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Hidden Eyes and Community Ties at Annapolis Royal's Historic Gardens

9/8/2015

 

Who's watching you from the trees at Annapolis Royal's Historic Gardens?

Bird watching Annapolis Royal Historic Garden
Have you ever had that unnerving feeling that someone or something is watching you while you travel? Knowing that a set (or several sets!) of eyes are on you but you just can't tell where they're coming from? That was definitely my experience while visiting the Historic Gardens in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia - but it wasn't scary at all. In fact, the garden actually wanted it that way!
Bird watching Annapolis Royal Historic Garden
34 sets of bird eyes are watching you from nooks and crannies of the garden's trees and shrubs but visitors have nothing to fear. These are charming ceramic birds, made with Nova Scotia clay, and there's one for every year the gardens have been open. I've never seen a piece of artwork quite like this before and it immediately elevated the Historic Gardens to one of the best art experiences I've ever had.
Bird watching Annapolis Royal Historic Garden
How many birds can you spot here?
Bird watching Annapolis Royal Historic Garden
Can you see Isobel perched in the tree joint?
Local artist Shauna MacLeod wants visitors to the garden to ponder the question of whether the guests are watching the birds or if the birds are watching the guests. One bird in particular that I was especially fond of watching myself was "Isobel". Isobel is a black crow - a very Nova Scotian bird - and she's the largest in the collection. Isobel looks like she's just waiting to open her mouth and squawk! I know that visitors of all ages will love her as much as I did.
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
The ceramic birds weren't the only pieces of sculpture at the Historic Gardens. Everywhere I looked there were pieces of art made from many materials, including the natural grass sculpture in the picture above - it looks like a romantic coupling of a husband and wife from a distance!
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
The Historic Gardens represent four centuries of gardening techniques and heritage in the area, including Aboriginal and Acadian history. They also offer workshops on everything from floral photography to basket making. 

The seasonal planting plan means that there is always something in bloom from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn, ensuring an amazing visit no matter when you go.  And go you should - especially when you see where you can sleep and eat!

Where to sleep and eat near Annapolis Royal

Digby Pines resort view
Digby Pines resort King Bed
During my time in Nova Scotia, I stayed at the Digby Pines Resort, which is 30 minutes away from the gardens. A hotel has been on the property since 1903, which has fantastic views of the Bay of Fundy. Staring out at the beautiful blue water, I really felt like I was truly home on the east coast again. I enjoyed sweet slumbers in the comfy king sized bed but the real highlight of the visit for me was Digby Pines' incredible food. It was Canadian comfort food at its finest!
Digby Pines Resort Appetizer
Digby Pines Resort salmon
Digby Pines is committed to local food, including serving up famous Digby scallops. But I was tempted by other fare, including a kind of build your own bruschetta and a delicious salmon filet. It was the perfect setting for a relaxing meal at the end of a full day.

Picture
I've always maintained that Nova Scotia is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world and a visit to the Historic Gardens of Annapolis Royal only adds to the charm of your east coast visit. It's always an eye opening experience when you discover some unexpected art - especially when the art is watching you back!


Have you been to Nova Scotia before? What was your experience like?



If you enjoyed this article, you'll also like:

A Photo Tour of Rural Malagash, Nova Scotia

North Shore Nova Scotia's Greatest Grub

Dining Aboard a Historic Railcart in Nova Scotia





My time in Nova Scotia was facilitated in part by a press trip. All research, writing, and opinions remain my own.

Aileen link
8/8/2015 10:25:50 pm

Wow... that garden looks amazing! It certainly looks like its for royals. And that's quite interesting too with the birds. That can be fun to find :))

Vanessa
9/8/2015 02:29:46 pm

The town IS named after royalty - I almost forgot! It was named in honor of Queen Anne!

Wandering Carol link
9/8/2015 03:00:09 am

Funny. When looking at these photos of the lush garden I had the same sense as when looking at a painting by Fragonard, there always seems to be watching from the shadows.

Vanessa
9/8/2015 02:30:25 pm

I'm guessing that the artist would absolutely love that comparison!

Kate link
9/8/2015 10:01:41 am

Stunning photos, you've really highlighted how beautiful these gardens are. I love the idea of the ceramic birds and food at the hotel looks delicious too. Thanks for the inspiration

Vanessa
9/8/2015 02:30:57 pm

I want to start adding more ceramic touches to my garden at home now.

Jackie link
9/8/2015 10:46:51 am

What a lovely blending of nature and art! I haven't been to Nova Scotia, but I'd like to visit eastern Canada. Every time, I research Canadian destinations, I always find more "hidden" gems!

Vanessa
9/8/2015 02:31:52 pm

As a Canadian I'm so excited to hear this!!

Francesca @onegrloneworld link
9/8/2015 01:36:34 pm

Hahaha that's really cool! I love stuff like that. I would have a blast trying to spot all the birds!

Vanessa
9/8/2015 02:32:26 pm

I didn't even come close to finding all of them!

Jennifer @ Made all the Difference Travel Blog link
9/8/2015 02:05:45 pm

I bet it would be a lot of fun to take a kid and have them looking for the birds.

Vanessa
9/8/2015 02:33:13 pm

Agreed. I think this is a very accessible and very child friendly garden.

Bobbi Gould link
9/8/2015 02:31:25 pm

What a unique take on a generally normal looking place! Nova Scotia looks GORGEOUS! Thanks for this. I hope to get there one day!

Vanessa
9/8/2015 02:33:44 pm

I hope you make it too!

Lauren @ Justin Plus Lauren link
9/8/2015 03:22:49 pm

What a beautiful garden! I've been to Nova Scotia but have never visited here. I'd love to relax and stroll around here sometime :)

Vanessa
12/8/2015 03:37:23 pm

It's a really pretty area.

Jessica link
9/8/2015 05:37:56 pm

What an odd and interesting concept! Those little birds are so cute!

Vanessa
12/8/2015 03:37:53 pm

They were so fun - I wish I had them in my garden.

sandra
5/10/2015 05:11:18 pm

What an unbelievably perfect addition addition to our gardens

Vanessa
5/10/2015 05:21:33 pm

Aren't they charming?! I bet more people (and especially kids!) would get excited to visit gardens if they had to hunt out these fine 'feathered' friends.


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