Nestled in the heart of Kemptville, Ontario, we’re proud to share our story with you. Whether you’re a longtime customer or new to our nursery, we want to give you a glimpse into the growth and evolution of our business, as well as some insights into our work and our passion for native trees and plants.
When did your tree nursery open, and how long have you been in business?
Ferguson Tree Nursery opened its doors as a social enterprise (not-for-profit) tree nursery in 2000, marking the beginning of what has been an incredible journey in the tree-growing industry. For over 25 years, we’ve been cultivating high-quality native and naturalized non-invasive trees, shrubs and perennials, helping to diversify forests and promote climate-conscious land stewardship across Kemptville and beyond.
How has your business evolved over the years?
Our journey began as a provincial tree nursery in 1945. The station operated under the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources until 1995, during which it produced over 310 million seedlings for reforestation efforts across Southern Ontario. During the recession in the 90’s and a restructuring of the forestry programs, ten provincial tree nurseries were closed. The last seedlings shipped from the Kemptville Forest Station in 1996.
Our nursery has changed over the years, evolving into a private non-for-profit business in 2000, which changed the focus and operations. However, we are still in the business of providing the seedlings necessary to ensure forest restoration and regeneration of public and private lands. We have expanded our selection of species over time to include a more diverse variety of hardwoods, shrubs, and perennials.
We offer our customers different product lines designed to fulfill various project types:
- Bareroot seedlings: coniferous and deciduous trees and shrub
- Greenhouse grown plugs: coniferous and deciduous trees and shrub
- Potted stock: coniferous and deciduous trees and shrub
- Perennials and Grasses: plugs and potted
- Cuttings and live stakes: deciduous trees and shrubs
Our commitment to sustainable practices and customer education has always been a cornerstone of our business, and it continues to shape how we operate today.
What made you want to be in the nursery/plant growing business?
Our team’s passion for growing, nature and the environment is what has drawn us to the nursery business. We have the ability and capacity to help people make choices for the long-term success our environment. That is a special and unique privilege. The nursery business allows us to make a tangible difference in the world, and we are incredibly proud of that.
What is your favourite part of your work?
Without a doubt, the best part of our work is knowing that we are growing future forests. Helping our customers create diverse and healthy forests and landscapes that will be a part of the ecosystem for years to come is the best part of the journey. The satisfaction of seeing our customers’ landscapes thrive, thanks to the trees and plants we’ve provided, is truly fulfilling.
Do you have a favourite tree/plant? Why is it your favourite?
The Eastern White Pine, Ontario’s provincial tree, is a favorite species on the nursery. It has a rich history and continues to be important for biodiversity. It’s a species that is successful over a wide range of this country and shows great promise as a tree that will move through climate change with good genetic diversity and resilience.
What does the native Canadian Maple tree mean to you?
The Canadian Maple holds a special place in our hearts. As an iconic species, it embodies the spirit of Canada and serves as a reminder of our country’s rich natural resources. The maple tree is also a symbol of growth and renewal, making it a perfect reflection of our own journey at Ferguson Tree Nursery. It’s a tree we are proud to grow and share with our customers.
Does your nursery have a specialty or unique focus?
Yes! At Ferguson Tree Nursery, we specialize in native and naturalized non-invasive species. We also collect our own seed and know where our products originate from. We believe in the importance of supporting local ecosystems by providing plants that are adapted to our region. Not only do native plants help conserve water and reduce the need for pesticides, but they also support local wildlife. We’re proud to offer a variety of native trees, shrubs, and perennials that thrive in Ontario’s climate.
Is there anything else you would like your customers or potential customers to know about your nursery operation?
We want our customers to know that we’re more than just a nursery – we’re a social enterprise. The tree nursery funds the Ferguson Forest Centre in Kemptville. This unique facility combines forestry, recreation, and conservation, serving as a cornerstone for our community. The Centre spans approximately 1,100 acres and features:
- Over 800 acres of forested land within which there are 22 kilometers of recreational trails.
- A 25-acre Arboretum which showcases native species
- Veterans Way Memorial Park comprised of memorial trees honoring those who served in the armed forces.
- A 7.5-acre off-leash dog park.
- Anniversary Park: Offering a waterfront trail, the Kinderwood children’s trail, picnic facilities, and access to Kemptville Creek for canoeing and kayaking.
We are proud to be able to be to give back in a way that fosters stewardship and awareness of the importance of our forests, and all the benefits it provides for our community.
Ferguson Forest Centre, Kemptville
fergusontreenursery.ca
Maureen Jacques: 613-258-0110
maureen@fergusontreenursery.ca
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