A rally on the trail of gnomes & butterfly fairies!

I’ve always been fascinated by garden gnomes, those legendary little creatures that watch over nature and add a touch of whimsy to green spaces. So when I found out that a Gnomes & Butterflies rally was taking place in one of the most beautiful gardens in North America, I didn’t hesitate for a second! I headed for Sainte-Croix in Lotbinière with my two young explorers.

It’s Sunday morning. The temperature seems uncertain. The sun is slow to show its gentle rays. But these few clouds don’t dampen our enthusiasm for our expedition.

Before setting off, we prepare a home-made picnic. We plan to stop off at Fromagerie Bergeron to stock up on their famous strands of fresh cheese. It’s impossible to imagine a perfect basket without these little cheese treasures.

As we drive along Route 132, we catch a glimpse of the St. Lawrence River gradually coming into view. In the back of the car, a question comes up:

Mom, what are garden gnomes for? A few clicks later, we discover that these little statues are good luck charms, meant to protect gardens and watch over crops. An honourable mission indeed!

As soon as we arrived at Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière, my daughters marveled at the beauty of the place:

“WOW MAMAN! We should have garden gnomes at home, our garden would be as magnificent as it is here!”

I smile as I reply:

“I guess those gnomes have some powerful allies too: butterfly fairies!”

We find the perfect spot for our picnic, surrounded by century-old trees. We contemplate the bounty of nature before our eyes. My eldest daughter, fascinated, embraces a huge trunk and exclaims:

“They’re hardly taller than Daddy, are they, Mommy?”

After a delicious meal in the heart of nature, it’s time to set off to conquer the dwarves and fairies!

A few raindrops grace the start of our quest, but we’re too focused on finding our first wood gnome. The girls find him at the foot of a tree, at the entrance to a magnificent arch. Looking up, they marvel at the sight of a Butterfly Fairy.

Our journey takes us through flower-filled gardens, peaceful ponds and the majestic manor house. Each time we meet a new Garden Gnome and Butterfly Fairy, we’re treated to bursts of surprise and joy!

Suddenly, we came across a man dressed in period costume. Intrigued, my youngest whispers to me:

“Mommy, who’s that man?”

The man, amused by my hesitation, smiles and introduces himself:

“I’m Michel Chartier de Lotbinière, ingénieur du Roy… and the great-grandfather of Henri-Gustave Joly de Lotbinière!”

A beautiful moment of history that reminds us of the estate’s rich heritage.