The town of Annapolis Royal is infused with millennia of history. The treasured tales of each era are displayed in the carefully crafted sections of its Historic Gardens,

which are woven together with vibrant, fragrant botanical beauty. TEXT LESLIE BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY MARCY BLACK SIMPSON

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A Nova ScotiaPARADISE

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On a quaint riverbank nestled between the mountains of the fertile Annapolis Valley, a modest town gathers to share the pleasantries of times gone by.

Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, this community spans barely more than a mile, but the charming character situated within is hardly small. Its people proudly boast of diverse heritage and welcome visitors who come to enjoy each cultural delight.

In order to fully appreciate the appeal of Annapolis Royal, one must understand its days of yore. For millennia, the indigenous Mi’kmaq people inhabited the land, joined at the dawn of the seventeenth century by French settlers who created their first permanent post at nearby Port-Royal. The region thrived as the center of Acadia until British capture in 1710. In honor of Queen Anne, the town was given its current title and named capital of Nova Scotia.

At the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, each of these eras and more are represented horticultur-ally in a 17-acre paradise located in the heart of town.

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Below right: The Victorian Garden reflects the region’s tastes during the Age of the Sail. Opposite, above left: Potager La Maison Acadienne was reconstructed in the Acadian Garden according to architectural findings of a 1671 structure. Below right: Learn modern horticultural methods in the Innovative Garden.

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“WHEN THE WORLD WEARIES AND SOCIETY CEASES TO SATISFY, THERE IS ALWAYS THE GARDEN.”

—Minnie Aumonier

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WHERE TO STAY:In nearby Wolfville, just over an hour east, the historic Blomidon Inn offers full-service accommodations. Transformed from its origins as a sea captain’s mansion, the bed-and-breakfast boasts uniquely furnished rooms with period antiques, fireplaces, and various gardens. For travelers hoping to stay closer to the Historic Gardens, lodgings of similar style can be found in Annapolis Royal.

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Guests enter into the courtyard, where winding pathways twist and turn, leading curious visitors to another breath-taking view just around each corner. Changing foliage from one season to the next calls regular members back time and again to enjoy the gardens anew.

While many similar venues began as private estates later opened to the public, this unique gem was created in 1981 as a community-development project. Rather than being well-aged itself, the landmark tells the story of the area’s past and is treasured by the population that founded it.

“I hope our visitors come away feeling a deeper connection with the natural world,” says Horticultural Manager Karen Achenbach. The garden has tremendous educational value in history and horticulture, but she and the rest of the staff recognize that many sojourners enjoy the space simply for its rejuvenating atmosphere. V

Below left: Elephant grass is visible from the Boardwalk. Opposite, above left: The Rose Garden, which holds more than a thousand individual shrubs, is most vibrant in late summer when its aroma drifts throughout town.

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