A Guide to the Gardens

Bellevue Gardens at Work

The kitchen vegetable garden at Bellevue House produces over 1000 lbs of food each growing season. All of the produce is grown using the traditional, environmentally friendly and sustainable methods practiced at the time Canada’s first Prime Minster was in residence.

Visitors to Bellevue House are able to taste the quality and natural flavours of the historic and traditional varieties grown as we use our home grown garden products in interpretive programs. Fresh herbs make their way into baked goods and flowers decorate our tea service, held on the grounds.

Staff at Bellevue House not only keeps history alive, they also contribute to their community through local sustainable agriculture. Bellevue House is conscious of its ability to make a small difference and help Kingston community families eat fresh produce. We set aside a row in the garden from which the food grown is distributed through a local food sharing initiative. Bellevue House is proud to have contributed over 300 lbs of local fresh organic produce this season to families in need through meal programs and community pantries.

Fresh local produce in the hands of a great chef can transform ordinary into extraordinary. By partnering with The Athlone Inn,  historic and traditional fare from the Bellevue House gardens is transposed by a Red Seal Executive Chef into modern French Cuisine allowing locals and tourists alike an opportunity to discover how an expert presents inspiring creations and real flavours from a simple and traditional garden.