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Gardens | The Gardens | Long Walk

The Long Walk is one of Elsie Reford's most original creations. Modelled on the mixed herbaceous borders designed for some of England's great gardens by Gertrude Jekyll, the Long Walk is a subtle re-interpretation of Jekyll's model. Two low stone walls anchor the walk, with its slightly sloping beds flanking the central pathway. The flagstones were designed by Robert Wilson Reford to resemble stone, but are in fact of cement, using shell-filled sand from the beach. The walk culminates in a vista of the St. Lawrence through the trees.

The Long Walk erupts into colour with the bright yellow basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis) and the rockcress (Arabis caucasica), which bloom as the snow melts in May. Plants bloom in succession: lilac, peonies, delphinium, lilies and phlox. Roses complete the roll call of beauty.