As people are spending more time at home, many are still wanting to make sure they have a nice garden to relax next to, as COVID-19 safe practices keep them mostly within their property.
That from Lori Laporte of Laporte's Garden Centre at 1054 Lakeshore Drive. Laporte's is just one of several local outlets still taking phone or online orders and offering curbside service, including L'Ami's Garden Centre, Burrow's Country Store & Garden Centre, and Canadian Tire, among others.
Laporte says customers are already contacting her and saying they want some normalcy in their life and their yards.
"They basically say that if they're stuck at home, they might as well enjoy the look of it," says Laporte.
In her business, she's utilizing phone in orders as well as email orders. They can take credit cards over the phone or e-transfers.
"For small things like a bag of soil, they can just call 705-472-6414 and we'll arrange for safe pick up at the store," she explains.
"For larger orders, they can email me at lori@laportesnursery.ca and I'll take care of things," she adds.
Laporte says she has many loyal customers who love picking out their favourite flowers or plants in person. She'll try to accommodate that by posting all new arrivals on her Facebook page, and people can contact her on a first-come basis. Flowers are expected in early May.
She says that for many people a garden will give them a place to relax and is zen-like, while for others it's exercise and physical activity.
"I can tell many people still want to have a beautiful garden, especially if they're stuck at home," says Laporte.
