Leslie Hancock Garden (Ericaceae)

The Leslie Hancock Garden, which showcases collections of Ericaceae is magnificent from early May to early July, but is at its most glorious in June. This verdant corner located to the southwest of the Arboretum contains some one hundred species of Ericaceae, including some indigenous plants to Québec such as the wintergreen and the Labrador tea, as well as hundreds of cultivars of rhododendrons, azaleas and heaths.

Plants in this family require special growing conditions: moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil and a site providing good winter protection for the marginally hardy rhododendrons. The conifers surrounding the garden play this role and shelter the flowers from the cold and the drying winds. This green protection encircling the rhododendrons allows more snow accumulation, thus forming a protective blanket.

The oaks and conifers also filter the light and protect from the direct sunlights the rhododendrons and some shade-loving species in the garden. In addition, the fall of their leaves each Autumn provides a natural layer of mulch and helps acidify the soil as they decompose.

This garden is dedicated to Leslie Hancock (1892-1977), a rhododendron enthusiast and promoter of this plant in Canada.