A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.
I picked up the May/June issue of Victoria magazine, attracted as I was by the subtitle Return to France and the promise of beautiful images of one of my favourite countries.
So imagine my delight when I turned the pages and found a lovely spread on one of my favourite places to visit in New Brunswick, Kingsbrae Gardens. I've posted on Kingsbrae before, but wanted to post again, because these gardens, and the gorgeous town in which they are located is worth a visit, and want to give you all plenty of time to plan your 2014 trip! St. Andrews is only 6 hours from Boston, 10 from NYC, 10 from Montreal.
Some photos from the magazine:
And my own:
eating outside, looking at the gardens and the ocean in the distance:
My favourite experience ever at the Gardens was taking my kids to the live ladybug release. Every morning at 10:30 in the summer, the staff releases live ladybugs in the rose garden and they let kids (and whoever else wants to try!) place the ladybugs on the roses.
Pick up the magazine, drool over the photos (and of course the photos from France) and then consider booking your own trip to New Brunswick!
You may recall I mentioned the Algonquin Resort in last summer's post:
Well it's re-opened and a number of us are heading there on May 3rd for a night of good food and fellowship and to check out the wonderful work they have done to bring this jewel back to its glory.
I'll have a full review of the hotel the week after.
I will say that St. Andrews rivals any resort town on the east coast of the U.S. and Canada - it is charming, safe and quiet. Whale watching tours will take you out into the Bay of Fundy, where you will see all kinds of whales and porpoises, including giant Finback whales. The exchange rate is in the favour of all you lovely Americans and if you are coming, let me know - I might pop down for a pot o' tea with you!
There is an amazing 18 hole golf course that overlooks the ocean. Lovely little restaurants and gift shops.
Fifteen miles down the road you can visit a chocolate factory in the town where I grew up, St. Stephen. It is one of my favourite spots for a day trip and I can't wait to go on May 3rd, but I also plan to go later in July to visit the gardens at their peak (though to be truthful, there is no bad time to visit Kingsbrae!)
Hope you have a lovely Saturday - stay safe out there!
xoxo wendy
Oh my gosh, I will definitely add this to my very short list! My kids and I love long weekend trips (hate to leave the kitties for more than three or four days) and this looks perfect. Will just have to look up best times to see the whales. Wendy, you really create beautiful posts -- thank you for all your effort and care!!
ReplyDeleteAudrey - August is the very best time. The cost of whale watching is quite reasonable $35 to $50 per person, depending on age and family rates. They go out morning, afternoon and evening and it is truly spectacular! Thanks for the kind words!
DeleteI have to get to this spot! It looks fabulous and I can't believe I've never been. I'll be buying that issue of Victoria magazine for sure.
ReplyDeleteWhatcha up to today Wendy? I have to figure out what I'm cooking for Easter dinner, what's on your menu?
Sorted out my non vegan/vegan menu this morning! Prime rib, vegan and non vegan stuffed potatoes, carrots, asparagus, home made biscuits and strawberry sorbet made by me! Off to have tea at a friend's house shortly!
DeleteYou live near these gems! I want to come up!! I just love visiting gardens-- have you been to Coastal Maine Botanical in Boothbay Harbor? Are you a golfer? I'm not, but these courses by the sea are lovely ( hope they are organic).
ReplyDeleteI have golfed twice in my life, and not to a good effect!!! Once I have been in your area, you will have to come up to mine! St. Andrews is truly a gem - will remind you of home, I think!
DeleteAs for organic, I believe the answer is yes!
Your garden and your view are my favorite:).
ReplyDeleteLPC - you are too kind! I need some kind of horticulture course - I just stick things in and some looks good but some looks pretty horrible!
DeleteHow perfectly lovely, Wendy, have a lovely Easter!
ReplyDeleteThe ladybug release is so beautiful, what a special thing to do, I'd love to join in.
ReplyDeleteYour garden obelisk is very impressive.
ReplyDeleteThose gardens look magnificent! I can see why you are eager to return this may. Will pick up the Victoria magazine as I find garden images so inspiring. Not that I can revamp my own tiny space but live vicariously through others!
Have fun on your trip.
Your garden obelisk is very impressive.
ReplyDeleteThose gardens look magnificent! I can see why you are eager to return this may. Will pick up the Victoria magazine as I find garden images so inspiring. Not that I can revamp my own tiny space but live vicariously through others!
Have fun on your trip.
I love Victoria Magazine and will be picking up my copy soon. It looks so beautiful and idealic there, Wendy. I can't believe I've never been anywhere in the Maritimes! It's un Canadian of me. I'll have to plan a trip out your way. The lady buy release sounds magical. You think of all the cool things. Enjoy your weekend. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThose gardens look lovely - I do like the mirrored obelisk, wouldn't mind one in my garden, however I'd be nervous that it would set something on fire on one of those 46C days we occasionally get here.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you're absolutely dying for a bit of Spring/ Summer weather... hope the sun is finally shining on you, and the snow is gone! xx