The joie de vivre of Jardins St-Léon

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This article was published 15/05/2024 (864 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jardins St-Léon Gardens (419 St. Mary’s Rd.) is open for business. Year after year, the excitement in the air seems palpable days and weeks leading to the opening of the family-run market garden at the corner of Carriere Avenue and St. Mary’s Road.

Operating Monday through Sunday, the market’s offerings include a wide range of local fruits, vegetables, and pastries. It also offers service in both French and English

“It’s the culture, the vibe,” said co-owner Colin Rémillard, who runs the vibrant market with his brother Luc, sister Janelle, and cousin Daniel. The equal co-owners have been bringing their individual strengths to the popular destination since 2016. A French-language in-store music playlist serenades shoppers and contributes to the unique, festive ambience.

“Everyone who works in the market is bilingual French and English,” Rémillard said. “It’s a way to differentiate ourselves. We use an old playlist and it’s only French music, which kind of gives a European vibe, like an event with violin, and fiddle music,” he chuckled.

“It’s very rare to have what we have here,” he continued. “What a privilege. It’s a cool thing to have in the community. It’s locally focused, seasonal — we have a connection to producers, and we are dealing with all the little guys. It’s a thousand different factors influencing it. That’s what makes us special.

“We are really proud of it. There’s a very wholesome culture, with a huge emphasis on customer service… the outdoors, the seasonality helps. There’s an event when we open up. Everything contributes a little bit,” added Rémillard.

Customers come both to browse and to shop. Later in the season, the greenhouse showcases local berries and fresh vegetables in all colours, shapes and varieties. Outdoor sections feature both indoor and outdoor plants, and all manner of flowers in pots and bouquets. The market boasts some imported goods but emphasizes an array of Manitoba-made products, including baked goods, local cheeses, sauces, and treats; from vegan jerky and locally made fruit leather to fresh fruit in season, local cherry tomatoes, kombucha and big bags of basil leaves.

With a staff of over 60 employees to keep things running smoothly during the busy summer, there’s a huge demand for its inventory, especially fresh local strawberries.

“There’s summer in a little salad, and it satiates,” Rémillard said. “And you can’t go wrong with fresh pastries, breads and croissants.”

New products to look out for this year include a zesty hibiscus ginger juice created by local producer Awa Soumbounou, which was showcased on the French version of Dragon’s Den.

Despite the reality of inflation, Rémillard said there are benefits and advantages to shopping locally. “Our goal is to make local food not a luxury. Farmers have huge increases in their costs. By going direct, there are fewer middlemen, less people in the mix.”

Above everything else, Rémillard’s priority is providing good customer service.

“I remember, when I was starting the market, thinking this might be this person’s only social interaction today before they return to their home. You want to make it special. Even if it’s a (business) transaction, it doesn’t mean we can’t spice it up. We are a bunch of humans.”

A new frequent buyer card  provides incentives for shopping on Tuesdays. Find out more at www.stleongardens.com