red pine. The gardens are thoughtfully divided into several zones, each showcasing different plant groupings and landscape designs. Visitors can explore areas featuring Japanese maples, rhododendrons, azaleas, and ornamental grasses, all arranged to highlight their natural beauty.
🎨 Integration of Art and Nature
Adding to its charm, the Ramble houses the Pavilion Art Gallery, which features the garden and wildlife art of co-founder David Dunn. This integration of art within the natural setting enhances the visitor experience, offering a visual feast that celebrates both botanical and artistic creativity.
🌟 Recognitions and Accolades
The Ramble’s dedication to horticultural excellence has not gone unnoticed. It was honored with the Canadian Garden Council’s 2015 Destination Garden Centre of the Year Award and was designated a Canada 150 Garden Experience in 2017. These accolades underscore its status as one of Canada’s premier garden destinations.
🗺️ Visitor Experience
Open from mid-April to late October, the Rideau Woodland Ramble offers free admission to its gardens and trails.Visitors can meander through its various garden rooms, enjoy the tranquil ambiance of its ponds and water features, and conclude their visit by purchasing plants from the garden center, many of which are featured in the display gardens.
In essence, the Rideau Woodland Ramble stands out as a harmonious blend of botanical diversity and artistic expression, providing a serene retreat for gardeners, collectors, and nature enthusiasts alike
Go to Rideau Woodland Ramble Events or Education Page
Capture the imagination of gardeners and collectors.
Living plants have their likes and dislikes. You must seek our advice should your plant be struggling. We will recommend the best planting procedure, location and continued plant care. We will not be held responsible for inappropriate location and soil type, inconsistent care or watering, rodent damage, acts of nature, weather extremes, insect damage, transplanting, chemical or fertilizer misuse.
Garden Tourism Award for Excellence
The gardens at Rideau Woodland Ramble are the result of years of evolution, experimentation and discovery. They fall into several main zones, almost all in some context of shade and woodland. 1. The first gardens enjoy the dappled light provided by a stand of red pine. They can be found on either side of the house. This acidic area is the home of Japanese maples, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and a range of trees, shrubs and perennials. You may be surprised by what thrives in this environment. 2. The second area is home to a babbling pond, a collection of dwarf conifers, specimen Hostas, and grasses, as well as a further range of trees shrubs and perennials. 3. The third major area is known as Lake Ramble, a pond home to much wildlife. A large garden of conifers anchors this area, along with a large grass demonstration bed, and the Labyrinth. 4. The next major zone included is called Totem Trail as it rambles into the pure woodland and some of the surprises contained therein. 5. 2005 saw the opening up of the new northern zone at the Ramble, with dramatic plantings down Chanticleer Lane. 6. Hosta Specimens can be seen throughout the Ramble, but new gardens in 2007 showcase them south of the shade house and at the front of the property along Burritt’s Rapids Rd. All of these gardens are interconnected with trails and walkways. The gardens are planted to exhibit, both structure, or the “bones” that hold them together, succession planting to assure interest from first melt to first snow. In 2012 , we added a Pavilion gateway to one of the gardens which is featuring the Garden and Wildlife Art of Dave Dunn.
