Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Ottawa Botanical Garden Society and its plan to build a botanic garden.

Q: 1 What is the Ottawa Botanical Garden Society?
A: The Ottawa Botanical Garden Society is a legal entity established in 1998 to operate as a not-for-profit society. The Society is a registered charity composed of volunteers working for the re- establishment, development and management of a botanical garden at the Central Experimental Farm.

Q: 2 What is a botanic garden?
A: A botanic garden is a garden which displays native and foreign plants and trees. It conducts educational, research, and public information programmes which enhance public understanding and appreciation of plants, trees and gardening.

Q: 3 What are the benefits of having a botanic garden in the National Capital Region?
A: A botanic garden will enrich the community in a variety of ways. It will provide:

• an area of peace and beauty;
• a tourist attraction throughout the year;
• a scientific research centre for horticulture, systematics and taxonomy; the growing of exotic plants; and plant conservation;
• educational and training outreach opportunities for all student levels;
• a therapeutic horticulture programme;
• employment and economic benefits;
• an attractive natural setting for cultural events;
• permanent protection for the heritage features of the area.

Q: 4 Why don’t we already have a botanical garden?
A: An arboretum and botanical garden was begun in 1887 at the Central Experimental Farm, immediately after the 1886 Act which established the Farm. Although numerous early historical documents make reference to Arboretum and Botanic Garden at the Central Experimental Farm reference to a botanic garden gradually faded away after World War 1.

Q: 5 What is the physical area of the proposed botanic garden?
A: It is 34 acres of non-mission land south of Fletcher Wildlife Gardens bounded east by Prince of Wales and west by Rideau Canal. 

Q: 6 What are the future plans of Agriculture Canada and Agri-Food Canada for the management of the lands in the Prince of Wales Drive and Rideau Canal area?
A: Agriculture Canada and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has announced its Central Experimental Farm National Historic Site Management Plan which includes revitalizing Prince of Wales Drive as a link in the cultural landscape by redeveloping the plantings and pathways.

Q: 8 What is the current relationship between the Society and The Friends of the Farm?
A: The Ottawa Botanical Garden Society and the Friends of the Farm are working together and with other volunteer groups to help implement the AAFC National Historic Site Management Plan for the Central Experimental Farm.

Q: 10 Does the garden plan respect the heritage designation the government has applied to the Central Experimental Farm?
A: Yes, definitely. The OBGS proposal will enhance the heritage status of the area as defined in the comprehensive Heritage Management Strategy prepared by Commonwealth Historic Resource Management.

Q: 11 Will public access to the Arboretum and the Ornamental Garden be altered?
A: No, public enjoyment and access to these areas will continue be available to all.

Q: 12 Will there be a charge for entry to the Arboretum?
A: No the Arboretum access will remain free to the public.

Q: 13 Will there be any major changes made to the Arboretum, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, or Ornamental Garden?
A: No changes will be made, they all have established features of the Central Experimental Farm with volunteer programs and AAFC maintenance programs. Establishment of a botanic garden will only enhance them.

Q: 14 How will the garden affect access to the campus of Carleton University from the west side of the canal?
A: Access through the botanic garden to the Carleton campus will remain open and in some respects will be improved. Bicycle and foot access will not be affected by our plan.

Q: 15 How would we finance the garden?
A: There will be a national fundraising campaign to finance building the garden with operational expenses balanced through entrance fees, grants, corporate sponsorships, etc.

Q: 16 What can I do to help?
A: Quite a bit! You can:

1. Join the Ottawa Botanical Garden Society by becoming a member today.
2. Volunteer your time and experience to any of our events or committees. 
3. Give additional financial support to the Society in the form of a donation and receive a tax deduction receipt.

Q: 17 What are the benefits of becoming a member of the OBGS?
A: Some of the benefits of a membership include:

1. Participation in the educational, scientific, cultural, and economic activities of the Society;
2. Discounts on Society events, etc;
3. Information updates on the Society’s achievements and activities;
4. Involvement in the Society's direction with your voting power;
5. The ability to run for an executive office within the Society.

Q: 18 How long will it take to create a botanic garden?
A: Phase I will be operational by 2017 to coincide with Canada's 150th anniversary celebrations.