7 Simple Tips for a Well Designed Ottawa Zone 5 Garden
We know many gardeners feel that garden design is a daunting task, so if you feel that way too, you’re not alone. Whether you’re creating new garden beds or adding plants to an existing garden, you don’t have to be a trained landscape architect to build a space that feels thoughtful and well designed.
When you’re just starting out, or facing an overgrown or poorly planned garden, it can be hard to know where to begin. With that in mind, we’ve gathered 7 simple tips to help take the guesswork out of garden design and give you a clear place to start.
1. Choose a style that reflects you
Start by choosing a general garden style that reflects your personal taste. Whether it’s informal or formal, low maintenance or an English cottage garden, think of gardening as decorating — just outdoors. Choose a colour palette that appeals to you and complements the architecture and exterior colours of your home.
2. Plan hardscaping first
Put extra time and thought into patios, walkways, and decks. These elements are a larger investment and much harder to change once they’re built. Well-designed walkways instantly make a property more inviting and boost curb appeal, so be sure they’re built wide and functional the first time.
3. Start with the “bones” of the garden
Trees and shrubs should be your first planting choices. They provide structure and visual interest through all four seasons. Evergreens are excellent year-round accent plants and belong in every front entrance garden. Shrubs with staggered bloom times in spring, summer, and fall add seasonal interest and reward you with rich autumn colour.
4. Read the tags and respect the space
Always read plant tags before planting. Prioritize the mature size of shrubs so you’re not forced to remove them in five years. Sun and shade also matter — take time to observe how much light each area receives, whether it’s morning or afternoon sun, and for how long. Right plant, right place is the foundation of successful gardening.
5. Give trees room to grow
Avoid planting trees too close to your home, hydro lines, or other trees. It’s heartbreaking to remove a mature tree later. If you want your garden to feel established sooner, consider investing in a few larger specimens rather than relying only on small one-gallon shrubs and trees.
6. Keep plant choices simple
Rather than filling your garden with too many different plants, choose a few focal specimens and layer intentionally with a limited selection of varieties. Planting in groups of three or other odd numbers creates a more natural and cohesive look, especially with perennials.
7. Learn basic care and maintenance
Taking the time to understand when and how to prune, along with proper fertilizing, is key to keeping your garden healthy and looking its best. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, honest.
If you’d like a second set of eyes or help choosing the right plants for your space, drop into your local garden centre. Trained horticultural staff can help you make confident choices that will save you time, money, and frustration down the road.
Now it’s time to get out and play in the dirt — because life is too short to always have clean fingernails.
~ Kelly