Les Jardins de Métis are owned and operated by Les Amis des Jardins de Métis. Les Amis des Jardins de Métis is a not for profit corporation and is recognized as a charitable organization (charitable number: 89657 3383 RR0001).

Les Amis des Jardins de Métis is responsible for the preservation and development of Les Jardins de Métis. The primary objective of the organization is to maintain the gardens and buildings and to preserve their unique character. The organization also has an educational and cultural mission. It is responsible for fundraising activities and campaigns to assist the organization in the realization of its objectives.

Les Amis des Jardins de Métis acquired Les Jardins de Métis following a privatization process initiated by the Government of Québec. The Government of Québec had operated the gardens since acquiring them from Brigadier Bruce Reford in September 1961. Following the announcement of the proposed closure of the garden in June 1994, Les Ateliers Plein Soleil, under the leadership of its president, Thérèse Beaulieu-Roy, rallied the local community in a common cause to preserve the gardens. Joining forces with several members of the Reford family, their bid for the gardens enjoyed broad support within the community. The government was similarly convinced that their bid provided the greatest assurance for the preservation and development of the gardens. Les Amis des Jardins de Métis was incorporated in February 1995. The act of sale between the Government of Québec and Les Amis des Jardins de Métis was completed on 4 July 1995.

Since 1995, the organization has established Les Jardins de Métis as one of the premier gardens in North America. Among the initiatives has been the establishment of a school visits program, the development of a program for garden vacations, and the hosting of lectures and workshops. From 1998 to 2003, the gardens have played host to the summer. In 2000, the gardens organized the first edition of the International Garden Festival, a major initiative to advance the art of the garden and to position the gardens as a tourist destination. The festival is the first of its kind in North America and was one of the most successful cultural events held in Quebec.

Les Amis des Jardins de Métis is a partner in the development of the region, contributing to a number of local organizations and community efforts. It is active in promoting tourism, economic development, and employment creation in the region. Les Amis des Jardins de Métis is a contributing member of almost one hundred horticultural, environmental, educational and cultural organizations and associations in Canada.

Les Amis des Jardins de Métis is piloting an ambitious development project designed to ensure the preservation of the gardens. With the aid of governments and the public, the gardens will oversee the implementation of a master plan which will enhance the beauty of the site and improve services to visitors.

Les Amis des Jardins de Métis have received several awards, including the Prix Gérard-Roussel from the Fédération des Caisses Populaires Desjardins du Bas-Saint-Laurent for its outstanding contribution to the community. Since 1995, the gardens have thrice won top prizes at the Grand Prix du tourisme of Québec, including the 1st prize in 2000 and 2001.

Les Amis des Jardins de Métis has a board of eight members. The board includes members of the Reford family, representatives of Les Ateliers Plein Soleil of Mont-Joli, and members from the community.

Les Amis des Jardins de Métis is incorporated in the province of Québec. Its head office is in Grand-Metis, Québec. Its mailing address is:

Les Amis des Jardins de Métis
200, route 132,
Grand-Métis, Québec
Canada
G0J 1Z0
Phone: (418) 775-2221
Fax: (418) 775-6201
Email: reford@refordgardens.com

To discover the history of the gardens and the family that built them, visit the Web site, Jardins de Métis, Portrait of a Landscape.