Exotic. Dreaming of a Plant World

EXOTIQUE 

DREAMING OF A PLANT WORLD 

From June 15th to October 5th, 2025

 

To mark the centenary of the first appearance of Himalayan blue poppy plants (Meconopsis betonicifolia) in Western amateur gardens, Exotique. Dreaming of a Plant World questions the use of this qualifier to name that which comes from afar. Isn't a plant exotic to one person indigenous to another? Can a specimen growing nearby inspire a sense of foreignness? 

Based on these questions, the exhibition presents both botanical discoveries made in the 19th and 20th centuries and contributions from current science. The latter, aimed at protecting biodiversity, allows for the meticulous study of specimens. This detailed observation inspired fashion designer and artist Ying Gao in the creation of Can't and Won't, two interactive dresses integrated into the exhibition. A part of the exhibition is also dedicated to the presentation of plants from here and elsewhere, as well as to cultivars, that is, human creations, planted by Elsie Reford between 1926 and 1958 in her gardens at Grand-Métis. 

Exotique. Dreaming of a Plant World thus invites visitors to discover the horticultural universe.

 

Exhibition launch

► Sunday, June 15th at 2:00 PM, at Estevan Lodge 

Reservation is not required.

This activity is free for the members of Les Amis des Jardins de Métis and for people who have paid their entrance fee to the Jardins de Métis.

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Lecture: Discover the World of Carnivorous Plants, by Les serres Paolo 

►Saturday, August 9th, 1:00 PM, at the Desjardins Hall of the Grand Hall 

 

Pinguicula Arrangement Workshop, by Les Serres de Paolo 

► Saturday, August 30th, 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM at the Desjardins Hall of the Grand Hall 
► Registration required - 25$
*Reservations available soon on our website