Research garden at Cumberland Museum

New plant varieties tested

This year the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is benefitting from the skills of Michel Lachaume, an experienced plant researcher.  In addition to planting gardens at three of the buildings, Michel has created a large research garden in which he is testing dozens of varieties of tomatoes, potatoes, melons and several other types of vegetables and herbs.

The planting is almost complete, but his organic farming requires constant attention. He is already weeding, and the potatoes will soon need earthing up. These and similar activities will keep him and his assistants busy throughout the summer.  As the crops ripen he hopes to hold some taste testing sessions at the Cumberland Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.

Help is always welcome. Those who might be interested are invited to drop by and chat with him. The garden is behind the large parking lot. Michel is always happy to explain his work.  If you’d like to volunteer, contact Danièle Hamonic (Coordinator, Heritage Volunteer Program Development) at (613) 580-2424, ext 19042 or daniele.hamonic@ottawa.ca.

Meet Michel at the Cumberland Garden Tour on July 18

Michel Lachaume will be at the Cumberland Museum from 1 pm to 4 pm to talk about the three heritage gardens that he designed. See hundreds of new potatoes and tomatoes of all colours and shapes, including the famous OSU BLUE tomato.