Gaspésie >> The Coast >> Reford Gardens
Reford Gardens
Open from June to October
The Reford Gardens (Les Jardins de Métis) are recognized as one of Canada’s outstanding gardens. A national historic site, they were created by a passionate gardener and plant lover, Elsie Reford, between 1926 and 1958. Visitors to this verdant domain of more than 200 acres can admire the splendours of some 3,000 species and varieties of native and exotic plants displayed in fifteen gardens. Sculptures by contemporary artists punctuate the visit and integrate harmoniously with historic gardens.
One of the highlights of any visit is Estevan Lodge, the 1887 house built by Lord Mount Stephen as a fishing retreat. Today, it welcomes visitors to its dining rooms, temporary exhibitions and museum. The museum explores the story of the summers spent by Elsie Reford and her family enjoying salmon-fishing and gardening. On Sundays throughout the summer, the Villa hosts brunch, literary teas and outdoor concerts. Winner of the Gaspésie culinary prize en 2008, the dining room of Estevan Lodge offer a luncheon menu and Friday evening meals inspired by the Gardens and featuring local produce. The Garden Café, adjacent to the Villa, offers light meals and snacks in a garden setting.
In the Visitor Centre at the entrance to the Gardens, services are available free of charge. The Boutique Café offers light meals and an outdoor terrace; the Garden Shop offers a selection of garden books, seeds, gardening items and gifts; the Gifts Shop offers a wide range of products made by local artisans.
Wheelchairs are available free of charge (reservations suggested) and umbrellas are loaned for a visit in the rain.
International Garden Festival
June 27 to October 4, 2009
For its 10th anniversary edition, the International Garden Festival features innovative contemporary gardens created by artists, architects and landscape architects from around the world. This year, visitors will discover 20 innovative gardens created by designers from Canada and abroad, including the famous “Blue Stick Garden” by Claude Cormier. A program of activities for the family and special events is presented throughout the summer.
Reford Gardens
200 Route 132
Grand-Métis
Québec, Canada
G0J 1Z0
http://www.jardinsdemetis.com
Phone : 418 775-2222
Fax : 418 775-6201
Schedule
Open every day from June 6 to October 4, 2009
June, September and October
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission at 5:00 pm)
July and August (last admission at 6:00 pm)
8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Rates
Adults: $ 16
Seniors: $ 15
Students: $ 14
Young Adult (14 to 18 years old): $ 8
Children (13 and under): Free
* Taxes included.
