Gifting Apples and Trees at Grand-Pré

September 15, 2009

Grand-Pré, September 15, 2009: For generations, visitors have been able to taste the apples produced in the orchard at Grand-Pré National Historic Site. This miniature orchard was established in the late 1920s on the initiative of the Dominion Atlantic Railway and the Memorial Church Committee to showcase the dominant fruit of the Annapolis Valley and to commemorate the French origin of the apple in Nova Scotia.

Today, the orchard is comprised of 50 apple trees, some of which are very old. Over the years, a number of the trees have had to be replaced. In order to maintain the historic nature of the orchard, old varieties have been used as replacements whenever possible. In 1996, for example, Bruce Fuller, well-known farmer from Hortonville, donated six Imperial MacIntosh trees and four Northern Spy trees. In 1985, to commemorate the centennial of Parks Canada, the Agricultural Research Station in Kentville gave a Black MacIntosh tree, another older variety.

As one can imagine, some of the other trees planted by the DAR in the 1920s have also died as a result of diseases or storms. According to Grounds Superintendent Wayne Kelly and Chief Gardener Scott Crowell, sometimes these trees have been replaced thanks to private donations.

In a number of cases, the donations have been made as retirement mementos. In 1976, two Horse Chesnuts and a Linden tree were planted by John Mason, Ivan Coldwell and Douglas Crowell to mark the retirement of Mr Mason and the beginning of Douglas Crowell’s career as chief gardener. When he retired from Grand-Pré in 1997, Tom Mappleback donated a Patmore Ash.

In other cases, a tree has been planted in memory of a member of the personnel. In 1992, Robin Rymer, a former employee of the railway, donated a Copper Beech to commemorate Ralph and Delbert King who worked in the gardens at Grand-Pré from 1923 to 1968. In 1994, the Friends of Grand-Pré had a magnolia tree planted in memory of  Gordon LeBlanc who occupied the position of Superintendent from 1957 to 1979. Another moving donation was made by Barbara LeBlanc, professor at Université Sainte-Anne and former Superintendent at Grand-Pré. As a gesture of friendship between the Acadians, Planters and Loyalists, she donated a Golden Chain Tree or Laburnum which was planted in 1989 next to the Longfellow monument.

Over the years, many visitors have enjoyed the apples at Grand-Pré National Historic Site. But how many of them know that the apple trees themselves are often the fruit of generosity? Aside from the plaque installed by the Friends of Grand-Pré in memory of Gordon LeBlanc, there is nothing to indicate the names of the people who have donated trees or the reason for their generosity. This lovely tradition of gifting trees to Grand-Pré is still a well-kept secret.

Sally Ross
Media Relations
Société Promotion Grand-Pré
(902) 826-2981

The Société Promotion Grand-Pré is a non-profit organization representing the Acadian community that collaborates with Parks Canada to ensure the development and integrity of Grand-Pré National Historic Site.

Contact: Victor Tétrault
Executive Director, Société Promotion Grand-Pré
Phone: 902) 542-1952
Fax:902) 542-1691
WebSite: www.grand-pre.com