May 15, 2020
In these uncertain times, food security is more important than ever. One way to ensure a good source of plentiful and inexpensive food is by starting your own garden. Growing your own food has become popular and with more time at home, it's easier to start and maintain a garden. A garden can be a great source of fresh food all summer and well into the fall. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to step outside your door to pick a handful of fresh herbs or a tomato to use in your dinner. Even if you don't have a yard, you can still successfully grow plants in containers on a balcony or even a windowsill.
The Ottawa Public Library is here to help you get your garden started! We will be hosting a series of online gardening programs for anyone interested in starting a garden. The series runs on select Wednesdays (English programs) and Thursdays (French programs) in May and June.
All of these events are free and will run on Zoom. Registration is required. When you register, you will receive a Zoom link to attend. There is also an option to phone in for those who prefer.
Wednesday, May 27, 2-3 pm
Thursday, May 28, 2-3 pm
Wednesday, June 3, 2-3 pm
Thursday, June 4, 2-3 pm
Wednesday, June 10, 2-3pm
For more gardening information and recreation, be sure to check out some of OPL's gardening eBooks and the great online resources below.
Le jardinageby OPL_BPO_Comms
Des livres numériques sur le jardinage et des recettes
L'avenir est dans le champ
un projet de société en 12 fruits et légumes et les conseils du jardinier-maraîcher
Faites pousser vos noyaux et pépins!
zéro difficulté, zéro déchet, zéro dépense
What a re-leaf it's finally spring!by Collection_Development
Here are some articles and streaming video to help you spring into some gardening action.
Gale OneFile Gardening and Horticulture Search Page
Search here for information about plant hardiness, victory gardens or any of the backyard garden questions you have.
Access through Hoopla -- From rooftop farmers to backyard beekeepers, Americans are growing food like never before. Growing Cities goes coast to coast to tell the stories of these intrepid urban farmers, activists, and everyday city-dwellers who are challenging the way this country feeds itself. From those growing in backyards to make ends meet to educators teaching kids to eat healthier, viewers find that urban farming is about much more than simply good food.- Access through (AVOD) Access Video on Demand -- From rooftop farmers to backyard beekeepers, Americans are growing food like never before. Growing Cities goes coast to coast to tell the stories of these intrepid urban farmers, activists, and everyday city-dwellers who are challenging the way this country feeds itself. From those growing in backyards to make ends meet to educators teaching kids to eat healthier, viewers find that urban farming is about much more than simply good food.
Has North America taken too many risks with its agriculture? In Gardens of Destiny we meet Dan Jason, an organic gardener on Salt Spring Island, on the Canadian west coast. Jason is the head of the Seed and Plant Sanctuary for Canada, a network of gardeners from around the world working to preserve as much plant diversity as possible. This film explores Dan's garden and seed world and investigates with several sustainable development specialists such issues as genetic engineering, terminator seeds and the pitfalls of industrial agriculture in North America.
This documentary reveals a year in Buckingham Palace Gardens, exploring the history and this remarkable hidden royal treasure in the center of London. With unprecedented access we follow the garden's transformation across all four seasons uncovering rare flowers, extraordinary wildlife, a vast lake, and a giant 15ft marble urn that once belonged to Napoleon to name but a few of the treats in store.
After hearing about efforts in Venezuela to develop a more equitable as well as sustainable food and agriculture system, filmmaker Simon Cunich heads to Venezuela to investigate what we might learn about food sovereignty from the country's various initiatives to reduce the price of food by opening up urban land to community farming. So they may become urban gardeners, the nation is providing citizens with free seeds, tools, and other materials needed to organically grow food.- Most homeowners understand the value of gardening in an eco-friendly manner, but many of us need guidance on how to do it properly. Something as simple as choosing the right plant for the right space can greatly reduce the impact we have on the earth. Filmed in Orlando, Florida, this episode touches on some of the most common mistakes we all make and offers practical, simple tips for gardening in a more earth-friendly way. It also demonstrates to viewers how taking just a few of these simple steps will create healthier plants, tastier produce, and a safer environment for us all to enjoy. Part of Growing a Greener World.
- In Creating an Eco-Friendly Landscape from the Ground Up (item #52702), we uncovered some of the most common "non-green" choices we all make when gardening, and offered some better choices and simple solutions. In this episode-filmed in Orlando, Florida-we expand the discussion with ideas on conserving water, providing wildlife habitats, and reducing air pollution. We reveal some of the latest research on how houseplants, including herbs, are doing more to clean our indoor environment than we ever knew was possible. Part of Growing a Greener World.
Implementing Urban Greening
Part 1 - Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens
This chapter presents the challenges of growing and distributing our nation’s food supply through urban farming, CSA’s, Farmers Markets, and organic markets. What is the impact of chemical fertilizers on the public health of our communities? Can the growing urban micro-farm and community-garden movements improve the quality of the food we eat and bring communities together?- In the battle to save our cities, urban forestry stands guard on the front lines. Tree-lined streets not only beautify, but also help to moderate city temperatures and fight air pollution—in addition to raising property values. Trees hold water and prevent run-off and erosion. Tree planting and maintenance foster community spirit and strengthen neighborhoods.
