"The location of the place is exceptionally fortunate. It borders on the St. Lawrence river which controls air humidity. All around it is sheltered by dense conifer plantings which serve as windbreak causing snow to remain where it falls and to accumulate for a depth of several feet. The soil is naturally acid and through the patient labor of many years it has become deep and fertile, yet it is thoroughly drained through underlying gravel." Dr. Henry Teuscher, director of the Montreal Botanical Gardens, to Bruce Reford, 1960.