Grand Métis is a small village in the Gaspé peninsula of eastern Quebec, situated at the confluence of the Mitis and St. Lawrence River.[1] The main attraction of Grand Métis is the magnificent Jardins de Métis, the historic Reford gardens. In 1919, Elsie Reford inherited her uncle’s estate and created a beautiful landscape of shrubs, annuals, and perennials. Located near Grand Métis, the gardens are a remarkable testament to Elsie’s horticultural skills, as many of the plant species are found nowhere this far north and in such a cold environment. Her elegant Victorian Villa home in the middle of the park is now occupied by a museum, restaurant, and shop. The park and gardens are open in the summer from June to mid-September, coinciding with the hosting of the International Garden Festival.[2] Today, the pride and symbol of the Jardins de Métis is the Himalayan Blue Poppy, which is grown there in the summers.[3]
References: Carroll, Donald. Insider’s Guide Canada. Edison: Hunter Publishing, Inc, 1996. ISBN: 1556507100.
“Grand-Métis, Quebec.” < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand-M%C3%A9tis%2C_Quebec>
[1] Grand-Métis [2] Carroll, 277 [3] Grand-Métis |