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The Citizen, 2000-04-05, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2000. Gardens for living Shirley Bouman (left) and Brenda Sjaarda have opened Beyond the Garden Path. The business offers a wide variety of accents to turn your garden into outdoor living space. New business leads customers down the garden path Linda’s Cafe opens in former BJ’s location By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff When it comes to making your garden as inviting as your home, two women are ready to set you on the right garden path. Brenda Sjaarda and Shirley Bouman are celebrating the opening of Beyond the Garden Path with a grand opening April 13, 14, 15. Located at Bouman’s home, just west of Blyth on Blyth Road, (County Rd. 25), the business offers a variety of quahty items to enhance the beauty of your garden. Both avid gardeners, the idea came about after Bourr.an had attended a greenhouse conference. Seeing the diversity of things to be incorporated in landscaping beyond the floral, she thought it was an aspect she might like to get into. The two friends say their common interest had been a topic of discus­ sion many times, so when Bouman approached Sjaarda with her idea of opening a retail store there was no hesitation. “We saw a need, with people now looking beyond the home element and making the gar­ dens and patios extensions of that,” says Sjaarda. The store will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the hours extended to 8 p.m. during Blyth Festival’s season. Mondays will be by chance. Though it is expected January and February may be slower times, the pair will definitely keep the same hours during the Christmas season for “when people are looking for those garden items they definitely can’t find at other places,” says Sjaarda. Because the women can buy in small quantities they are hoping to offer unique items. “The type of thing that you won’t see at another’s home,” says Sjaarda. The business will offer everything from benches and wrought iron, to fountains, birdhouses and obelisks. One particular dealer Sjaarda likes is Sundial. “The detail is beautiful. If you’re looking for something really well done it’s incredible.” There is also a nice variety of under $30 items for gift purchases. “Items will be bagged and tied with calico ribbons,” says Bouman. “We can’t wrap it, but we will send your purchase away looking attrac­ tive Things that bigger centres don’t offer,” adds Sjaarda. If customers would like something they don’t see Beyond the Garden Path, it can be ordered in, says Sjaarda. For anyone needing guidance, the women say they are only too glad to try and offer some direction. “We can fix that bare spot for you,” says Bouman. Though quick to note that their expertise is based strictly on person­ al taste and practice, Sjaarda feels they “have a good eye. If you need help to get something a little differ­ ent we can give a little assistance.” Go figure! If just 1% more Canadians were physically active, annual savings in health-care costs could be as much as $12,000,000. Sharing a Healthier Future ■- -.... ' paRTicipacrion By Janice Becker Citizen staff With great enthusiasm, Linda Bell is looking forward to the newest challenge she has undertaken. In a matter of days, Bell will be opening Linda’s Cafe and Take Away in the building once occupied by BJ’s Cafe on Blyth’s main street. Having worked in the retail sector for many years, Bell will be concen­ trating on customer service and pro­ viding her patrons with comfortable and relaxing surroundings as well as getting involved in kitchen activi­ ties. “I want people to be able to come in, sit down and say ahhhh,” she smiles. Bell was overwhelmed with the number and quality of applicants she received for positions at the cafe. In the city, there would be only a couple of people respond to an ad, she says. Having set aside only a day to review the applications, Bell says it took her a week to go through all those received. Noting the number of young peo­ ple who had applied for jobs, she says it is a credit to the community. “There are some really good people out there.” When deciding on her staff, she says she was looking for a certain personality, people that could have a rapport with the customers and make them welcome and comfortable. Definitely a people-person, Bell emphasizes the need to take the opportunity to spend that one moment with that one customer — that one person - whom you may never have the chance to speak with again. While drawing on the local employment pool, Bell will also be using locally-produced goods as much as possible, she says. Her menu will be filled with com­ fort foods, fitting with her goal for the cafe. The selection will be basic, offering breakfast and lunch specials and featuring favourites such as hot­ dogs, hamburgers, pizzas and subs, chili, soups, sandwiches and salads. She will also be listening to the cus­ tomers for suggested menu items. Bell says she developed her menu first as it determined the type of building, equipment and staff she would need. The restaurant is very well equipped, says Bell. The two kitchens will allow her hired cook to Enthusiasm for enterprise Linda Bell, owner of Linda’s Cafe and Take Away in Blyth, scans through recipe ideas as she prepares for her restau­ rant’s opening next week. be creative with baked goods. Other staff will also be encouraged to offer ideas for menu items and contribute to displays. When asked what brought her to Huron County from Cambridge, she says she and her husband Martin just started driving around after they decided to relocate. “This area is just beautiful, spectacular,” she says. The proximity to the lake was just one drawing point. Bell says they also liked the space and the people were very nice. “Martin has been tremendous and very supportive,” she says, “and has offered to come in if needed. He has been my advisor, plumber and elec­ trician. This is something new for both of us. We agreed on a change of lifestyle. This is a nice community and we want to stay.” Bell hopes to open Linda’s Cafe and Take Away April 10. Hours will be Monday to Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. They will be closed Sunday. The hours may change as summer nears. MS FACT #24 Multiple sclerosis usually strikes people aged 20 to 40, in the prime of their lives. 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