The Year of the Garden in Canada 2022

By Dorothy Dobbie

Canada’s Local Gardener is very honoured to be the official English language magazine of the Year of the Garden in Canada 2022. We know how important the action of gardening, both indoors and out, has been to all those who have been confined by COVID-19 for the past two years. We have tried to be part of your solace through this time and now we are thrilled to be part of the celebration that we got through this together.

That this celebration is happening is due to the remarkable optimism and joy vested in one man: Michel Gauthier, known in Ottawa as the Tulip Man because he was the force behind Ottawa’s Tulip Festival for 16 years. The Tulip Festival brand still distinguishes Ottawa in so many ways even though its support was abandoned by the city some years ago.

By dorothy dobbie

Michel has marshalled an army of enthusiastic supporters from what he calls “The Garden Family” all across the land, all of whom have embraced the concept of gardening as the best way to express our joy in being and in the continuity of life, no matter what the odds.

He reminds us that 2022 also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association which represents so many of the remarkable achievements of our gardeners and horticulturists of the past.

Stay tuned for news of the exciting programs and events that will mark this year, the first of its kind in the world. We will be updating you through your magazine and its web pages, Facebook pages and groups, and Instagram as the programs are announced in January and rolled out over the year.

For now, plan to plant RED! next spring to signal your support. And help us celebrate the joy of gardening in Canada! o

Dorothy Dobbie is the Founder of Canada’s Local Gardener and is a Member of the YOTG Advisory Committee.