OHS Presents: What's in my garden? Friend or foe?, with Nancy McDonald

This is an in-person event at Tom Brown Arena. Announcements at 7:00 pm followed by refreshments and social time. Presentation starts at 7:30 pm.

Nancy McDonald, Master Gardener, will shed a new light on important small creatures that visit and sometimes nibble on our plants. Nancy calls her garden "a happy place" and enjoys checking out the many garden "bugs" who visit while asking herself first if these visitors are welcome guests (which the majority are) or unwelcome pests? It's important to realize that enticing and keeping beneficial bugs may involve also having a few pests in the garden for them to prey on. In her garden, Nancy now incorporates plants which will attract, feed and provide a habitat for beneficial bugs creating an insectary garden to help with those unwelcome guests.

Nancy grew up on a farm on PEI and she learned the practical aspects of gardening from her parents. Her love of flowers came from spending time in her grandmother’s beautiful mixed garden. After 42 years of a very fulfilling nursing career, Nancy’s thoughts turned to retirement and volunteer opportunities. She has been a member of the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton for 15 years and is a member of the Ottawa Horticultural Society. In 2024, Nancy completed the Pollinator Steward Certification and continues to enjoy her small suburban garden where birds, bees and butterflies visit regularly. She also enjoys making flavourful recipes in her kitchen using herbs and edible flowers from her garden.

You may also like the following events from Ottawa Horticultural Society:

• This Sunday, 11th May, 08:00 am, Friends of the Farm plant sale in Ottawa
• This month, 27th May, 07:00 pm, OHS Plant Auction & Sale in Ottawa