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Introduction
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.
The operation is located at 210 Burritt’s Rapids Rd, County Rd 23, Merrickville, with mailing at P O Box 348 Merrickville Ontario K0G 1N0. RWR can be reached at 613-258-3797, or info@rideauwoodlandramble.com.
RWR was initiated in 1999 by Dave Dunn and Rob Caron, 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-
- 7 acres of dramatic and mature display gardens and trails open to the public
- The Garden Centre, carrying the materials one sees in the display gardens
This operation is capitalizing on 25 years of collecting and development of gardens containing collections of rare plant material for Eastern Ontario. 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 main zones, almost all in some context of shade and woodland.
1. 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. Many are surprised by what thrives in this environment.
2. The 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.
3. The third major area is known as Lake Ramble, a pond home to much wildlife. A large garden of conifers anchors this area, along with a large grass demonstration bed.
4. The next major zone included is called Totem Trail as it rambles into the pure woodland and some of the surprises contained therein.
5. 2005 saw the opening up of the new northern zone at the Ramble, with dramatic plantings down Chanticleer Lane.
6. Hosta Specimens can be seen throughout the Ramble, but new gardens in 2007 showcase them south of the hosta house and at the front of the property along Burritt’s Rapids Rd.
7. See if you can find the Sunken Gardens. (Completing in 2010)
8. Experience the Labyrinth (Construction in 2009)
All of these gardens are interconnected with trails and walkways. The gardens are 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 Gazebos-Ramble House, 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.
Rideau Woodland Ramble is proud that it has been noted as one of Canada’s Top Destination Nurseries, in a 2005 issue of Gardening Life Magazine. In a story titled, Nurseries worth the Drive, Gardening Life lists Rideau Woodland Ramble as one of only 2 operations from eastern Ontario that made the cut.
Rideau Woodland Ramble is very pleased with this recognition. "It is a solid endorsement of the vision and mission to capture the imagination of collectors and gardeners in a woodland setting", said Rob Caron. Rob’s partner, Dave Dunn said "our focus on the creation of an experience for visitors continues with the creation of the new gardens each year".
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 bringing an unparalleled experience to visitors and shoppers into the future.
Come Ramble!
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
We have a portable toilet on site. The closest public washrooms are at the Burritt's Rapids locks about 1 km away from the site.
Payments
RWR accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Debit , Cheque and Cash
Mail Order
We do not provide mail order services
Gift Certificates
We can provide gift certificates valued at any amount. Please contact us directly.
Rideau Woodland Ramble Inc. Policies
Conditions of Warranty and Sale
The success of nursery stock depends on conditions beyond our control.
Living plants have their likes and dislikes. We therefore urge you to seek our advice should your plant be struggling, before considering a return. We will recommend the best planting procedure, location and continued plant care.
We guarantee Rideau Woodland Ramble stock for the current growing season .This does not apply to any stock discounted by more than 11%.
Warranty includes a credit of original purchase price, one time only, against a new purchase. This guarantee is subject to the determination by Rideau Woodland Ramble Inc. of the cause of death and presentation of the original receipt .The dead nursery stock must not be brought to the nursery without instruction from the management. Failure to follow this instruction will void the warranty
We will not be held responsible for inappropriate location and soil type, inconsistent care or watering, rodent damage, acts of nature, weather extremes, insect damage, transplanting, chemical or fertilizer misuse.
Horticultural Society/Garden Club Discounts
A 10% discount is available on non discounted green stock, to recognized Societies and Clubs if a valid, current membership card is presented prior
to sales being entered.
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