Gardener grows more than flowers at Bruyère Village
This garden is an amateur garden, created with love and cooperation. In the true spirit of life, it is still under construction. LOUISE LARIVIÈRE
Louise Larivière is a community builder. It is her way of life.
“Since I was a little girl living in L’Orignal, my father encouraged me to be active and take part in community,” says Louise. “My husband Raoul and I believe in being part of our social world. Social interest is a ‘brick’ – the raw material – in building a foundation for a healthy and happy life.”
When this active couple began their plan to downsize over four years ago, their journey took them to the shores of the Ottawa River and Bruyère Village.
“We both grew up on the Ottawa River,” she says. “Raoul was raised in Hawkesbury and I lived in L’Orignal. So when we saw Bruyère Village we knew this could be our new home.”
A GARDEN GROWS IN THE WOODS – A COMMUNITY GROWS AROUND IT
When it came time to sell their home with its beautiful garden, pond and waterfall, Louise and Raoul didn’t dwell on what they were leaving behind. They knew they had to find somewhere that was close to nature and matched their personal values.
“We found those values at Bruyère Village,” says Louise.
Like many seniors, they experienced challenges adjusting to their new environment. Their entire sense of purpose was challenged. “How could we build a happy, healthy life for ourselves in this concept of a seniors’ village?” they wondered.
“We strongly believe we needed to be a full-fledged member of the entire community. We started to think about how we, as a couple could make a significant contribution at Bruyère Village.” Knowing they wanted to do something meaningful, they thought about the things they loved to do in life.
“Since nature occupied an important part of our lives, we decided to design a garden,” says Louise. “To plant a flower, a tree, a garden is to establish roots. We know the best lessons of living and giving can be learned by observing nature.”
Denise Rousseau-Pistilli, executive director of Bruyère Village is very proud to have Louise and Raoul as part of this vibrant senior community.
“The garden they planted has become a gathering place, not only for our tenants but for people from miles around,” says Denise. “It is situated on a popular bike path so we see joggers, cyclists, walkers, people of all ages. Even the students from Cairine Wilson High School stop by to chat with Louise and Raoul as they work the soil.”
As Louise puts it, “the garden has become a crossroad, the common thread, a place for people to pause for an instant and enjoy the beauty of nature, its colours and fauna.”