Bucolic getaways in the garden | The Press

At the beginning of summer when nature flourishes, the gardens unfold for the happiness of all. Intoxicating scents, dazzling colors and taste experiences, the magic operates to exalt your senses in the heart of these eight parks punctuated with activities and events. Change of scenery guaranteed for a day, 2 hrs 30 mins at most from Montreal.

Jardin Daniel A. Séguin, a life-size horticultural laboratory

Founded in Saint-Hyacinthe 28 years ago by three horticultural teachers (Daniel André Séguin, Wilfrid Meloche and Milan B. Havlin), the Daniel A. Séguin garden is above all an educational space intended for students of the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire du Québec (ITAQ), which is just across the street.

“The goal of the three professors was to offer students a life-size laboratory, particularly those studying landscaping,” explains Nancy Rossi, general manager of the site. Today, in addition to this educational aspect, the space has, on the one hand, a tourist vocation and, on the other hand, a cultural and artistic vocation.

Picnic among rare plants

This garden, where you can discover exceptional plants, forms a set of 24 themes spread over 4.5 hectares, the centerpiece of which is the French garden. It is mainly characterized by symmetrical flowerbeds carefully planted with flowers by ITAQ students.

Along the promenade, a Japanese garden with a small pond and a tea house is revealed; a Mediterranean garden planted with succulents in a desert area and a pergola reminiscent of Greek temples. Medieval, First Nations, Love, Future Gardens… the visit is diversified and the children are not left out, since a space where they can play freely is reserved for them.

Culture at heart

“Each year, we have a partnership with a foundation, an association or a museum to deploy the cultural and artistic component”, continues Ms.^me Rossi. You can see the exhibition there. Become like the tree, bringing together a few artists. This event inspired by a work by multidisciplinary artist Jordi Bonet is ongoing until September 4 in the eco-responsible horticultural pavilion.

The other artistic novelty, the result of a collaboration with Pépite & Josèphe in partnership with the Saint-Hyacinthe Expression Exhibition Centre, transforms the garden’s Atrium into a fictional archaeological site until October 29. The work of Pépite & Josephe has as its starting point the collection of rubbish on the edges of the road and its recycling. An atypical project where the fossils of intriguing creatures roaming the roads of Quebec will be excavated!

3211 Sicotte Street, Saint-Hyacinthe

Beautiful gardens to visit

A romantic atmosphere at the Mackenzie-King Estate

Jewel of Gatineau Park, the Mackenzie-King estate belonged to the 10^e Prime Minister of Canada, William Lyon Mackenzie King, in the 1900s. This great romantic created three spaces representing vestiges from recovered stones. “We have a French garden, an English garden and a rocky garden. There are also birdbaths and sundials everywhere, because Mr. Mackenzie King was very fond of them,” says Catherine Bouchard, Heritage Resources Program Officer. During the walk, the visit of two chalets will immerse you in another era and you will have the opportunity to play croquet and badminton. 1^er July, the music group Sons of Scotland will come to honor the Scottish origins of the founder to the sound of bagpipes.

MacKenzie King Road, Chelsea

Jardin Moore, the pioneer of permaculture

The Moore Garden was designed by William Dyson Moore in 1944 on the grounds of an abandoned farm along the Mascouche River. This pioneer in ecological horticulture then imagined a permaculture garden, where nature does its work. “We don’t use any pesticides and no watering, because as the garden is on a downward slope, it’s the rainwater that takes care of the plants,” explains Emmanuelle Boutin, administrator of the Dyson Moore Foundation. Each plant is positioned in a strategic place, which creates a harmonious cycle between animals and native plants. This relaxing place of observation where various events and workshops are organized, such as an introduction to sculpture for all ages on August 11, has just inaugurated an exhibition of around fifty sculptural works created by around thirty artists.

1455 Pincourt Road, Mascouche

Jardins & Des Lys, picturesque and emblematic

In the heart of the old village of Verchères, a beautiful Victorian built in 1890 is nestled in a historic setting, where lilies are in the spotlight. Dozens of varieties of this symbolic flower of the Kingdom of France line this steep garden composed of 23 themes. Among these: the aromatic entrance, the Victorian swing, the large pool, the aviary, the stained glass window, the gardener’s shed or the contemplative stopover set the tone for this visit imbued with poetry. In addition to lilies with their spectacular flowering and characteristic fragrance, the place is inhabited by perennials, including roses and many other species of plants.

23, rue Saint-Pascal, Vercheres

Medicinal plants at Clef des Champs

It is on the mountainside, in the pretty Laurentian village of Val-David, that the Clef des Champs herbalist opens its garden of medicinal plants from July 15 to August 20. You will find more than 150 certified organic species while strolling on these terraced gardens which offer an exceptional panorama. Health advice and discussions on the principles of herbalism are on the agenda, as well as several workshops that will allow you to learn more about these plants and their benefits. Herbalist speakers will also share their knowledge between July 29 and August 16. Reservations required.

2205, chemin de la Rivière, Val-David

The mosaic cultures of Marie-Victorin Park

If you live in Montreal, this destination is the most remote of our eight gardens, but it’s worth the detour! Located in Kingsey Falls, Marie-Victorin Park is renowned for its 13 giant permanent mosaic cultures, its tropical greenhouse and its magical gardens enhanced with bodies of water. From 1^er July, you will be able to discover a surprising interactive event called Awesome ! All smart! which deals with the different types of intelligence, including those of plants. The paths of the gardens will be embellished with a touching exhibition of photos presenting the favorite native species of the famous botanist Brother Marie-Victorin. Other events are planned, including a bonsai exhibition on July 15 and 16, where more than 70 specimens of venerable age will be presented. Good to know: the first Sundays of the month are free!

385 Marie-Victorin Boulevard, Kingsey Falls

The must-see Montreal Botanical Garden

We often forget to take advantage of the beautiful sites near us and this may be your case if you live in or near Montreal. Visited by people from all over the world, the Montreal Botanical Garden is one of our jewels where it is good to walk and which offers events, activities and colorful exhibitions in all seasons. It notably includes 10 exhibition greenhouses and brings together plants from most regions of the globe. The space is big, so the most vulnerable will be happy to take a minitrain tour for free during the summer season. Tasty plant biodiversity on the plate, anti-waste challenge on food waste and intimate concerts in a bucolic setting are on the agenda from July 9th.

4101 Sherbrooke Street East, Montreal

A range of activities at the Center de la nature de Laval

A vast urban park of more than 50 hectares, the Center de la nature de Laval brings together in one place horticultural gardens connected by a network of paths embellished with, among other things, footbridges and ponds where everything is conducive to contemplation. The tropical greenhouse, where exotic plants, fish and birds flourish, will transport you for a few moments to other climates. Both educational and fun, the farm where you can see, for example, chickens, goats, pigs and horses will certainly appeal to the youngest. Water sports enthusiasts can practice kayaking, canoeing or rabaska on the large lake. Activities and entertainment are numerous and several festive events are scheduled throughout the summer.

901 Park Avenue, Laval