On August 24, 2008, Clef des Champs celebrated its 30th anniversary and the official opening of its new gardens on the mountainside. This project, a huge accomplishment, is sure to go down in the history of traditional herbalism in Quebec.

I arrived with the first handful of guests. In the visitors’ pavilion, among the bouquets of flowers picked from the gardens, stood several member of the Clef des Champs team. With their nametags on, skullcap in hand and a party atmosphere in the air, they were waiting for the first set of visitors to arrive at 2:00 p.m. “Welcome guests, we would be glad to escort you to the 9th level”. After a bit of a chat, Laurence invited me to explore the gardens alone, in silence and tranquility, or to take the guided tour. I opted to stroll around at my own pace in order to fully absorb the site’s vast beauty. I started down a mysterious little path, a passage leading to the garden and the stairs. It was clear that these stairs would lead me up towards ingenuity.

The garden is made up of 9 terraces that meander up to the peak. Each level has its own variety of herbs, colour palette and breathtaking view. Surprising and reassuring, this site feels both sacred and majestic. The soil is held back by huge rounded rocks. How in the world do they stay in place? Thanks to expertise and ingeniousness, of course, and surely a dab of heavenly glue.

Destination: 9th Heaven
I am not alone in the garden. Looking around in admiration, small groups of guests climb the stairs to the top. Exposed to the elements, scorching hot in the summer and very steep, the 9th level was a huge challenge, explained Dominique. The rain, bacteria and pests wreaked havoc on the plants and drainage in this area is complicated. A great deal of work still needs to be done. But what a view! It makes you want to stand and stare in awe, laugh out loud to hear the echo in the valley, fall to your knees to praise Heaven and Earth for such beauty.

While a trio reminiscent of troubadours played lovely music, strains of which reverberated around the valley, the team “picked” each visitor personally. As I glanced around, I saw the bright smiles of people enjoying heady glasses of wine flavoured with sacred basil, lemon balm, lavender, sage, bee balm, mallow, marshmallow and rose. I could tell you about the sophisticated system that collects runoff water, the green roof that caps the little cottage (quite remarkable, I must say), unexpected little trails and the many technical/ecological challenges that have plagued this colossal project. I would rather mention the friendly atmosphere, radiant expressions, joyful hearts, soft breeze and the help of the nature fairies, who convinced the black clouds hovering in the sky to visit the other mountain. A good omen, the guests did not feel a single drop of rain…

Marie appeared at the ceremonial ribbon cutting (with the ribbon made of flowers, of course) with a microphone and pruning shears in hand. She has always wandered off the beaten path, she told those gathered before her. Her companions along the way ? Inventiveness and healing herbs. This woman has a gift for thinking big and seeing far into the future. She is also able to surround herself with like-minded people, individuals who think outside of the box. With this spirit, she and her team have managed to transform a mountain.

Loved ones, family, friends, herbalists, current and past employees, all gathered to celebrate a different path and 30 years of tenacity. Even people of note were inspired to give heartfelt speeches. The mayor thanked Clef des Champs for the vital contribution it has made to the Val-David community. There was talk of projects to complete and the forging of alliances.

I forgot the details, but can clearly recall the smiling faces, the little girls with blooms of colour on their cheeks, bursts of laughter echoing through the valley. These were truly magical moments. This team knows how to honour the sacred while keeping things light. When a big bonfire was lit in mid-evening, it was clear in the body language of the Clef team that their mission was accomplished. Shoulders relaxed and feet itched to dance.

The official opening of the gardens also symbolizes an open mind and heart. Marie Provost has always been able to overcome obstacles, holding tightly to the hands of her soul sisters, the herbalists. Thank you Marie, for daring to dream. Thanks to the Clef des Champs team for climbing this mountain and gathering the honey flowing over the rocks.
With thanks,

Francine Dallaire, Certified Herbalist