June 30, 2026

The Gardens of Three Pines: The Gardens of Manoir Bellechasse

Post author By Christopher Melvin
Post date June 30, 2026
29 Comments on The Gardens of Three Pines: The Gardens of Manoir Bellechasse

Each summer, beginning when they were young, Reine-Marie and Armand Gamache visit Manoir Bellechasse, the beautiful, grand lodge built over a century ago on the shores of Lake Massawippi. Surrounded by mountains and forests – and gardens! – the lodge is a luxury, secluded destination for lovers of nature and good food.

“They knew if they looked in that same ledger they’d find their signatures, once a year, stretching back to a June day more than thirty years ago when young Armand had saved his money and brought Reine-Marie here. For one night. In the tiniest of rooms at the very back of the splendid old Manoir. Without a view of the mountains or the lake or the perennial gardens lush with fresh peonies and firstbloom roses. He’d saved for months, wanting that visit to be special. Wanting Reine-Marie to know how much he loved her, how precious she was to him.” – A Rule Against Murder

Some flowers that might be found in Manoir Bellecasse’s manicured grounds include:

Peonies: While the number of peony species is unclear, this flowering plant is extremely popular in ornamental arrangements. The peony has a rich and long history in Eastern cultures and is the floral symbol of China.

Lilies: Mostly native to the Northern Hemisphere, the lily flowers in a bountiful spectrum of colors. Beware: certain types of lilies can be extremely dangerous for cats!

Honeysuckle: Known to attract Hummingbirds, especially in North America, Honeysuckle can be aromatic and is named for the nectar that they cultivate in their flowers. The plant has come to symbolize nostalgia and love.

Tell us about a memorable garden you’ve visited on your travels.

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The Gardens of Three Pines: The Gamache Garden

Post author By Christopher Melvin
Post date June 30, 2026
39 Comments on The Gardens of Three Pines: The Gamache Garden

Although it feels like the Gamaches have always been part of the fabric of Three Pines, Armand and Reine-Marie don’t officially move to the village until the tenth book in the series, The Long Way Home. Their brick house sits on the edge of the Village Green, and their garden, located in the back of the house, becomes a place of peace and reflection for the Gamaches, along with a gathering place where they spend time with their family and friends.

“Reine-Marie stopped, stooped, and picked a weed out of their front garden. She showed it to Myrna, who clapped. It had become their running joke, from their early days in the village, when Reine-Marie and Armand had “weeded” the spring garden, only to discover they’d left the weeds and taken out most of the perennials.” – Glass Houses

Perhaps not natural green thumbs, the Gamaches still grow a variety of flowers, weeds, and trees in their garden, including:

Lavender: An Old World flower that dates back, at the very least, to Greek and Roman times. “Lavender Haze” was a term coined in the 1950s to describe a certain state of love. Taylor Swift heard the phrase while watching an episode of Mad Men, which inspired her to pen the eponymous song.

Weeds: A generally undesirable plant that dates back to the invention of agriculture. A.A. Milne famously quipped in Winnie-the-Pooh, “Weeds are plants too, once you get to know them.”

Apple Trees: Also known as Malus domestica, were originally cultivated in Asia and subsequently brought to America by colonists. William Blaxton, the first European settler to occupy what is today known as Boston, grew the first apples and named them “Yellow Sweeting”.

Do you have any tips for managing weeds in your garden?

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The Gardens of Three Pines: Miss Jane Neal’s Garden

Post author By Christopher Melvin
Post date June 30, 2026
81 Comments on The Gardens of Three Pines: Miss Jane Neal’s Garden

There’s no better introduction to the “Gardens of Three Pines” than Miss Jane Neal’s. Jane, a retired schoolteacher, is famously the first murder victim in Louise’s beloved and bestselling series. Her garden provides a window into the type of person she was – and the community of Three Pines where she lived.

“‘One more question,’ said Gamache at the door, the bag of muffins in one hand and the door handle in the other. ‘You mentioned the Charles de Mills rose.’
‘Jane’s favorite. He’s not just any rose, Chief Inspector. He’s considered by rosarians to be one of the finest in the world. An old garden rose. Only blooms once a season but with a show that’s spectacular. And then it’s gone.’” – Still Life

Jane was known for her particular fondness for “old garden roses,” which she tended with expert care, and her favorite, the Charles de Mills rose. Beyond the roses, her garden was a riot of color and variety, featuring:

Hollyhocks: Of the Alcea genus, hollyhock is generally found in Asia and Europe. The Streambank Wild Hollyhock is native to North America.
Sweet Bergamot (Monarda): A mint that is indigenous to North America. The Native Americans used its medicinal qualities to cure stomach ailments, among other ailments.
Charles de Mills Rose: An Old Garden Rose, first introduced in 1786, the Charles de Mills rose is known for its vibrant purple and crimson hues. The Charles de Mills was inducted into the Old Rose Hall of Fame in 2015.

Tell us about your garden?