The Reford Gardens, a participant in the Special Attractions Category of the 2011 National Edition of Communities in Bloom, received a 5 Bloom rating and a special mention for Integration of Art and Sculptures Following the evaluation of the community, volunteer judge Gérald Lajeunesse (Ottawa, ON) wrote: Located on the South shore of the St. Lawrence at the gateway to the Gaspé Peninsula, this wonderful historic garden - the Reford Gardens - is the work of a great lady, passionnate gardener and plant lover, Elsie Reford. This exceptional site, which captivates the story of Elsie and the Reford family, deploys on 200 acres of developed land here in this historic garden, then in contemporary art and ephemeral gardens. As a whole, Reford Gardens showcase some 3000 species of native and exotic plants, in an idyllic setting. Sculptures have been integrated for several years in the development of the gardens. In 2011, nine works of the sculptor Jean Brillant are exposed in the historic gardens, alongside the impressive permanent collection of the Reford Gardens and sculptural trail. Since 2000, the Reford Gardens offer, with the international Garden Festival, an unparalleled experience focused on the creation of ephemeral artistic works, as contemporary gardens. Rare if not unique to Canada, the event has become a must-see destination, and the friends of the Reford Gardens, real leaders in sculpture gardens in Canada. Communities in Bloom National Office: 514-694-8871 : www.communitiesinbloom.ca