Case Study: The Evolution of an Ottawa Garden
The Project: A Long-Term Collaboration
Not all landscape projects are a one-time installation. Some of our most interesting work involves long-term collaboration with clients to guide a garden's evolution. This case study looks at one such project, an Ottawa garden we've been helping to shape since 2023.
The initial goal was simple: add more biodiversity to an existing landscape. We started in the fall with a strategic seeding of native plants, which took off with incredible vigour. Sometimes, a seeding can even be too successful, which presented a great opportunity for an ongoing partnership in helping to manage and edit the garden as it matures.
The Process: Ongoing Refinements & Plant Additions
An ecological garden is a dynamic system. On a recent maintenance visit, we did some editing to continue improving the space. We selectively removed some Bleeding Hearts and introduced a new cast of characters to further boost the diversity and extend the bloom times, including:
Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)
Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)
Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus)
Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens)
This process of observing and adjusting is a key part of long-term garden stewardship, ensuring the space remains balanced and healthy.
The Result: A Thriving Focal Point for Wildlife and People
Today, this small garden is flourishing with an incredible array of native plants, from Black Cohosh and Serviceberries to multiple Milkweed species, Big Bluestem grass, and Joe Pye Weed.
The best measure of success, however, is the client's experience. The homeowners have told us the garden has become a true focal point for their lives, providing a constant source of discovery from their large bay windows. They've shared wonderful stories about the new wildlife, buzzing pollinators, and birds that now visit their yard daily. This project is a perfect example that ecological gardening isn't about creating a static, "finished" product that never changes. It's an ongoing process of collaboration that results in a landscape that becomes more resilient, biodiverse, and interesting with each passing year. This hands-on approach allows a garden to reach its full potential as a beautiful, functional habitat.
Ready to Start Your Garden's Journey?
Whether you're starting from scratch or need expert help managing an existing garden, our REWILD team can help. We offer ecological landscape design and professional installation in the Ottawa area!
