Plant lists chosen for zone 5a winters, clay soil and the light each bed actually gets.
Natural Resources Canada updated its plant hardiness zone maps in 2025, using 1991 to 2020 climate data. Ottawa stayed in zone 5a. We choose plants rated for zone 5 or colder, and keep zone 6 plants to sheltered spots only if you accept the risk.
Clay soil is the other half of the story. Beds are amended with compost and built up where water sits. Plants that tolerate heavy, wet soil go in the low spots.
Each bed on the plan lists the plants, the spacing and the mature size, so the design still works in five years and does not crowd the house or the walkway.
Near the street, we pick plants that can handle road salt and snow piled on them in winter.
Site measurement, a scaled plan and 3D views, so you see the yard before it is built.
New walkways, steps, front beds and lighting that fit the house and the City's front-yard rules.
Patios and outdoor rooms built for Ottawa frost, with fire, lighting and privacy planned in.
Plant lists chosen for zone 5a winters, clay soil and the light each bed actually gets.