A long established and well-respected business, Laporte’s Nursery and Greenhouses is still going strong, serving people in North Bay and surrounding area for over 70 years.
The family owned and operated business grew out of the senior Laporte’s keen business sense combined with a deep seeded love of plants and trees.
“We have just quietly celebrated 73 years in business. My grandparents started it in 1950, my father took over when I was nine, so 1972. And then I took over the general day-to-day operations about 25 years ago, when we moved to this location on Lakeshore Drive. I officially took over as the owner when my dad passed away in July of 2016,” explained Lori Laporte.
The younger Laporte has suffered great loss over the years with the passing of three members of her tight-knit family.
“My father was James Laporte, everybody called him Jimmy and my mom was Bev Laporte. They have both passed away.”
Additionally, Laporte lost her sister Keely, who she looked up to and who also played a key role in the success of the family run business.
The sisters shared a close bond.
“We were considered Irish twins. She was only 10 months older than me. We went to school together, we hung around together, we worked together and we’re siblings. It doesn’t get much closer than that,” Laporte reflected.
“Keely passed away June 4, 2005. She was just 43 years old at the time. Eighteen years have passed, and I miss her and think about her every day.”
The family legacy continues now that Laporte’s daughter has joined the business.
“My daughter Kelsey helps me day in and day out. I’m just teaching her the ropes. She has just been a God-send for me.”
In honour of her departed family members, Laporte has created a beautiful tribute garden at her Lakeshore Drive business.
Growing the garden, filled with special touches, has truly been a labour of love.
”It initially was in memory of my dad who was Laporte’s nursery,” Laporte pointed out.
“It doesn’t make me sad when I look at it, and I get to see it every day. I’m happy to show it off. I’m proud to say 73 years in business all these generations later. I do think it is something to be proud of.”
Many loving hands came together to create the space and grow memories.
“The staff has collectively helped me with this garden. And it is not just for my family members who have passed away, it also pays tribute to staff members who have passed,” Laporte explained.
“I’ve tried to plant things I knew my dad loved. It sort of started out for him. I had trees for everybody but we’ve since had to make some changes with that, but the garden is all the things that my dad really liked.”
One plant in particular, the Fire Light hydrangea which is now in full bloom, pays homage to her father.
“The hydrangea that we do have in the centre of the garden, which is the focal point, is called the Fire Light hydrangea and the grower provided it to us in memory of my dad. So, if you buy a Fire Light hydrangea here, it is in memory of him,” Laporte explained.
“I’ve added some echinacea and the daylilies are in full bloom, and the waterfall is still going strong.”
The recycled pond and waterfall give the space an added feeling of serenity.
“Some people say, ‘Doesn’t that sound bother you after a while?’ Well, no. It is so calming and when I look at it, I think of my dad,” shared Laporte.
A special tribute bench will soon be added.
“I have one coming in that we’re going to decorate with the names of all our loved ones who have passed on.”
Laporte enjoys it when customers take the time to stop and smell the flowers.
“You can’t help but walk past the garden because it is right outside the exit. Everybody enjoys that. You know when people bring their pets through, the animals stop and have a drink out of the little pond. It is awesome,” grinned Laporte.
Having the support of the community means a great deal.
“We have so many people who have moved up here from the bigger cities who didn’t know my parents, didn’t know my sister, didn’t have the privilege of knowing her with her wicked sense of humour, but they all get to see the beautiful setting that has been created for them.”
And that includes the addition of memory stones.
“Lots of people will ask me about them, so it sparks up a conversation and everybody loves a feel-good story,” Laporte shared.
Beyond the memories, the garden serves an additional purpose.
“I have a variety of pollinators helping the bees and the butterflies and the hummingbirds.”
The business owner has big plans for the future look of the entire property.
“I am going to change the entrance to make the front lawn parking because we just never have enough in the spring. But what I also plan on doing is making little roadways and pathways and naming them after my loved ones. So, my dad’s little street will be called ‘Jim’s Junction,’ Keely’s will be called ‘Keely’s Court,’ and my mom’s will be ‘Beverley’s Boulevard,’” explained Laporte.
“We’re expanding, but still giving it that family, country feel."
