People, Plants and Pride Growing Together
Wood Buffalo Communities in Bloom is the local chapter of the national Communities in Bloom program. Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-for-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national competition, with a focus of enhancing green spaces in communities.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is proud to receive the WinterLife Award presented by Municipal World from Communities in Bloom! This award recognizes the efforts of staff, council appointed committees, community organizations and countless volunteers in creating initiatives that engage the community with indoor and outdoor activities from November through March. Some of the activities include Mayor and Council’s Holly Jolly Christmas Party, Santa Claus Parade, Christmas Lights Bus Tour, Santa’s Anonymous, Craze at MacDonald Island Park on New Year’s Eve, WinterPLAY and so much more.
You can check out the complete list of winners by visiting the Communities in Bloom website.
Nominate your neighbour
Nominate your neighbour to recognize them for their outstanding efforts to brighten our community! The program runs twice per year:
- Summer program (landscapes and floral displays)
July 15 to August 31 - Winter program (holiday displays and decorations)
November 15 to December 15
Flower of the Year
Each year, the Wood Buffalo Communities in Bloom committee selects a flower to be featured in local gardens. Plants are selected based on their hardiness and suitability to our region’s climate and environment.
Jewel Mix Nasturtiums
Latin Name: Tropaeolum majus
Complimentary Flower of the Year seed packets are available throughout the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo at the following locations:
- Beacon Hill Food Store
- Caribou Flowers
- Chocolates and Candlelight
- Heritage Village
- Life Force Herbal Healing Centre
- RMWB Landfill
- Spoiled Rotten
- Sweet Meats
- Wood Buffalo Coffee Company
Variety includes a display of yellow, orange and red flowers.
Planting:
- Start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before transplanting, or sow outdoors 1-2 weeks after last frost
- Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in well-drained regular soil
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after last frost
- Plant seedings 6-12 inches apart
- Select a sunny, or lightly shaded location
- Suitable for gardens bed, hanging baskets and planters
Care:
- Water plant regularly
- Do not fertilize
- Flowers are edible with a light peppery taste
More than just flowers
Expert, specially trained, volunteer judges travel across Canada during the summer months to evaluate municipalities on six key criteria:
- floral displays
- landscaped areas
- heritage conservation
- tidiness
- environmental action
- urban forestry
Volunteer
Helping hands are always appreciated, whether your time commitment is with the Communities in Bloom Committee, or as a casual volunteer. Contact Pulse to find out more.