They are two of the northernmost and most spectacular-gardens in Canada: Quebec's les Jardins de Les Quatre Vents and Jardins de Métis. These are not "just-a-pleasant-stroll-throughthe-flowers" kind of gardens. They challenge you. If you go, prepare to be awed, amused, energized and exhausted.
Although the gardens lie on opposite sides of the St. Lawrence River as it broadens to 40 miles in width, with a bit of planning they can be visited on consecutive days and easily combined with a few days in Quebec City. The gardens at Les Quatre Vents ("the four winds") is in La Malbaie in the scenic and historic Charlevoix region, two hours north of Quebec City. It is widely considered one of the most ambitious private gardens in North America. Jardins de Métis, also known as Reford Gardens, is in the tiny village of Grand-Métis, four hours north of Quebec City on the St. Lawrence's south shore.
Both gardens were created and designed by passionate amateur gardeners who were driven to build something beautiful and lasting.
Both founders embarked on their projects in their 50s, after personal crises, and then spent the rest of their lives continuing to refine their creations and their legacies.
Les Quatre Vents
Francis H. Cabot, Jr., born in 1925 and known as Frank, was a scion of Boston's prominent Cabot family, a Harvard graduate and investment banker in the family firm. After several reverses in business, he retired at age 51.
"I was a good promoter, but I was a good promoter of ventures that didn't always work out. So I threw myself into gardening," Mr. Cabot said in a 2003 newspaper interview.
By the time he began building his 20-acre garden on the family estate in La Malbaie in the 1970s, Mr. Cabot was already an experienced horticulturist. He had served as chairman of the New York Botanical Garden and later helped found the Garden Conservancy.
Denne historien er fra January - February 2024-utgaven av Horticulture.
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Denne historien er fra January - February 2024-utgaven av Horticulture.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following
NEW PLANTS
Multiseason Marvels
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
How three great minds think alike
Take It Indoors
Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir
ROOTED IN PLACE
LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.
LOW-WATER WONDERS
EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN
Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right
The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right. Once a crop like spring turnips or snap peas has finished, I tidy up the bed, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost and replant. Depending on the new crop, I may be sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.