The petals are falling, meaning there are only a few days remaining to get your nominations in. The deadline for entries into Morinville's Best Garden Competition is coming up on Friday. Laurie Stalker, the town's cultural services manager, said that the friendly contest – now in its eighth season – is much anticipated within the community's green thumb set.
The petals are falling, meaning there are only a few days remaining to get your nominations in. The deadline for entries into Morinville's Best Garden Competition is coming up on Friday.
Laurie Stalker, the town's cultural services manager, said that the friendly contest – now in its eighth season – is much anticipated within the community's green thumb set.
“It is very popular!” she said, adding that many gardeners step up their games in order to put their best face forward.
“We have residents that nominate each other and themselves and really spiff up their yards in order to participate in the competition.”
“The search to recognize and award above-average gardens designed and maintained in our community is certain to be a difficult task again this year,” said Allen Jacobson, the community development co-ordinator.
“There are so many gardeners in the area and this is an opportunity for people to demonstrate their gardening skills and share their love and passion for gardening with the community.”
The town encourages residents to exercise environmental responsibility and sustainability in their gardens by practising responsible water conservation, use of native plants, composting, and integrated pest management.
There are five categories of nominations in the contest: curb appeal (front yard only), perennial gardens, outdoor living area, and unique container garden. The best vegetable garden is also a new category this year.
The Best Garden Competition is just one way that the town prepares itself to participate as a whole for the Communities in Bloom contest, albeit in the non-competitive category. Apart from beautifying the streets and boulevards with new flowerbeds, there is also the Incredible Edible program where a number of little plots have been situated around town for residents to help themselves to produce including vegetables and herbs.
The town also partners with the Morinville Centennial Community Gardens Society – which has its own community garden – on a number of other horticultural initiatives.
“We certainly like to participate in (Communities in Bloom) by beautifying our community and having community participation in that beautification,” Stalker said.
All entries must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on July 17. Please direct them to the Community Services Department through the Town's website at www.morinville.ca or by contacting Allen Jacobson at 780-939-7832 or via email at [email protected].
Judging will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Sun., July 26. Prizes will include gift certificates for shopping at local merchants.
