Behind weathered stone walls on busy Richmond Road lies one of Canada’s oldest surviving walled gardens. Maplelawn Garden is a meticulously restored 19th-century garden that transports visitors to another era, offering a tranquil escape from modern Ottawa just steps away.
This horticultural treasure combines history, heritage plants, and peaceful beauty in one remarkable space.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Maplelawn Garden is a restored 1830s walled garden attached to a heritage house on Richmond Road. Features heritage plants, historic garden design, and a peaceful atmosphere. Free admission during open hours. Maintained by Friends of Maplelawn Garden volunteers.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Established | 1831 |
| 📍 Location | 529 Richmond Road |
| 🎟️ Admission | Free |
| ⏰ Season | May - October |
About Maplelawn
A Victorian Garden Preserved
The history of this special place:
Origins:
- Built 1831 by William Thomson
- Part of country estate
- Stone walls enclosed garden
- Provided food and pleasure
The Garden’s Purpose:
- Kitchen garden for household
- Ornamental enjoyment
- Status symbol
- Self-sufficiency
Preservation:
- Recognized heritage value
- Restored over decades
- Volunteer maintained
- National Historic Site status
The Walled Garden Tradition
Why walls matter:
Historical Function:
- Protected plants from wind
- Created warm microclimate
- Extended growing season
- Kept animals out
Architectural Feature:
- Limestone construction
- Traditional design
- Aesthetic appeal
- Heritage craftsmanship
Illustrative image only.
What You’ll See
Garden Layout
Traditional design preserved:
Structure:
- Central paths dividing quadrants
- Geometric beds
- Perimeter borders
- Traditional organization
Features:
- Heritage stone walls
- Period-appropriate plantings
- Ornamental and practical mix
- Seasonal interest
Plantings
Heritage and heirloom varieties:
Vegetables:
- Heritage varieties
- 19th-century cultivars
- Traditional kitchen garden crops
- Historical accuracy emphasized
Flowers:
- Period-appropriate perennials
- Heirloom roses
- Cottage garden style
- Cutting flowers
Herbs:
- Culinary varieties
- Medicinal plants
- Traditional uses
- Aromatic selections
The Grounds
Beyond the walled garden:
Maplelawn House:
- 1830s stone house
- Heritage architecture
- Private residence/office
- Visible from garden
Surrounding Area:
- Mature trees
- Lawn areas
- Historic ambiance
- Urban edge contrast
Visiting the Garden
Practical Information
Address: 529 Richmond Road, Ottawa
Hours:
- Seasonal opening (May-October)
- Typically daylight hours
- Check for special events
- Weather dependent
Admission: Free
Access:
- Walk-in welcome
- No reservations needed
- Self-guided exploration
- Volunteers often present
Getting There
Location:
- On Richmond Road at Kirkwood
- Westboro area
- Urban location
- Easy to miss entrance
Transit:
- Bus routes along Richmond Road
- Walking distance from Westboro Village
- Cycling accessible
Parking:
- Street parking nearby
- Westboro area parking
- Limited spots directly adjacent
Best Times to Visit
Seasonal Highlights:
- Spring: emerging perennials, tulips
- Early summer: roses, peonies peak
- Mid-summer: full bloom
- Late summer: harvest vegetables
- Fall: autumn colours, late flowers
Timing:
- Morning for photography
- Weekdays less busy
- Check for special events
Illustrative image only.
The Restoration Story
Saving the Garden
How Maplelawn was preserved:
Decline Period:
- Estate subdivided over time
- Garden fell into neglect
- Walls deteriorated
- Future uncertain
Restoration Efforts:
- Heritage designation
- Community advocacy
- Volunteer organization formed
- Ongoing restoration
Friends of Maplelawn Garden
Volunteer stewardship:
Their Work:
- Garden maintenance
- Historical research
- Plant selection
- Public programs
How They Do It:
- Dedicated volunteers
- Fundraising
- Partnerships
- Community support
Special Programs
Events and Activities
Regular Programs:
- Garden tours (scheduled)
- Plant sales
- Special openings
- Educational events
Annual Events:
- Spring opening
- Garden parties
- Fall celebrations
- Heritage days
Educational Value
Learning opportunities:
Topics:
- Heritage gardening
- 19th-century horticulture
- Garden restoration
- Plant history
Photography
Capturing Maplelawn
Tips for great photos:
Best Subjects:
- Stone walls with plantings
- Heritage flowers
- Garden paths
- Architectural details
Techniques:
- Soft light ideal
- Detail shots of plants
- Wide angles for space
- Seasonal contrast
Considerations:
- Respect other visitors
- Don’t disturb plants
- Ask about restrictions
Nearby Attractions
While in Westboro
Westboro Village:
- Shops and boutiques
- Restaurants and cafés
- Walkable neighbourhood
Dominion Arboretum:
- Larger garden experience
- Different plant collections
- Extended exploration
Tunney’s Pasture:
- Adjacent federal campus
- River access nearby
- Walking paths
Supporting the Garden
How to Help
Volunteer:
- Garden maintenance
- Event assistance
- Various roles available
- Training provided
Donate:
- Financial contributions
- Support restoration
- Fund programming
Visit and Share:
- Bring friends
- Tell others
- Raise awareness
- Social media
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Maplelawn Garden open all year? A: The garden is generally open May through October. Winter access is limited, and the garden is most rewarding during growing season.
Q: Can I have my wedding or event there? A: The garden has been used for small events. Contact the Friends of Maplelawn Garden to inquire about possibilities and any requirements.
Q: Is it really free? A: Yes, admission is free. Donations to support the garden’s maintenance are welcomed but not required.
Q: How long should I plan to visit? A: The garden is intimate—30-60 minutes is typical for a thorough visit. Combine with Westboro exploration for a longer outing.
Q: Are there washroom facilities? A: No public washrooms are available at the garden. Nearby Westboro businesses offer options.
Final Thoughts
Maplelawn Garden offers something increasingly rare: a genuine connection to gardening history preserved in the heart of a modern city. The stone walls that have sheltered plants since the 1830s still stand, the paths follow their original routes, and heritage varieties bloom as they did when Victoria was queen.
In an era of constant change, places like Maplelawn anchor us to the past while remaining vitally alive. Each spring, volunteers return to coax beauty from the soil, continuing a tradition nearly two centuries old. Each visitor who wanders the paths becomes part of that story.
This is why preservation matters—not as museum piece, but as living heritage. Maplelawn Garden isn’t just a place to see; it’s a place to feel the continuity between past and present, between those who tended these beds before and those who will come after.
Take the time. Find the walls. Step through and be transported.
Source: Friends of Maplelawn Garden, Parks Canada - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa discoveries, visit Where to Go or explore Things to Do!
