Les Jardins de Métis (Reford Gardens) are preparing an ambitious program of anniversary activities and special events in 2012 to include exhibitions, concerts, garden parties, theatrical performances, lectures, circus events, culinary evenings, a festival of flavours, literary teas, musical brunches and the 13th edition of the International Garden Festival are all on the menu for 2012. We are appealing to the public to play a special part in the celebrations by sharing your photographs and memories with us for a virtual exhibition that shows the gardens over the past 50 years. We are appealing to visitors to share your photographs, videos and memories of the gardens. They will be used in a special exhibition to be launched early in 2012 that will be displayed on the Virtual Museum of Canada. The gardens were officially opened to the public for the first time on June 24, 1962. First called Le Domaine Reford and then Parc Métis, les Jardins de Métis quickly become known around the world for their extraordinary beauty and exceptional botanical collection. They are one of the leading attractions in eastern Québec and one of Canada’s premier garden destinations. The summer of 2012 also marks the 125th anniversary of Estevan Lodge, the historic fishing camp at the heart of the Gardens. How to Participate in our 2012 Exhibition Project Photographs submitted by the general public will become part of a virtual exhibition. To participate in the exhibition, please send us your photos, slides or other souvenirs of your visit electronically by email at archives@jardinsdemetis.com or by mail to: 2012 Exhibition Project Les Jardins de Métis 200 Route 132 Grand-Métis, Québec G0J 1Z0 All photographs will be scanned and returned to the owners (please identify them with your name and date if possible). Contributors to this exhibition will be invited to the opening of the 2012 exhibitions in June. This project has been made possible through a grant from the Community Memories Program of Canadian Heritage. Click here to view some images that will be part of the exhibition..