About us
Rideau Woodland Ramble (RWR) is a Garden Centre and Display Gardens situated on 7 acres of woodland near Merrickville Ontario. Its mission is to capture the imagination of gardeners and collectors, in a woodland setting, showcasing and selling rare and unusual Hostas, Grasses, Conifers, Magnolias, and a range of shrubs, trees and perennials. RWR provides unrivaled experiences, service and quality. It is a partnership between
David Dunn and Robert Caron.
The Ramble is located at 210 Burritt's Rapids Rd, County Rd 23, Merrickville (near Burritt's Rapids), with mailing at P. O. Box 348 Merrickville Ontario K0G 1N0. RWR can be reached at 613-258-3797, or www.rideauwoodlandramble.com.
RWR was initiated in 1999 with initial site clearing. The majority of infrastructure was created in 2000, with the Centre opening for 15 days in the fall of that year. 2001 was the first full year of operation for RWR.
The Ramble is organized around 2 major themes - 3 acres of dramatic and mature display gardens and trails open to the public, and the Garden Centre, carrying the materials one would see in the display gardens.
This operation is capitalizing on 25 years of collecting and development of gardens containing collections of rare plant material for the Ottawa area. This experience and setting is a major attraction for passionate gardeners, collectors and landscape contractors.
The Beginnings
The big idea of the Ramble was sparked by two things - a long term dream to share our gardening experiences with other gardeners and collectors, and the spectacular impact of the ice storm of 1998. Dave Dunn has said it was like the hand of God coming down and clearing a swath of land that had originally been a mature stand of Red Pine. The clean up in 1999 sparked the idea of making use of this sudden creation of open land in the center of the woodland, The Ramble rose like a "Phoenix from the ashes of the storm", and the idea of the Ramble was truly born.
The Gardens
The gardens at Rideau Woodland Ramble are the result of 25 years of evolution, experimentation and discovery. They fall into several zones (see the garden map), almost all in some context of shade and woodland. The first garden enjoys the dappled light provided by a stand of red pine. This acidic area is the home of Japanese maples, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and a range of trees, shrubs and perennials. Many are surprised by what thrives in this environment.
A 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. A third major area is known as Lake Ramble, a large pond home to much wildlife. A large demonstration garden of conifers anchors this area. Another zone includes the main Ramble trail into the pure woodland and some of the surprises contained therein. These gardens are always evolving and expanding.
All of these gardens are interconnected with trails and walkways. The gardens are very carefully planted to exhibit, both structure, and the "bones" that hold them together, succession planting to assure interest from first melt to first snow, and even interest thereafter!
The gardens are home to many collections, but the biggest is the Hosta Collection of hundreds of mature specimens. They have to be seen to be believed ... but ranges from the worlds biggest to the worlds smallest Hostas!
The Centre
The garden centre is nestled into the heart of the Ramble, and is intended to be an experience, like visiting the garden, as opposed to simply a commercial area. It is anchored by one of Canada's largest glass enclosed Gazebo, home to an information and seating area as well as the sales area. All plant material is displayed in a manner to highlight colour and texture, contrasts, and impact, as opposed to alphabetical location ... hence the Centre as experience and learning tool. All of the gardens and trails connect to the Centre.
Conclusion
Many individuals and groups have visited the Ramble since its opening, and it has developed a solid following. We look forward to continuing to evolve the gardens and brining an unparalleled experience to visitors and shoppers into the future.
Hours Of Operation
RWR is open from April to November, 9am-5pm 7 days a week, rain or shine. Special arrangement beyond these times may be made by calling at 613-258-3797.
Plant Reservation
Plants may be reserved, just call ahead.
Tours and Visits
RWR offers several acres of mature display gardens. We are always open during the hours noted above. Tours are self guided, however guided tours may be available at special request on off peak periods. Please call to make special arrangement.
Public Washrooms
The are no publicly accessible facilities available at RWR. Closest washrooms are at the Burritts Rapids locks about 1 km away from the site.
Warranty
RWR provides a warranty on most products available from the garden centre. Please ask at the centre for further information.
Payments
RWR accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Debit , Cheque and Cash
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