The Jardins de Métis / Reford Gardens open for their 51st season on Saturday, June 1 and promise an extraordinary edition of the International Garden Festival, new features in the gardens and a program of events that includes environmental initiatives, literary teas, guest chefs and musical brunches. New this year – the opening of the vegetable garden, the blue poppy trial beds and the Museum of Garden Tools. Estevan Lodge Restaurant Opens with the First of Many Culinary Events The dining rooms of Estevan Lodge open on Saturday, June 1 with our own chef Pierre-Olivier Ferry offering a meal of lobster, fish and seafood from the St. Lawrence. Chef Ferry and his team have a busy season ahead of them, with luncheon service every day from June 12. Pop-Up Store Featuring Unique Products and Special Deals for Just Two Days Join us at the Visitor Pavilion for our first-ever Pop-Up Store. Sample our new lines of products made by artisans and designers from Québec and around the world. Purchase some rare and unusual plants such as Agapanthus, Tibetan blue poppies, unique daylily hybrids, Maidenhair ferns and more. Our new garden shop manager, Odette Saint-Arnaud, looks forward to welcoming you to the Pop-Up Store and the Garden Shop. The Pop-Up Store is open for just two days on June 1 and June 2. Plant Experts Share their Knowledge and Enthusiasm Join us on Saturday and Sunday at the Visitor Pavilion for lectures by plant experts (free admission): Saturday, June 1: Peonies with Patricia Gallant, 2 pm Sunday, June 2: Daylilies with Jean Rocheleau, 2 pm and Blue Poppies with Jean-Yves Roy, 3 pm Environmental Stewardship This year’s annual community cleanup of the trails and shoreline of the Mitis River Park will be held on Saturday, June 1 at the Mitis River Park from 9 am onwards. The cleanup is part of the Journée nationale des sentiers 2013 organized by the Fédération québéçoise de la marche. Participants are offered a free lunch and the pleasure of participating in contributing to maintaining this unique conservation area.