The best spots around Ottawa to find plants, advice, and inspiration for your garden
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just planting your first tomatoes, there’s nothing like browsing a local greenhouse to spark inspiration. From sprawling nurseries with endless rows of perennials to cozy garden centres brimming with unique finds, the Ottawa region is home to some truly outstanding plant destinations.
Here are some of our favourite garden centres and nurseries around the capital that are worth the trip this season:
A local staple since 1982, Robert Plante Greenhouses offers one of the most impressive collections of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and tropical plants in the region. Their indoor tropical greenhouse is open year-round and always full of colour and humidity—perfect for mid-winter plant therapy or summer garden planning. Staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and happy to walk you through everything from houseplants to landscaping advice.
📍 Location: 4228 Navan Road, Navan, ON K4B 1H9
📞 Phone: (613) 835-9266
🌐 Website: robertplantegreenhouses.com
Known for its quality plants and exceptional service, Peter Knippel Nursery has everything from bulk garden supplies to beautiful trees and shrubs. Their tidy layout makes browsing easy, and their team is great at helping you troubleshoot issues or plan your outdoor space. They also carry landscape materials and mulch by the bag or the yard.
📍 Location: 4590 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1T 3W6
📞 Phone: (613) 822-0383
🌐 Website: knippelgardencentre.com
Tucked away just west of the city, Make It Green is a go-to for native plants, pollinator gardens, and thoughtful plant pairings. Their selection supports biodiversity, and they host workshops and classes throughout the season. They also offer a lovely range of houseplants, pots, and garden gifts if you’re looking for something unique.
📍 Location: 5200 Flewellyn Road, Stittsville, ON K2S 1B6
📞 Phone: (613) 599-3419
🌐 Website: makeitgreen.ca
Beyond The House blends the warmth of a boutique with the utility of a full-service garden centre. You’ll find a curated selection of plants, decor, tools, and gifts—plus a helpful staff team that can guide you through garden planning. They regularly host creative workshops and seasonal events.
📍 Location: 144 Craig Street, Russell, ON K4R 1A1
📞 Phone: (613) 445-5214
🌐 Website: beyondthehouse.ca
Carp Garden Centre is beloved by west-end gardeners for their down-to-earth service, well-maintained stock, and wide variety of hardy perennials, trees, and shrubs. Their team is known for practical advice and straightforward solutions to common garden challenges.
📍 Location: 153 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp, ON K0A 1L0
📞 Phone: (613) 839-4359
🌐 Website: carpgardencentre.ca
Aquatopia is a beautiful tropical conservatory that doubles as a wedding venue—but don’t overlook the garden centre on-site! Their boutique carries rare and exotic houseplants, garden decor, and unique gifts. It’s a plant lover’s paradise and worth the visit for the atmosphere alone.
📍 Location: 2710 March Road, Carp, ON K0A 1L0
📞 Phone: (613) 225-7663
🌐 Website: aquatopia.world
If you’re serious about perennials, this is your spot. Their show gardens are packed with ideas and inspiration, showcasing mature plants in real settings. The staff are true experts in plant care and pairing, and the location itself is scenic and serene—well worth a visit.
📍 Location: 594 Rae Road, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0
📞 Phone: (613) 256-3406
🌐 Website: whitehouseperennials.com
Celebrating over 34 years of beautifying the Ottawa Valley, Milliken Landscaping Garden Centre in Arnprior is a cherished destination for gardening enthusiasts. They offer a wide array of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees, many of which are hand-planted and meticulously cared for daily. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned them the Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence twice. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden or require professional landscaping services, Milliken’s knowledgeable staff is ready to assist.
📍 Location: 1370 Scheel Drive, Braeside, ON K0A 1G0
📞 Phone: (613) 623-8486
🌐 Website: millikengardencentre.ca
A short drive over the river brings you to this long-standing Quebec favourite. Nesbitt’s has been in business since the 1950s and is loved for its wide selection of annuals, veggies, and hanging baskets. The friendly, bilingual staff create a welcoming environment for all types of gardeners.
📍 Location: 147 Chemin Eardley, Gatineau, QC J9H 7G5
📞 Phone: (819) 684-5877
🌐 Website: nesbittsgreenhouse.ca
Carleton Place Nursery is a full-service garden centre with everything from ornamental trees and fruit trees to shrubs, annuals, perennials, and even bulk garden materials. Their 35+ years in business speak to their reliability and deep roots in the local gardening community.
📍 Location: 7164 County Road 29, Carleton Place, ON K7C 3P1
📞 Phone: (613) 257-8175
🌐 Website: carletonplacenursery.com
One of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets for plant lovers and photographers alike. Open seasonally, this greenhouse features lush tropical species and is a dream for anyone looking to escape the outdoors—or snap a few striking photos. Entry is free, and it’s a relaxing place to stroll and learn about rare and exotic plants.
📍 Location: Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, ON
🌐 Website: friendsofthefarm.ca
There’s no shortage of amazing garden centres and nurseries around Ottawa—and each one brings its own personality and expertise. Whether you’re after edible plants for your garden, native species for pollinators, or a few tropical showstoppers for your living room, these local spots have you covered.
Plus, by shopping local, you’re not just buying plants—you’re building relationships with people who understand Ottawa’s growing conditions and care about your success as a gardener.
🌱 Looking for the perfect place to start? Pick a few spots from this list and make a weekend of it. Many of these centres also offer seasonal events, plant sales, or workshops—so you might learn something new while filling up your car with greenery.
Ready to keep the magic going? Once you’ve picked up your plants and garden goodies, head over to some of our other garden-inspired reads:
🌿 How to Create a Vertical Garden
🧚 DIY Fairy Garden Ideas
🌷 Get Your Garden Spring-Ready
These articles are packed with creative ideas, practical tips, and plenty of inspiration to turn your backyard into something special—no matter your space or skill level.