This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
In 1978, herbalist Marie Provost had no idea that one day, visitors would come in large numbers to admire her flowers and plants. However, here she is getting ready to open for the 25e year his garden on trays installed in the heights of Val-David, in the Laurentians.
In the bright offices or between the rows, there is a feverishness in the air at Clef des Champs two weeks before the opening to the public. Those who take care of the garden pamper the thousands of plants. “We will soon put up the hundred explanatory signs, the lawn will be freshly mown. The shop will be ready, and we will install a terrace here,” explains Marie Provost, pointing to the different areas of her immense land as if she were preparing to receive guests at her home.
That’s kind of the case, really, since the sixty-year-old created her gardens from scratch 46 years ago. Since then, she has always remained the sole owner of her Val-David establishment, which today employs about forty people and is one of the largest herbalist businesses in the country. “I started this out of personal interest after a trip to Latin America. I came back with knowledge that we didn’t have in Quebec,” says the woman who grew up in Montreal but spent her weekends far from the city. She became the mother of three children and enriched her knowledge for years until her initiative expanded and needed more space.
It was in the early 2000s that Marie Provost had the opportunity to get her hands on a large plot of high ground. “We worked for two years to clear and build the terraces that would accommodate the 10,000 plants that had to be moved,” she recalls.
The project was a bit crazy, but Marie Provost never regretted her decision since the microclimate of the place is conducive to cultivation. Her gardens arranged on different levels remind her of the ways of cultivating elsewhere and the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains is astonishing.
Gardens to discover
It is this beauty of the place that the herbalist wants to share. “We first opened our gardens to the public in 1993 and, in two days, we had received 1,000 people. We said to ourselves that there might be an interest and so we have done it almost every year since,” she says.
Thus, between July 22 and August 25, Clef des Champs will welcome visitors, who will be able to wander freely through the gardens, opt for the audio guide or for a tour that describes the plants and tells their story. Various benches, pergolas and water features are arranged along the circuit and allow you to stop and enjoy the place. “It’s not a botanical garden. It’s a production garden, but we still work to make it beautiful by alternating colors, for example,” explains Marie Provost, pointing to yellow and pink flowers.
According to her, you should plan for about 90 minutes of visiting the developed areas accessible by paths that wind uphill. Although the activity is not designed for children, they are welcome. Admission is free and there is a small playground for them near the reception. They will also certainly be interested in the part called the “Witches’ Garden”. Every year, there are many families who come to enjoy the place, much to the delight of Marie Provost, who is delighted to be able to offer this contact with nature.
At the end of the tour, you can stop at the shop to stock up on herbal teas, spices, dried herbs and other products. You can then continue to slow down time on the shaded terrace, where drinks and snacks are offered.
To exchange
The businesswoman says it frankly: it is not to make money that she opens her gardens to the public; it is simply to inform and share her knowledge about Quebec plants. She also does it for the rich exchanges that this experience allows.
Moreover, to further support its mission, Clef des Champs offers various workshops on several subjects under a marquee during this month, the cost of which includes a right of access to the gardens.
Marie Provost has been interested in the province’s plants and the environment for nearly 50 years. We can tell that she enjoys sharing her little corner of paradise one month a year. All you have to do is bring a hat, good shoes and mosquito repellent!
Clef des Champs in figures
This content was produced by the Special Publications Team of Dutyrelevant to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part in it.