ASSINIBOIA - “It’s getting prettier and pinker as we go,” said JoAnn Girardin, referring to the progress that Communities in Bloom (CiB) is making in Assiniboia.
JoAnn Girardin, Linda McCrank, and Sue Robinson spoke at the Assiniboia and District Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn at the Canalta on May 26.
“Self-watering pots have been a great fundraiser for us” said JoAnn. “We have about seven businesses in town that have bought the pots from us.” Then CiB plants and cares for the pot and the business gives an annual donation towards CiB.
“It enhances the look of their properties and is a fundraiser for us as well.”
“The pot has a very good water reservoir, holding anywhere from four to 255 litres, so you’re only watering about once every three weeks, depending on if it’s in the bright sun. They can be fertilized continually,” said Girardin.
“The pots on Main Street – we watered six times last year in all the heat. They save time, labour and gas.”
The pots stood up to the hail last summer and can withstand freezing over winter. They come with a 10 year warranty. Many citizens have also purchased these planters for their yards giving them more freedom to be away in the summer and still have their flowers flourish! Watch for the semi-annual Planter Sales in November and March. See any of the executive for a catalogue or go to the online catalogue. Check out the Facebook page Assiniboia Communities in Bloom for updates.
Linda McCrank explained that CiB is a provincial, national, and international program inspired by Britain in Bloom and has been running in Saskatchewan since 1995. It is coordinated by Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA). CiB started in Assiniboia in 2009. Central Park was our first project.
CiB is a great way to be involved in our community and make it a better place to live. “We just finished a twice yearly project coordinated with the town’s free tipping weeks. We hauled away garbage from yards and back alleys for a donation to CiB. We rely on our husbands helping us a lot and Flaman Rentals who donate their dumping trailer,” said McCrank.
“Some funding comes from the town,” explained Sue Robinson, “We occasionally apply for grants if available. Scott Fertilizer company sponsors recognition awards and signage for categories such as Most Improved Yard, Best Floral Display Yard, and Best Vegetable Garden. We work with the town to make it a better place by recognizing those who enjoy gardening. We appreciate the many acts of kindness from local business and individual citizens who support us. Examples are the maintenance of our CIB truck by Taylor Automotive, KalTire for tires, water pump maintenance by Bourassa, cash donations for things like gas, and good old verbal compliments.”
“Recently on Main Street we placed some benches built by Dave Meagher. All planters on Main Street, Dominion Road and the Highway 2 and 13 are now self-watering. We’ve added 10 new hanging self-watering planters to those we already had hanging on Main Street. Ritchie Hordenchuk built 10 new hanger brackets for the new pots. Some of our past projects were the gazebo and tables at the Centennial Park Playground.”
CiB coordinates the Community Garden offering good-sized garden plots which can be rented for $50 a season, which covers all your watering. Volunteers plant and maintain all the planters in town, Central Park on Main Street, Asaskan Complex grounds, Kinsmen Flowerbed, Flowers by Centennial Park Sign, Healing Garden at Hospital, and flowers at the Assiniboia Golf Course.
“It’s not just about the flowers,” said Linda. “We are involved in more things than that. The program fosters community pride and involvement. CIB annual provincial registration fee lets us choose the town evaluation we want. In the past we have won about five years in a row and have about 10 awards on display at the Town Office. Judges consider community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, and plant/floral displays.
The judges give ideas on ways to improve.
“We’re hoping that businesses and groups in town will work towards making our community look great.” Sue encourages businesses and homeowners to walk around their property and view it as a tourist would. “We strive to make Assiniboia a destination to visit and enjoy.”
“We work with any group that is interested in projects to improve our town,” added Sue. “Last year the Town Recreation and Wellness worked with adults and children on the national ‘Hope is Growing’ campaign. Recently a group of artists in town through the Artists in Community Project Grant started the process of creating a display for the front lawn of the Asaskan Complex and have asked CIB to do landscaping under it.”
“We welcome volunteers. You don’t have to be committed for the whole summer. You give the hours that work for you. CiB welcomes men, women, and children volunteers The community really appreciates it.”
For more information, contact JoAnn at 642-8722, Sue at 640-9091, or Linda at 642-0175. See the FB page at Assiniboia Communities in Bloom. Watch for the Summer Garden Contest.
The provincial CIB judges will be in Assiniboia for their training on June 24 and 25. Local residents may see the judges out and about.
Nicole Batty, executive director of the Assiniboia and District Chamber of Commerce noted appreciate to the CiB committee for their presentation, as well as Peavey Mart for sponsoring the $5 lunch.
Lunch and Learn will resume in September.
