Tucked away under the Garden City Skyway is a treasure trove of art, sure to delight gardeners and home decorators alike.
Almost hidden in a small industrial complex, you'll find the workshop and outlet of Gene Lauro and his wife Nancy - the driving forces behind Avtech Castings.
You'll be forgiven for not recognizing the name, even though the company has been in Niagara for almost a decade. If you're an avid gardener, you might even already own one or two of their pieces, though you may not realize it.
Up until a few years ago, the Lauro's business was mainly wholesale, selling to garden centres across the country. It wasn't until the economy started to slip that they decided to focus on retail, opening a little showroom gallery to the general public.
It's just the two of them in there working away to create a myriad of garden sculptures from birdbaths and fountains to plaques and statuary. If you can dream of it, chances are Gene and Nancy have made it.
“It all started from my own interest in gardening, I love the permanence of statuary,” says Gene.
Instead of focusing on flowers, he turned his attention to creating beautiful garden accents to complement them. Nancy has been with him every step of the way. Her official title is production manager, but for Gene, she's the one that makes it all happen.
“I wouldn't be here without her,” he says. “She does all the administrative work, all the packing, and shipping. When you order something online, she's the one that makes sure you get it.”
In honour of all her hard work, Gene has named her employee of the week - every week.
“It's the little things that make the job fun,” says Nancy, proudly showing the framed award Gene made.
But both agree - nothing has been more rewarding than the decision to open the business to the retail market.
“When we did wholesale, we never got much feedback, “says Nancy. “But now, we meet our customers face-to-face. We hear what they like and want first-hand.”
Even though it's just the two of them, Gene and Nancy focus on giving every customer their utmost attention.    “We really want to help people find something that will suit their garden, their vision,” says Nancy. “It's not about what we want to sell, it's helping them find the perfect piece for them.”
While Avtech may be a little tricky to find, once customers do, the Lauro's beautiful work and personal attention keep them coming back.
“We really get to know our customers,” Gene says. Just like their gardens, their relationship with the Lauros grows.
In a time when more and more people are trying to buy local, Gene and Nancy offer a product and experience that truly is.
“Everything is made right here on site,” says Gene, adding you'll also find them at local festivals and shows, such as the Ball's Falls Thanksgiving Festival.
So what exactly will you find in Avtech's showroom? While it's not large, it's still too much to list in one article. Over the years, Gene has collected more than 1,000 molds, covering every type of theme.
Want a floral motif - he's got it. Want an animal theme? Domestic or wild - he has both. Need a dragon? European or Chinese? Fancy a gargoyle?         There are dozens. From Greco-Roman to Oriental to Gothic Medieval to Victorian, Avtech Castings literally has the full gamut.
“I also have about 300 copy-righted molds,” says Gene, explaining many of the molds were created by artists who gave exclusive rights for the pieces. “You won't find these pieces anywhere else.”
But great service and unique selections aren't the only thing you'll find at Avtech. The Lauros pride themselves on the quality of their work.
While the pieces may come from molds, it doesn't mean they are mass-produced. Gene hand mixes each batch of concrete, or composite stone material depending on the final use. Both the concrete and composite stone are mixed to a formula he's developed over the years – a mixture that will not only produce a perfect piece every time (one that reveals the intricate details of every sculpture), but will also stand the test of time.
He's also created a variety of finishes. Not only do they change the look of a piece, they also protect it from the elements.
“Our finishes are permanent. They are part of the material, not on top of it,” Gene says. “They won't peel or flake off.”
The pieces at Avtech are really something that have to be seen - and it won't be hard to picture them in your own garden. Gene, an avid photographer, has hundreds of images of his work on their website at www.avtechcastings.com, but a visit to the showroom gallery, is really the best way to truly appreciate the beauty of all that hard work. The showroom is located at 514 Queenston Road in St. Catharines,  just west of the Homer Bridge and Canal Road. If you still can't find it, give Gene and Nancy a call at 905-687-2875 - they are very good at directing visitors who've gone astray.