Jardins de Métis

Description:

• Also known as the Reford Gardens, these 40 acres near the Métis and St. Lawrence Rivers are home to over 3,000 species and varieties of native and exotic plants. The gardens were originally cultivated by Elsie Reford, a woman of such passion that even in Gaspé's relatively severe climate she was able to create a wonderland. Sections are laid out in the informal English manner and include a Blue Poppy Glade, Crabapple Garden, and Woodland Walk. There are shops, a small museum, and a busy garden cafe. Since 2000, an international garden festival has been hosted here each summer. It has a special focus on avant-garde design and runs June through September with gourmet dinners, art exhibitions, literary teas, musical brunches, and, of course, temporary gardens by contemporary international designers.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010