The Perley Veterans Annual Tour   Photo: Lloyd Brown

Can we visit on such-and-such a day?
What specific day/time do you wish to visit? We will check our events calendar to make sure there is no other event booked, and let you know as soon as possible. Please note, the garden is never closed to individual visitors, no matter what else might be going on.

How much does it cost to visit?
There is no fee, although a donation is welcome. Maplelawn Garden is run by volunteers. A dollar per person visiting is a suggestion which people find helpful.

However, If you wish to have a wedding in the garden, it will be necessary to buy a permit from the National Capital Commission, through the Friends.

Seeing the Garden Club of Toronto off - thanks to a great group for their visit. Photo: Wayne Rutherford

We will be in a bus. Where can we park? Parking on site belongs to the Keg Manor Restaurant (a separate commercial venture run within the historic Maplelawn House), and is not safely accessible for buses. There is 2 hour on-street bus parking alongside the garden at 529 Richmond Road or a little west of it, except between 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm. There is 2 hour on-street parking alongside the garden all day Saturday and Sunday.

Are there public washrooms?
No. Washrooms in the Keg Manor are for restaurant patrons, unless you make private arrangements with the The Keg. (613-724-1242) There are washrooms at the Westboro drug store, and cafes, a couple of blocks away.

Can we get a guided tour of the garden?
Groups larger than 10 don't make for a very satisfactory experience because of the narrow paths and the noise from Richmond Road traffic. However, we will try to have a volunteer on hand who will give a brief introduction to the site, then stroll the paths along with your group to answer questions. If you have a specific interests related to the garden, and let us know in advance, and we will do our best to have someone there who is knowledgeable in that area.

The Ottawa Garden Club luncheon at the Keg Manor after a tour. Photo: Wayne Rutherford

Can we get lunch at The Keg Manor? Lunch is not normally served at The Keg Manor. Call them about special arrangements. (613-724-1242)

Where else can we get lunch?
There are numerous excellent small places that are within a couple of blocks, in Westboro Village.

Can I have my wedding in the garden?
Small weddings can be accommodated, up to an absolute maximum of 50 people. There is no on-site parking, hydro access, or washrooms. Tents are not allowed, nor is amplified music. You can arrange chair rentals, but they must be removed immediately after the ceremony. We are sorry for all the restrictions, but the site consists only of a rare small garden, which is a National Historic Site. If you wish to book the garden for a wedding, you must obtain a $100 National Capital Commission permit from the Friends of the Maplelawn Garden.

I only want to take wedding photographs there.
You're welcome to do so. There is a charge of $50. Photographers are asked not to step into the flower beds.