Planting a garden was one of the first things a settler would do upon arriving in New France. In a land that was still untamed, planting a garden was one way in which to appropriate the territory and ensure one’s survival.

Champlain founded Quebec City in 1608 and, as of the next year, his Habitation had a garden. Colonists at outposts founded following that planted their own gardens. From the early days of the French regime, the St. Lawrence valley was filled with country and town gardens where native plants grew side by side with those imported from Europe.

What grew in these first gardens? How did our ancestors get the resources they needed from the plants to feed and care for themselves, make clothes and build shelters? The answers to these very questions will be provided in this new series of chronicles. What a pleasant way to celebrate this beautiful season!