The International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) holds their Congress annually in different locations around the world, allowing global members from garden centres, nurseries and suppliers to come together, build relationships, learn and help each other to grow. I was lucky enough to be awarded a sponsored place by the Garden Centre Association (GCA) Trust, which aims to help young people within the industry expand their knowledge and forge connections.
2024 saw the Congress held in the province of Quebec, Canada. The tour covered Quebec City and Montreal, with a range of garden centres and landmarks on the packed itinerary. It was a busy but memorable week!
Monday
Our first visit was to Floralies Jouvence, in Lévis. With an impressive selection of houseplants, planters, perennials and hardy shrubs, it was an ideal first stop for inspiration.
Jardin Hamel showcased a well-stocked plant area, and are known locally for their Christmas decorations. In spring they hold an annual event, with thousands of butterflies released into the greenhouse.
It was then onto Floralies Jouvence in Quebec City. The larger branch boasts impressive greenhouse space with a botanic glasshouse feel to their houseplant collection, and a stunning restaurant where we enjoyed lunch.
For the afternoon we visited the Montmorency Falls, and had dinner at Sagamité Wendake experiencing indigenous culture, followed by an enchanted night walk through Onhwa’ Lumina forest lights.
Tuesday
After some free time to explore Quebec City, it was time to make our way towards Montreal.
Jardin Paradis held an extensive display of perennials, trees and shrubs with tasteful merchandising throughout the store.
Following lunch, we headed to Pépinière Villeneuve, set in beautiful woodland with a focus on outdoor plants and a striking Hosta collection. The maple syrup taffy making was also a highlight!
The day was rounded off with a visit to Jardin Michel Corbeil, in picturesque countryside with a mix of nursery space and landscaped gardens. After dinner and music by sunset, we were invited to release butterflies raised by the nursery, who are dedicated to butterfly and pollinator conservation.
Wednesday
Montreal is home to a large botanic garden, which was our first stop of the day. With thousands of plant varieties, themed areas including the majestic Chinese garden, a large alpine area, serene woodland and a diverse kitchen garden, it is a must visit when in the area.
We then experienced the La Grande roue de Montréal wheel, offering sweeping views across Montreal and beyond, and followed by an informative tour around old Montreal.
Finally, our dinner for the evening was served onboard a river cruise, with all delegates dancing the night away with the DJ on the upper deck!
Thursday
Our visit to Centre de Jardin Floreal was a memorable experience, with a singer and large buffet to greet us! The garden centre itself was wonderfully laid out, with high quality indoor and outdoor plants to tempt shoppers.
Jardin Dion had inspiring merchandised displays, incorporating water features into their presentations. Some of our delegates took part in a hockey competition, which turned quite competitive!
We headed to Verger Richard Legault apple orchard for lunch, followed by a relaxing walk around the site. It was interesting to see the many twisted but statuesque shapes of the apple trees.
Le Centre du Jardin Deux-Montagnes had an incredible collection of trees, conifers and shrubs on their 22-acre site, with golf buggy rides available to see the full range of plants!
Friday
Centre De Jardin Brossard Inc with the first stop of the day, with more warm hospitality complimenting the well-presented array of perennials and houseplants.
Archipel Maison Vivante brings a new garden centre concept space to the Montreal area, combining high quality indoor and outdoor plants with home furnishings to complement and enhance the shopping experience. The innovative ideas and attention to detail was impressive to see.
The evening, and week, ended with a spectacular gala dinner, allowing us all to wind down and reflect on a wonderful week.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience an IGCA tour, and feel inspired by the garden centre hosts with their innovative ideas. Thank you to the GCA for awarding me the Trust place!
Naomi
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