It’s so tempting to walk into a garden centre, fall in love with a few plants, and bring them home… but most “my garden isn’t working” problems come from skipping the planning step.
If you’re gardening in Ottawa (Zone 5B), a little clarity upfront saves you money, time, and frustration, because your sun exposure, timeline, and goals are very real factors here.
Before you buy plants, decide these five things.
1) Your goal (pick 1–2)
Start with the outcome you want. When you try to do everything at once, your space ends up feeling busy, expensive, and hard to maintain.
Pick one or two:
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Curb appeal
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Privacy
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Low-maintenance
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Pollinators
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Entertaining space
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Fixing drainage / soggy areas
2) Sun + shade (Ottawa reality)
This is the biggest factor in plant success: matching plants to your light.
Choose what you truly have:
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Full sun (6+ hours)
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Part shade
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Shade
Tip: Check your space in the morning and afternoon, sun patterns change a lot depending on trees, fences, and the angle of your home.
3) Your style (so it feels like you)
Your garden will look more cohesive when you choose a style direction, even loosely.
Pick the vibe:
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Modern
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Cottage
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Naturalized
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Formal
Tip: Save 2–3 inspiration photos. It keeps decisions consistent and makes planning way easier.
4) Your time + budget comfort
Be honest here, this one makes or breaks long-term satisfaction.
Which one fits you best?
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DIY-friendly (you’re okay learning + doing)
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“I want it done right” (you want guidance, a plan, or full install)
Tip: Budget isn’t just about looks, it’s about longevity. The right choices now usually mean less replacing later.
5) Your timeline
Decide when you want results, because timing affects plant availability, scheduling, and what can realistically be done.
Pick your timeline:
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This month
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This season
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Planning for later
Tip: Ottawa books up fast in spring, planning early gives you more options.
Need help choosing?
If you want recommendations based on your exact space, start here: Ritchie’s Green Team
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