User:Emma.Keary/Ornamental Gardens, Ottawa

Reflective Essay

Wikipedia articles are designed to be considered from a neutral perspective, which is meant to inform and strengthen relationships that work to allow the reader to explore a topic further. My chosen topic on the Ornamental Gardens was chosen because before my critiques and edits to further the contribution there was a very brief explanation that did not further any information and details. I chose to contribute to this article because of my work experience at the ornamental gardens, and occasionally, members of the public have questions regarding different scenarios, my contributions lie with what I believe would be of value if someone were to ask a question regarding health, structure, composition and maintained of such plants, trees, and shrubs.

Evaluating this article and making contributions allowed me to add specific details of information regarding different categories of the ornamental gardens which contain the different perennials and annuals. However, a valuable addition I believe I made to this article was related to the health and structure of such plants using the mineral composition and its influence on its growth and development and cooperation between multiple mineral substances. This article has come a long way from its earlier version, before my recent edits according to Wikipedia it was ranked an “S” with the need to extend knowledge to strength article. This is because the earlier entry only stated that it was a garden under the domain of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Ottawa and contained a few different features. So, in this manner, I added specifics on the different sections of the gardens and the influence of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in the growth and development as they are the prime indicators of plant health.

Wikipedia is designed to constantly undergo modifications to strengthen articles. One component that has come up is ‘balance’ this is because of my peers; I have tended to show more clarity in one area over another and go more in-depth into the role of the different minerals in the ornamental gardens. My approach to responding to this feedback is to look at a greater range of scholarly articles that could contribute to analyzing the role of the different minerals, as well as add a brief history section as suggested by peer reviews.

Experience contributing to Wikipedia allows for a practical approach that allows more than just a professor and TA to read what you are taking away from courses. This allows the student to put greater thought and work to help generate a greater article that others can read and understand a topic that you are very interested in. According to Wikipedia articles analysis’ the idea of neutrality in an evaluation as it can improve the public’s understanding of a topic because it informs the individuals of all necessary information where after that they can develop their standpoint without any additional influences. This type of assignment becomes important because it introduces students to writing to attract more than just one reader's attention but individuals who have similar interests and knowledge to acquire. There is also the idea that having a specific academic background is important in writing these Wikipedia entries because they have the knowledge and expertise to find reliable sources that can be used for individuals to further their understanding, as these sites are accessible directly on the original Wikipedia site.

Contributions allowed me to learn and fill different equity gaps in its coverage, as I have extended this article to include a historical standpoint, geographic standpoint, and mineral standpoint. However, I have not been able to extend and improve the historical information on underrepresented and marginalized populations on the topic. Given, the nature of my chosen topic, I believe this contribution was irrelevant because I was predominantly steering away from individuals and groups and focusing on the plants directly.

Impacts that were identified focused on the inclusion of photos, maps, and diagrams and working around Wikipedia’s copyright rules and regulations. This did create a limitation through the method of wanting to highlight a greater understanding of the topic but having constraints in doing so. However, including these guidelines allows all materials to be highly represented, as moving towards another method of information using oral traditions, does not allow for the same level of validity and is open to interpretation due to potential biases that can arise.

Overall, Wikipedia has influenced how information is constructed and shaped because it can lay the groundwork for reliable information these editors have done some of the grunt work with finding and re-enforcing these ideas into the article to shape the understanding of a primary introductory resource.

Lead
'''The Ornamental Gardens, is an agricultural facility that emphasizes research, education and beauty as part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Central Experimental Farm. As the name indicates, is centrally located in and now surrounded by the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The 8 acres ( 3.2 Ha) garden is a National Historic Site and Cultural Heritage Landscape.'''

The original intent was to be used as a test facility for the development of winter hardy roses, weigela and peonies. But now acts as the steward to several large collections of ornamentals. While such research is still conducted, the part-like atmosphere has become an important place of recreation and education for the residents of Ottawa.

The Ornanmental Gardens is bordered by Prince of Wales Drive to the South-East, National Capital Commission Scenic Driveway to the North-West, and the Research Fields to the South-West.

History[edit]
'''The Central Experimental Farm was one of five experimental farms across Canada to help and adjust climates, soil and land that was new to them. Where on June 2, 1886, the Federal government was awarded authority in an act of partimant to proceed with the system of research farms.'''

'''The current site of the Central Experimental Farm was founded in 1886 from a site of near wilderness sprinkled with stumps and stones across 140 acres. William Saunders was appointed the first Farm director, and at the age of 62 in October 1886, he paved the way to carve out 20 acres of field, with visions for the future amongst his passion for flowers.'''

'''With newly appointed Horticulturalist William T. Macoun, the first flower garden was located on the main campus lawn adjecent from Saunders residence ( The current William Saunders Building). This started Saunders plans for the garden from 12-years prior to develop the forest to a modern example of the current ornamental gardens.'''

'''With newly appointed Horticulturalist William T. Macoun, the first flower garden was located on the main campus lawn adjecent from Saunders residence ( The current William Saunders Building). This started Saunders plans for the garden from 12-years prior to develop the forest to a modern example of the current ornamental gardens.'''

'''After 25 years as Director of the Experimental Farm, Saunders appointed Hans T. Gussow on January 1, 1911. Where he believed "a true botanical (ornamental) garden should be for purposes of economic application and scientific study".'''

'''By 1920, the Central Experimental Farm and the Ornamental Gardens had Isabella Preston forming new roots. On September 9, 1922, she was made a permanent specialist in ornamental horticulture where she would cultivate new plants for Canadian gardens and building an international reputation for the Central Experimental Farm.'''

'''There have been multiple phases to modern-day development of the property due to primary research, education and landscape. These changes have undergone physical movements, redesigns, expansions, neglections, restorations, and rebuilds. Recently AAFC Staff and volunteers have restored the rose, peony, lilac and iris collections, in which were designed to honour the work of Ottawa's Isabella Preston and Felicitas Svejda.As since the 1890s, the Ornamental Gardens have been displaying historical and new varieties of flowers and shrubs.'''

Features
'''The Ornamental Gardens are currently one of five public areas associated with the Central Experimental farm. These include the Dominion Arboretum, Tropical Greenhouses, Merivale Shelterbelt, and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.''' In order to provide a proper environment for the many plant collections the Ornamental Gardens has been subdivided into several features.

Major Features[edit]

 * The Perennial Collection
 * The Rock collection
 * The Rose garden
 * The Annuals garden
 * The Macoun Memorial Garden
 * The Hedge Garden
 * Isabella Preston lilac series
 * Arthur Percy Saunders peonies

Notable Buildings[edit]

 * Building 49: William Saunders
 * Building 50: Historical Greenhouse Complex
 * Building 55: Horticulture Building

Collections[edit]
'''The display garden for the AAS (All American Selection) of the Ornamental Gardens presents a yearly, dynamic display of the annuals and perennials as well as is home to its five primary collections. The lilacs, heritage roses, peonies, explorer roses, and irises and daylilies.'''

Lilacs[edit]
'''Amongst the first plantings on the Central Experimental Farm grounds were 15 lilacs, despite having been first introduced in the Dominion Arboretum. By 1919, the lilacs were moved into the Ornamental Gardens to create the lilac walks currently open for viewing with over 340 lilacs encompassing 262 variations. In 1982, under presentation and cultivation of the lilacs, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada was awarded from the International Lilac Society for its lilac cultivators and educating the public on the beauty and use of lilacs.'''

Heritage Roses[edit]
'''Under William Saunders, the first roses were established in 1886, and by 1895 there was published list of “desirable” roses. Years were spend testing and cultivating for perfectly formed varieties. Cultivation was led by rose breeders for over 90 years from supervision under William Saunders to Isabella Preston. The Heritage Rose Garden was considered a millennium project of rectangular beds containing once-only blooming roses and containt repeat bloomers.'''

Peonies[edit]
'''The Peony Garden was redesigned in 2001 and currently consists of 12 garden beds with more than 600 peonies. William Saunders first introduced peonies in the 1890s, as his son A.P. Saunders was a influential peony breeder, who cultivated the 'Saunders Hybrids'. This collection has become the largest collection of Peonies in North America.'''

Explorer Roses[edit]
'''Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada began a rose breeding program in the 1960s under Felicitas Svejda. This program would develop the Explorer series, that is a set of hardy roses variations developed to withstand the harsh Canadian climates, particularly with the ability to survive in -35°C when snow-covered. Svejda was successfully involved in the first thirteen cultivations, in which would be named after Canadian explorers in hopes of proving they were as 'tough and versatile as their namesakes'. This would develop the Explorer Rose garden, as a Canadian-made collection and one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's most impressive horticultural success stories. The collection was officially opened in July 2005, and currently AAFC employees and a dedicated team of volunteers have combined the original collection from the original bushes with more recent varieties for improved displays.'''

Irises and Daylilies[edit]
'''There are 14 separate garden beds that form concentric circles, with four corners squaring the pattern. In the inner circle and four corners there is presence of Siberian Irises, the middle circle contains Bearded Irises, while the outer circle contains Daylilies. This area was designed in 2003, by former AAFC Lead Hand Sharon Saunders to form a Victorian-style garden that represents the varied forms of colours of daylilies.'''

Perennials[edit]
'''Perennials are hardy, herbaceous plants that can survive year around because of there underground organs that enter a state of dormancy during autumn months. These plants are a value to sustainable agriculture, as the field of horticulture provides technologies to improve the yields of plant growth. The ability for annual growth promotes weed control and improved soil health and biodiversity with the reduction in fertilizer usage.'''

Mineral Composition
'''The horticulture industry is seeminglessly more than continuous growth and development of plants. Every chosen species in an environment has its own chemical composition. The Ornamental Gardens show presence of agrominerals, in which demonstrate mineral substance mixtures of mineral and organic substances. the dominant chemical composition facilitated in the garden is concentrations of nitrogen, carbon, potassium, and phosphorus.'''

Nitrogen[edit]
'''Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plants, that determines development and productivity through variations of abiotic stress responses. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada follows a continuous process, that begins with preparation in the Tropical Greenhouses at the Central Experimental Farm during the spring months. A series of chosen annuals are pricked and seeded and into garden pots containing Pro-Mix Potting Soil.'''

Pro-Mix Potting Soil[edit]
'''Pro-Mix Potting Soil is a starter fertilizer that contains 7% total nitrogen to help plants acclimate to a new rooting system. Nitrogen is fundamental mineral in soil for plant health, and is critical to its growth and reproduction. Usage provides an increase in nutrient and water uptake because of the symbiotic relationship and stimulation of fungi that colonizes the root tissue. This leads to a better integration of moisture management with an larger root system that causes an increased plant growth capacity.'''

Nitrogen-Fixing Plants[edit]
'''Nitrogen-Fixing plants located in the Ornamental Gardens are clover and alflafa. These plants are a natural way to increase nitrogen content in soil. The roots of the plants colonize to extract nitrogen from the air and turn into nitrogen for bacterial growth, and once the bacteria no longer require the nitrogen it becomes available to all plants.'''

Clover[edit]
'''Clover is a perennial plant that has the potential to produce 50-200 Ibs/acre of fixed Nitrogen. In essence the clover supplies carbohydrates to the root nodules and used to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form utilized by a plant to benefit grasses through transfer in soil.'''

Phorsphorus[edit]
'''Phosphorus is the second most frequent macronutrient behind Nitrogen. In which makes up 0.2% of a plant's dry weight, with essential components of nucleic acids, phospholipids, and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) to present a reliable supply to control key enzyme reactions and regulation of metabolic pathways. Substances work to correlate and interwine to intiate greater outcomes. Phorsphorus promotes nitrogen uptake by enchancing nitrogen retention in ecosystems. The principle of regulating phosphorus is essential for cell division and development of growing plants. Improvement allows a greater capacity for plants to capture, store and convert sunlight energy to biochemicals like Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).'''

Potassium[edit]
'''Potassium is relatively abudant in the earth's crust making up approximately 2.1% of the weight and is mined in the form of potash, sylvite, Carnallite, and Langbeinite. This is a necessity for the function of all living cells as Potassium becomes a vital macronutrient that increases root function and improves drought resistance. Plant survival with potassium usage has a responsibility of vital enzymes activating and regulating the water balance and uptake while protecting and mitigating abiotic induced stresses to maintain homeostasis.'''

'''These measures are crucial as it demonstrates the importance of photosynthesis. There are responses to light, as the use of potassium regulates the opening of the stomata that in such regulates the uptake of CO2. Potassium uptake is dependent on Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) as it provides energy for chemical and physiological prcesses while facilitating protein and starch synthesis in plants.'''

Usage of Potassium in modern gardens and landscaping is present in the Ornamental Gardens through the filtration through constant grass clippings in which provide the soil with nutrients that contribute to preventing weed growth while preserving moisture.