It is a rare opportunity to visit the national historic site’s authentic 18th Century French gardens under the tutelage of a costumed gardener. Learn about period herbal remedies; discover plants grown from heritage seed strains; find out why raised beds and hotbeds are best in certain climates and why companion planting works so well. Participants will also gain knowledge about their 18th century French colonial “potager” and upper class ornamental gardens.
There will be four seminars throughout the summer, one each month with a different theme.
The first, scheduled for Saturday, June 18, is an introduction to the gardens of Louisbourg and learn what it is you need to do to prepare your garden. Learn about and use 18th Century gardening tools and help the Fortress’s gardener lay out the garden at one of their military officer’s property.
Other seminars look various topics: Saturday, July 23 – Thinning and pest control; Saturday, August 20 – Drying herbs and herbal medicine; and Saturday, September 10 – Harvesting your garden.
The time for each seminar is 10am to 12pm, rain or shine. The first seminar is included with your entry fee to the site. For each additional seminar you wish to attend pay only $7.30. Seminars are free if you have a discovery pass.
As always when visiting Louisbourg and its changeable climate, be sure to dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and bring your gardening gloves.
There are a limited number of spaces and registration is required. To pre-register or for more information, phone 733-3552.
