Ottawa and Gatineau Region Permaculture: Your Guide to Experts, Nurseries & More

Permaculture is a powerful approach to designing landscapes that are not only beautiful and productive but also incredibly resilient and sustainable. It draws inspiration from the wisdom of nature, mimicking its patterns and principles to create thriving ecosystems right in your own backyard.

Curious about incorporating permaculture principles into your Ottawa or Gatineau garden? Perhaps you’re dreaming of a food forest in Wakefield or a thriving edible landscape in the Outaouais region? This resource guide will connect you with the wealth of knowledge, expertise, and supplies available in the Ottawa and Gatineau regions, as well as neighbouring areas.

Find Your Ottawa and Gatineau Permaculture Community Online:

  • Permaculture Association of Northeast (PAN): This fantastic organization, covering a broad region including Ottawa, is dedicated to connecting permaculture enthusiasts. Their website offers webinars, workshops, and a directory of courses.
  • LivingHearth: Sometimes we need more than information; we need guidance and support. Bonita Eloise Ford, who works in the Ottawa area, author of Embers of Hope, offers coaching tailored to helping individuals navigate the complexities of sustainability and find their own path.
  • Edible Ottawa Gardens Group: This Facebook group provides a space for local gardeners to connect, share advice, and swap stories about growing food.
  • Agroecology & Permaculture in Ottawa: Join this group for discussions and resources specifically focused on permaculture and agroecology in the Ottawa area.
  • Ottawa Gardening Friends: Connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts in Ottawa, share tips, and get inspired by local gardens.
  • Gardeners of Ottawa: Formerly associated with the Ottawa Horticultural Society, this group is a hub for all things gardening in the Ottawa area.
  • GardenOntario: This province-wide group connects gardeners across Ontario, providing resources, events, and a platform to share gardening knowledge.

Ottawa and Gatineau Permaculture Design & Consultation

  • Living Landscapes Design:

    Living Landscapes is a permaculture design company dedicated to creating ecological and sustainable landscapes for homes, farms, and communities. Operating in Ottawa, Gatineau, La Pêche, Wakefield, the Outaouais region, and beyond, the company specializes in designs that harmonize with nature and help landscapes thrive. Services include permaculture and ecological design, edible and decorative gardens, food forests, soil fertility building, and consulting on homestead setups and regenerative systems. Living Landscapes also offers plant care, pruning, weed control, and education to support the long-term health of the landscapes they create.

    A Team Rooted in Expertise and Vision
    The team behind Living Landscapes brings a wealth of experience in ecological and regenerative design. Lead designer and founder Trent Rhode has over two decades of experience in permaculture gardening and design, bolstered by extensive education in alternative land use, arboriculture, and ecological restoration. He has designed and managed a range of projects, from urban gardens to off-grid farm systems. Architect and permaculture designer Ana Teova complements this expertise with her background in sustainable architecture and natural building methods. Her designs prioritize creating integrated spaces that align with the surrounding environment. Together, they work to transform landscapes into vibrant, productive ecosystems.

Nurseries and Seed Suppliers in Ottawa & Gatineau

  • Robert Plante Greenhouses: A beloved local institution for over 40 years, Robert Plante Greenhouses offers a wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and gardening supplies. Their knowledgeable staff can help you select the right plants for your permaculture project.
  • Peter Knippel Garden Centre: This family-run garden centre is known for its high-quality plants, unique garden décor, and excellent customer service. Check out their “Garden Coach” service for personalized guidance on your garden design.
  • Green Thumb Garden Centre: Focused on providing plants that thrive in the Ottawa climate, Green Thumb Garden Centre is a great resource for finding hardy perennials, shrubs, trees, and other plants for your permaculture garden.
  • Pepinière Jasmin: Located just across the river in Gatineau, this nursery offers a wide range of fruit trees, shrubs, and native plants ideal for permaculture projects. The staff specializes in edible landscaping, offering tailored advice for resilient gardens.
  • Les Serres J.C Lauzon et associés : A family-run nursery in the Gatineau region, they offer heirloom vegetable seeds, herbs, and plants suited for Quebec’s climate. They also host organic gardening workshops, making it a great resource for permaculture enthusiasts.

Workshops and Learning Opportunities

  • La Ferme et Forêt: Located just outside Wakefield, this farm uses permaculture principles in its regenerative agriculture practices. They offer workshops on food forests, forest gardening, and holistic farming techniques, providing hands-on learning for those interested in sustainable farming.

Ready to Turn Your Permaculture Vision into Reality?

These resources offer a great starting point for exploring the world of permaculture in the Ottawa and Gatineau regions. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, connecting with local experts, communities, and suppliers can help you create a thriving, sustainable landscape that you can enjoy for years to come.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Living Landscapes Designs for a free consultation and discover how we can help you bring your permaculture dreams to life.