The Communities in Bloom executive are now planning their flower displays for 2021.
Jo-Ann Girardin, member, said “right now we are fundraising for Communities in Bloom by selling self-watering flower pots. We have different sizes available and they only need to be filled once every two to three weeks.”
“We are replacing the old oak planters all around town with the self watering ones. Anybody that wants one can see the catalogue on our Facebook page,” said Girardin. “These pots have saved hours of volunteer labour and really saved on water as well. And another nice option is to donate a flower pot in memory of a loved one.”
Twenty-twenty turned out to be a productive and sold-out year for gardening. “Everyone was ordering flowers from the greenhouses here in town. We were thankful that we ordered early for Communities in Bloom.” The upcoming season promises to be another good year with so many new and upcoming gardeners already planning out their spaces.
Communities in Bloom (CIB) is a national, non-profit organization that focuses on enhancing green spaces in communities. Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation partners with them and manages the CIB program. Their six key areas include Tidiness, Environmental Action, Urban Forestry, Floral Displays, Landscape, and Heritage Conservation. Last summer 22 communities participated all across Saskatchewan, and though evaluations were cancelled due to COVID, Communities in Bloom launched seven new awards such as Trees and Urban Foresty, Heritage Recognition, and Community Spirit.
Sandy Kimball won the Volunteer Recognition Award for all her nurturing around Assiniboia. With so many communities planting heritage and floral displays, trees, and green spaces, Saskatchewan will be a pretty place to seek out and enjoy in the summer of 2021.
“We mainly focus on beautification,” said Girardin. “All our volunteers and committee members help by watering and tidying up around town. We have been judged several times. It’s a lot of work because the judges look at more than just the flowers around town. They also consider factors like water treatment and sustainability. We won a national title once, which was satisfying because it was well-earned. We have also won several provincial titles. In some of them we competed and in other ones we were the only ones in a key area. But in any case, it motivates us to beautify our town and involves our community.”
She appreciates all the executive members and the many volunteers it takes to keep Assiniboia looking attractive and welcoming. “We look forward to moving ahead with new ideas.” Volunteers are always welcome and can give as much or as little time as they desire.
Recently, Girardin took a picture with the Shurniak Art Gallery in the background, and won second prize with the “Take a Shot” photo contest sponsored by SPAR. It won for its recognition of public space, planting diversity, and originality of the landscaping. She won the Community Garden Prize Pack with specialty watering tools. “I’ll use it, for sure!” she said. In addition, SPRA selected her stunning photo for the cover of the 2021 Communities in Bloom Calendar.
