This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today, we feature Francine Paulin of Aux Mille et un Jardins in Caraquet.

OVER THE YEARS, OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE GROWN WITH US. THEY HAVE ENJOYED THE CHANGE AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEW THINGS WE OFFER EVERY YEAR. THEY ARE RESIDENTS OF OUR TOWN AND THE SURROUNDING VILLAGES. THE GENERATIONS FOLLOW EACH OTHER AND IT IS VERY NICE TO SEE THE CHILDREN OF YESTERDAY BECOME OUR CUSTOMERS OF TODAY.

We have a partnership in different contests. Among other things, we offer a tree to all newborns and new residents as well as the city beautification contest (perennials, shrubs and annuals). It’s a way to showcase what we do in a different light, and it contributes to the community in many ways.

Everyone has been very supportive of us during these difficult times and many new customers have discovered us. We’ve had to adapt like everyone else to online sales, more home delivery and also Public Health protocols.

I think that all in all, we have learned to respect others, to take time to listen to each other and to help our fellow residents. It is moving to see people, young and old, rediscover the pleasure of making a small garden and embellishing their space with flowers of a thousand colours. We are part of the community. Our customers are friends, neighbours, family members. It’s this human-to-human relationship that makes the richness of local businesses.