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The Rideau Woodland Ramble experience


Story by Tania Moffat, photos provided by Dave Dunn


Wander through a wooded wonderland.


where we can truly appreciate the gift of Mother Earth and let our spirits soar. Rideau Woodland Ramble is a garden experience unlike any other. It will capture your heart and soothe your soul; it’s no wonder that people return here year after year. The concept of the public garden was always a dream


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of Rob Caron’s. A horticulturist by trade, he and part- ner Dave Dunn spent many years collecting rare plants and developing the gardens. In 1998 the massive ice storm that hit eastern Ontario and Quebec devastated the gardens. “It basically tore out two acres of forest – it looked like a bomb had gone off,” says Dave of the destruction. Up until that time Rob and Dave had been extending and evolving their gardens. The storm, though damaging, provided them with a huge oppor- tunity to use what they had created and evolve it in an unusual way. It was here, in the clearing, where the idea of the Ramble was truly born. Much of the clean-up


localgardener.net Sign points to a unique experience.


and infrastructure was created between 1999 and 2000 culminating with the official opening in the fall of 2000. The Ramble is located approximately 45 minutes south


of Ottawa via Highway 43, in Merrickville. The gardens are off the beaten path so to speak, but have become a yearly destination for many. Over half of their visitors come to tour the gardens. From garden clubs, senior bus tours and other groups on day trips – people come


Spring 2016 • 17


othing on earth is more invigorating and magi- cal than nature. It has the ability to transport us from the ordinary world into a mystical place,


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