8 Best Nursery Centres in Ottawa
Gardening is a hobby that has stood the test of time and trends. Everyone benefits from it, from those with big backyards to those with tiny garden spaces on their balconies.
Devoted gardening enthusiasts and budding plant lovers get a much-needed nature boost from visiting their favourite nurseries. There’s always that anticipation of bringing home a seedling and nurturing it to full bloom.
Unfortunately, not everyone has a green thumb. This is where nursery services in Ottawa can help guide you into becoming a true-blue, evergreen gardener.
How Much Do Nursery Services Cost in Ottawa?
As with all hobbies and pursuits, gardening can get quite costly. The recent demand among urbanites for indoor plants, thanks to interior decorating pegs on social media, has boosted the sales (and price tags) of various flora.
And they aren’t all about exotic foliage, either. Even succulents and vines that are hard to kill have become popular again all of a sudden.
How has this surge of plant lust affected nursery prices in Ottawa? It will depend on the kind of nursery we’re talking about.
There are smaller nurseries that cultivate their plants and sell them either from home or via an online shop. These home-based stores do not usually sell regularly, but by season, when they have enough plants to sell.
Then there are the brick-and-mortar shops that sell more gardening stuff all year round. These are the retail nurseries that could grow their own plants or buy them from bigger wholesalers.
Of course, different factors contribute to how much money you’ll be spending on your garden. Location, the kind of nursery, their range of plant products, the seasons, and other facets all add to your invoice.
To start with, you have to get an idea of how much some common gardening products and services currently cost. Here’s a table breaking them down.
| NURSERY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES | PRICE |
| Plant seedlings and saplings | Annuals $7 – $10 for a quart container Perennials $10 – $30 for a quart container Shrubs $30 – $100 Trees (evergreen $40 – $130) (shade $40 – $100) (flowering $70 – $130) (fruit $80 – $150) Tropical and exotic plants $35 – $200 |
| Gardening tools | Fibre pots $3 Plastic pots (4 inches) $14 Fabric pots $14 Raised planter box $100 Shovel $30 Spade $85 Gardening gloves $30 Hand trowel $16 Watering can $16 Soaker hose $40 |
| Mulching materials and services | Weed barrier mats $10 – $45 Per bag $4 – $7 Per yard $16 – $70 Per yard with installation $35 – $75 |
| Fertilizer | Liquid plant food (300 grams) $8 – $10 Blossom booster (2.6 pounds) $10 Organic plant food (3 pounds) $12 |
It’s good to always remember that demand dictates the price, and this is especially true of plants. Now it’s your job to canvass for the best ones that will suit your gardening vision and budget.
Best Nursery Centres in Ottawa
We’ve rounded up some of the most reputable nursery centres in Ottawa to compare. Hopefully, one or more will stand out for you once you read what makes them worth a visit.
1. Ottawa Plants
| SERVICES | Plant shop, plant pots, plant delivery, online store, custom landscaping service, commercial and corporate plant consultation and estimation, seasonal planter subscriptions |
| WEBSITE | https://ottawaplants.com |
| ADDRESS | Online store FB page https://www.facebook.com/OttawaPlants/ Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/ottawaplants_/ |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Delivers to Ottawa areas Monday to Friday 8 AM – 4 PM |
Ottawa Plants is a nursery and gardening centre that conducts its business purely online. It doesn’t even list a physical store or office because ordering is done through its website or via its social media accounts.
Some plant purists might scoff at the idea of not being able to use all of their senses when purchasing a plant. The clients who’ve experienced the Ottawa Plants service, however, have mostly good things to say about the shop.
Unlike other plant stores, this nursery in Ottawa lists what it has for sale using lifestyle-based categories. Clients can browse through albums of low maintenance, seasonal, air purifying, pet friendly, and even office desktop-sized plants.
The shop also takes pride in its delivery service, which is all handled in-house. There are no tracking numbers from third-party couriers to worry about as they deliver the plants straight to you, instead.
Pros
- Deliveries are handled by personal staff, not couriers
- Imaginative categorization for plant products
Cons
- No services on weekends
- No physical address or phone numbers
Customer Reviews
Read what happy customers have to say about their Ottawa Plants experience:
“I’ve had two transactions with Ottawa Plants and they have been lovely to deal with. They message promptly and really do deliver right to your door at an arranged time when you will be home. Customer service is top-notch. I’ve bought plants from them that I could not find locally anywhere else. I will order again for sure!” – Jenn Hay
“Helpful and accommodating to my needs. Product exceeded expectations. Highly recommend.” – Kiel Burwell
2. Green Thumb Garden Centre
| SERVICES | Plant shop, garden design, consultation, shop membership, garden accessories, garden decor, garden tools, compost, soil, mulch, fertilizer by the bulk or bagged |
| WEBSITE | https://www.greenthumbgarden.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 17 Tristan Court, Nepean ON, K2E 8B9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 228-0224 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 11 AM – 4 PM Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM Closed on Sundays |
Green Thumb Garden Centre opened in 1989 and has become Landscape Industry certified over the years. Its heart remains with what it started with, though, which is selling hardy plants native to the Ottawa area.
The nursery offers a one-year guarantee for all the perennial plants they sell and have planted themselves. This covers roses, shrubs, and evergreens, though not herbaceous plants as they lack woody stems.
Green Thumb also offers garden designing services for homes and establishments. You can ask for plans to be drawn up with suggested plants and garden installations along with maintenance and care guides.
There’s a membership program at the garden centre which renews automatically for every year’s first purchase. A member is entitled to various continuously increasing discounts and special promotions at the nursery.
Pros
- Most perennial plants come with a guarantee
- Offers garden design planning and consultation
- Offers discounts and promotions
Cons
- The shop is closed on Sundays
- No existing return policy on plants
Customer Reviews
See what past clients have to say about Green Thumb Garden Centre’s services:
“Friendly staff, good prices, great selection. What’s not to like?” – Em Stang
“Knowledgeable, caring staff, very helpful. If, in the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with your purchase, they will promptly address the issue. Love the soil and mulch in bags that are normally available.” – Josie Pazdzior
3. Peter Knippel Garden Centre
| SERVICES | Plant shop, delivery, installation, consultation, garden coach service, gift certificates, online and in-store products, garden tools, garden decor, fertilizer and plant health products |
| WEBSITE | https://www.knippelgardencentre.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 4590 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 822-0383 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM |
The Knippel Garden Centre is a family-owned nursery in Ottawa that’s been in operation since 1979. It aims to enhance people’s gardens and outdoor spaces with its wide range of products and services.
Aside from offering different plants and gardening accessories, there are services unique to the shop. For example, the staff can install trees and shrubs in your garden and take care of all permits required before digging and planting.
There’s also a gardening coach service that gives handy advice and solutions for those who avail of it. These one-hour sessions can be done for both homeowners and condominium habitues.
The nursery takes extra care to be inclusive in its business. There’s an accessibility policy in place that covers clients with disabilities and mobility issues, so assistive devices and people are always on hand.
Pros
- Has an inclusive accessibility policy for clients with mobility issues
- Delivers and installs trees and shrubs
- Garden coach service provides advice, tips, and solutions
- Strict COVID safety protocols in place
Cons
- Currently operating at 25% capacity for COVID safety compliance
- No delivery service for smaller plants and accessories
Customer Reviews
If you want to shortlist Knippel Garden Centre, learn from others’ feedback first:
“A beautifully designed garden centre!!! Wonderful, friendly staff and a lot to choose from. Only four stars because it’s on the pricey side but I get it because it’s an independent and local business so by all means. Went during the Covid season and they washed all the carts, felt completely comfortable going in and around the garden centre while socially distancing. I loved the selection of pots and tropical plants. Definitely coming back and I’d recommend anyone to stop by and take a look around.” – Kayla W.
“The variety of plants they carry is refreshing when compared to what you’d find at Lowes, Home Depot or a grocery store garden centre. All this while being much more reasonable in pricing when compared to Richmond Nursery. The staff were friendly and easily approachable when we had questions and were quick to go ask someone else if they didn’t know the answer at first. Will continue to shop here in the future.” – Raymond F.
4. Ritchie Feed and Seed Inc.
| SERVICES | Nursery, garden centre, plant shop, agricultural products, soil and aggregates, fertilizers, garden accessories, pond accessories and tools, lawn care products and tools, farm and pet feeds, growing supplies, wild bird care, garden club |
| WEBSITE | http://www.ritchiefeed.com/ottawa |
| ADDRESS | 1390 Windmill Lane Ottawa, On. K1B 4V5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 613-741-4430 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM Sundays 10 AM – 5 PM |
Ritchie Feed and Seed has been around for decades—since 1930, in fact. It started out chiefly as an agricultural supplier to the Ottawa Valley area and has evolved into a one-stop shop for all things gardening-related.
Truly original, it has a staggering array of products and services on its menu. What makes it stand out from other nursery centres in Ottawa is its inclusion of farm and pet feeds and supplies, with specialized products meant for wild and captive birds.
Ritchie Feed and Seed delivers most items for a minimum purchase of $50. It offers clients a Garden Club membership that comes with a $10-off coupon, year-end rebates, gift certificates, and other special promos throughout the year.
As its motto goes: “Our roots go deeper!” Apart from its longevity, the garden centre boasts at least 5 retail stores all over Ottawa aside from its flagship branch.
Pros
- Delivery available for most items
- One year warranty for roses, vines, trees, and shrubs
Cons
- No warranty for tropical plants, annuals, perennials, and sod
- In-store shopping currently unavailable to follow COVID protocols
Customer Reviews
Read why Ritchie Feed and Seed has become a favourite among local gardeners:
“I love coming here… They have so much selection. The staff are very helpful and friendly. 1-year warranty on plants.” – Crystal S.
“What a great selection of lawn art! Sculptures, statues, and birdbaths! Oh My! What a great way to spend the afternoon, perusing the aisles and picking out your new spring flowers! Staff are cheerful and knowledgeable, and always have great ideas for making your garden picture perfect!” – Fauve G.
5. Robert Plante Greenhouses
| SERVICES | Plant shop, gardening tools and accessories, garden decor, soil, mulch, and aggregates, bird and animal supplies, pots and plant accessories, fertilizers and pesticides, gift cards |
| WEBSITE | https://www.robertplantegreenhouses.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 4228 Navan Rd. Navan, ON K4B 1H9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 835-9266 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday 9 AM – 4 PM |
Robert Plante Greenhouses cultivates and sells only locally grown plants, recognizing all the benefits that come with supporting them. Its environmental benefits include preventing exotic diseases and plants from wreaking havoc on native flora and fauna.
Locally grown plants also reduce fuel consumption and carbon footprint from shipping. These advocacies have not reduced the dizzying array of plant products and services offered up by Robert Plante, though.
The nursery and garden centre has been around for more than 40 years. It sells perennials, annuals, tropical and indoor plants, a wide range of gardening implements and tools, and even does custom arrangements and deliveries.
Even with the pandemic, the greenhouses are still open to the public. There are strict safety protocols in place, though, so only 25% capacity is allowed for the time being.
Pros
- Accepts cash, major credit and debit cards, and contactless payment methods
- Strict COVID safety protocols are observed
- Offers tree planting services
Cons
- No longer offers landscaping services
Customer Reviews
Want to check out what Robert Plante Greenhouses has in store? Check out some client feedback, first:
“One of my favourite plant stops. This nursery has adapted to the pandemic with an online presence and curbside pickup. They’ve also adapted to the covid plant collectors that have come out of the woodwork. Their Instagram is solid with weekly videos on new shipments and surveys about what people want. Consistently great plant selection and healthy stock.” – Dawn M.
“It has everything you could need in a greenhouse. From house plants to vegetables to cactuses to outdoor plants. Pots and fertilizer and so much more. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful in answering any questions you might have.” – Sherry Mallory
6. Budd Gardens
| SERVICES | Online Catalogue |
| WEBSITE | https://www.buddgardens.com |
| ADDRESS | Blackburn Hamlet Since 1911 2832 Innes Road, Ottawa, ON |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] 613-830-4328 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday 9 AM – 6 PM |
Are you on the lookout for the next nursery to visit? If so, Budd Gardens may pique your interest.
Budd Gardens started with a small piece of land back in 1911 that slowly grew into the large shop that they are in the present. They’ve also sold all sorts of plants and vegetables in the past, but have decided to focus on growing perennials in the 1970s.
With their years of experience in growing plants in the nursery, you can rest assured that they are committed to providing only the best plants. If you want to acquire the finest perennials, Budd Gardens is a choice you should consider.
If you’re interested, feel free to browse all of the plants available in the nursery through Budd Gardens’ website. You can also head on to their onsite spot as it is already open to the public.
Pros
- Follows strict Covid-19 protocols
- Online shop and curbside pickup available
- Wide array of plants and flowers available
Cons
- Parking is limited
7. Green’s Creek Organic Nursery
| SERVICES | Price List |
| WEBSITE | https://www.greenscreekorganic.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | Just Food Community Farm 2391 Pepin Court, Gloucester, ON |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 613-663-4820 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Closed for the season |
Next on our list is Green’s Creek Organic Nursery, a nursery ran by duo Chadwick and Mat.
Green’s Creek Organic Nursery grows over 80 varieties of organic vegetable and herb seedlings, as well as some edible flowers.
The nursery is currently closed and due to come back in May 2022, but this is because the owners want to have proper time to prepare in the meantime. Not to fret, since Green’s Creek Organic Nursery is still open for shopping and delivery.
We would like to note, though, that when it is open, Green’s Creek Organic Nursery offers rows upon rows of the brightest and freshest plants, many of which are in the affordable range. Chadwick and Mat meticulously take care of their plot of land, so it’s not surprising that they have the healthiest plants to show.
Pros
- Offers numerous varieties of vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers
- Affordable pots of plants, flowers, and herbs
- Online shop available
Cons
- Currently closed for the season – resumes May 2022
8. Ottawa Bonsai
| SERVICES | BONSAI ORCHID COLLECTION IN SPIKE THIS WEEK PHALANOPSIS COLLECTION DENTROBIUM COLLECTION VANDA ORCHID COLLECTION FRAGRANT PHALANOPSIS |
| WEBSITE | https://ottawabonsai.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 305 rue de Honfleur. Gatineau. |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] 613-788-6988 |
| OPERATING HOURS | By appointment |
The next entry on our list features a catalogue more unique compared to most nurseries. Ottawa Bonsai, as the nursery’s name suggests, specialises in the art of Bonsai.
They offer a wide array of Bonsai arrangements, all of which have been carefully and tastefully crafted by artists who have learned the art from the Best Grand Master Bonsaiists of Canada, David Easterbrook. Some arrangements are created to for the indoors, while others thrive better outside.
Some of the Bonsai that Ottawa Bonsai has to offer include the Brazilian Raintree Bonsai, the Bougainvillea Bonsai, the Baby Japanese Maple, and the Chinese Wisteria Bonsai. Aside from the environment in which they thrive in, these Bonsai also varies depending on the sizes as well as difficulty of care.
To help customers with the care of Bonsai, Ottawa Bonsai also carries several Bonsai accessories. They have healing pastes, Bonsai pots, and wires.
It’s also worth noting that Ottawa Bonsai’s offerings don’t stop there. The nursery also showcases a wide range of orchids, divided into several collections, which includes the Phalanopsis Collection, Dentrobium Collection, Vanda Orchid Collection, and Fragrant Phalanopsis.
However, they’re not accepting walk-in customers at the moment. You can also only avail their services via appointments.
Ottawa Bonsai accepts site visits by appointment. Their online shop is also full functional and can deliver to London, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and the US.
Pros
- Online shop available
- Delivers to London, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and USA
- Carries Bonsai accessories for home care
- Broad range of Bonsai and Orchids
Cons
- Does not accept walk-ins
- By appointment only