Welcome to Shangri-La

I was awestruck when I first walked into Le Jardin de Gus (pronounced /gue :s/ ). My expectations were that I would find a lovely garden, with lots of pretty flowers, and lush plants. I was told beforehand that it was a place where many locals flocked to have their special landmark moments photographed, and their happy occasions celebrated. What I found was a mystical, eclectic, earthly paradise, a utopia of plants, flowers, water features, stonework, and unexpected recycled artistry. What I heard in my mind, as my eyes swept this oasis, was “Welcome to Shangri-La.” 

One of the Finest Gardens in New Brunswick

Le Jardin de Gus is the pride and joy of Adrienne (Gus) and Camille Roy. This privately-owned and cared for garden is located at 102 Principale Street in Edmundston, in the historic heritage district of Saint-Basile. On May 31, 2007 at the Provincial Legislature Assembly, MLA Madeleine Dubé publicly recognized Le Jardin de Gus as one of the finest gardens in New Brunswick.

Le Jardin de Gus

You may visit Le Jardin de Gus during the months of June through Augus,t by reservation or through one of the special Public Open Houses – which occur every 15th of the month: June 15th, July 15th, August 15. The open houses are a wonderful opportunity to wander the gardens, and interact with several artists plein-air painting. No entrance fees are collected; however voluntarily contributions are accepted. Since opening their doors to the public in 2000, Le Jardin de Gus has donated over $20,000 to charitable organizations .

A Labour of Love

Le Jardin de Gus is a labour of love that began almost 47 years ago. It all started as a small project for Gus, on a parcel of land that used to be owed by her grandfather. Then Gus’s passion and her garden both grew and grew and grew over the years. She was not planning a big garden – it just kinda… happened.

Gift of Gardening

Gus has no formal training, just a stint in Ottawa working with cut flowers for bouquet arrangements, but that has never deterred her. Gus follows her heart, and plans all winter long for the next growing season. Gus says she inherited her gift of gardening from her grandfather's green thumb. She added that her twin brother Adrien Clavet, has the same blood running through his veins. Like Gus & Camille, Adrien & his partner give private tours of their 10+ acre themed gardens in Chelsea, Quebec and they host weddings, and special events. You can see Adrien’s magnificent gardens in person or in the books: La Chasse-Gardée du Marais and The Magic of the Chasse-Gardée du Marais.

Happy 50th Birthday Indeed!

On the occasion of her 50th birthday in 2003, Adrien presented Gus with a hybrid flower, an Hemerocallis, named “Elfe Adrienne Roy” in her honour to mark the special occasion. This flower can only be found in the Canada Historical Garden in Ottawa, the Montreal Botanical Garden, the New Brunswick Botanical Garden, and Le Jardin de Gus. Happy 50th Birthday Indeed.

I’ll Take a Glass of Wine, Please!

Gus just celebrated her 68 birthday in August and she shows no signs of slowing down. She laboriously maintains over one thousand varieties of flowers, plants, and shrubs in her garden. Plus she, and Camille care for all the waterfalls, fountains, ponds, concrete structures, and recycled art displays which have been through several winters, and major storms. At times the clean up has been overwhelming, but Gus keeps going. She described one particularly difficult hurricane and the absolute devastation it left in its wake, and I asked if she cried. I know I would have. She replied, “No, but I had a glass of wine that day.”

Special Artifacts

Gus is often given special artifacts to incorporate into her garden, like the door from the house of the first Acadian settler in the region of Madawaska, or a hand-painted wheelbarrow. Once she was even given a pair of old work boots of one of her former volunteers (who had passed,) but his wife felt a part of him should be where he loved to be - in Gus’s Garden.

Spruce Cat

Gus’s husband, Camille, is very proud of her. He is amazed at her pride, work ethic, and dedication to her garden. He shared that Gus has been working on her pruned spruce cat for over 15 years, and 8 of those years were dedicated to getting one of the ears just right. He added that Gus gets so wrapped up in her gardening, that often she forgets to stop for lunch. Gus is an passionate perfectionist when it comes to her garden.

Enchanted Wonderland

The Jardin de Gus is an enchanted wonderland - a treat for your senses. It has five themed gardens, each having its own unique characteristics:  the Birds Garden, the Lilac Garden, the Tropical Garden, the Rose Garden, and Aliane's & Flora’s White Garden (named after her two granddaughters).

Colette Clavet Stained Glass

Gus’s sister Colette Clavet created the beautiful stained glass pieces in the garden too. What a talented family!

Weddings at Le Jardin de Gus

Thinking of going to the chapel? Gus has you covered! Le Jardin de Gus hosts private parties, graduation & wedding photo sessions, and yes - wedding ceremonies are held here too. Couples exchange their vows in the elevated gazebo that overlooks the large fountain area, where the guests all gather below. Gus is honoured that so many couples choose her garden to celebrate their happy day.

Le Jardin de Gus Reception Area

In 2019, Gus and Camille acquired the building across the street and the structure was refurbished to create a reception area. Of course, the surrounding grounds also received some Gus TLC to welcome guests to the building, and to the expanded parking facilities.

Gift of Joy

Gus has received many special visitors - including Premiers, Senators, Members of Parliament and of the Legislative Assembly. Gus said she enjoys all her visitors, and she just hopes that each one enjoys the walk, appreciates the colourful blooms, and takes in her peaceful surroundings. Many tell Gus that time spent in her garden is therapeutic. I think Gus’s legacy is the gift of joy she bestows on everyone who visits her garden. The Jardin de Gus is truly a garden to behold. I hope you will visit and experience it for yourself. To book your special event or to plan a private tour, call: 1 (506) 263-5752

This post was sponsored by Tourism Edmundston-Madawaska; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!