Burritt's Rapids: Ramble the Gardens of Rideau Woodland Ramble (RWR)
Rideau Woodland Ramble (RWR), co-owned by Dave Dunn and Rob Caron, is a major attraction for passionate gardeners, collectors and landscape contractors and has been named the 2015 Canadian Destination Garden Centre of the Year by the Canadian Gardening Council.
The gardens at Rideau Woodland Ramble are the result of more than 25 years of evolution, experimentation and discovery. They contain collections of rare plant material for the Ottawa area and fall into six main display zones, almost all in some context of shade and woodland.
- 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. Visitors are often surprised by what thrives in this environment.
- The second area is home to a babbling pond, a collection of dwarf conifers, specimen hostas and grasses, as well as a range of trees shrubs and perennials.
- The third major area is known as Lake Ramble, a pond home to much wildlife. It is anchored by a large garden of conifers and a grass demonstration bed.
- Totem Trail rambles through the pure woodland and contains a collection of garden art and other aesthetic surprises.
- 2005 saw the opening up of the new northern zone with dramatic plantings down Chanticleer Lane.
- Hosta Specimens—a RWR specialty—can be seen throughout the Ramble, but they are showcased south of the hosta house and at the front of the property along Burritt’s Rapids Rd.
In addition to the gardens, the Pavilion Gallery features the garden and wildlife art of Dave Dunn.
Please note: Dave Dunn will be giving a related lecture as part of Jane's Walk at the Burritt's Rapids Community Hall on Sunday, May 3 at 10:30 am. For more information on walks and activities in Burritt's Rapids for Jane's Walk Ottawa, please visit the blog: www.habicurious.com/jane.
