Traditional Acadian Garden

The Acadian Historical Society of West Pubnico, Nova Scotia, in partnership with the West Pubnico Garden Club and the Canada Millennium Partnership, recreates a traditional Acadian kitchen garden for present and future generations in the backyard of the Museum.

Acadian Gardening

The project involves the planting of trees and flowers, as well as a garden of herbs and vegetables, customary to the first Acadians. The goal is to demonstrate this aspect of Acadian life to thousands of students and visitors from the region, Canada and abroad.

While offering a place of learning and tranquillity, this garden will also be a showcase for this aspect of Acadian culture in a natural environment for many years.

The lot is shaped like a rectangle whose length is twice the width. It is divided into layers by a system of trails that also divide the layers. The main 1.5-meter wide trails (approximately 5 feet) and smaller trails inside the garden facilitated access to the plants.

Traditional Cultivation

Aromatic plants and decorative shrubs border a pleasant garden. Acadians cultivated several food roots because of their easy conservation during the winter. Vegetables, thriving plants and herbs were growing next to each other in a predetermined order.

The selection of plants was to provide food, medicines, seasonings, tinctures, anti-insect substances, air fresheners, pain remedies and beauty products.

Plants and vegetables in the garden are representative of the plants and vegetables typically available to Acadians in 1653.

Aromatic herbs

Lovage
Horseradish
Tansy
Wormwood
Chamomile
Lavender
Valerian
Yellow iris
Calendula
Parsley
Chives
Thyme
Hyssop
Sage
Willow hedge

Vegetables and Fruits

Onions
Beets
Green beans
peas
Carrots
Lettuce
Parsnip
Radish
Turnip
Cabbage
Raspberries
Green currant
Artichoke
Currant (Gooseberries)