FRONT YARDS IN BLOOM NOMINATIONS CLOSE JUNE 30
When it comes to inspiring interest in gardening and neighbourhood beautification, there might not be a more successful program than Front Yards in Bloom, but time is running out to nominate your neighbours.
While you can’t nominate your own yard for Front Yards In Bloom, Edmonton-area residents are invited to nominate their friends and neighbours up until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, June 30. Nominations can be made through the Front Yards In Bloom section on the City of Edmonton website.
A partner program run by the Edmonton Horticultural Society, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers and the City of Edmonton, Front Yards in Bloom was founded in 1999, receiving 150 nominations during the first year. Since then, the program has blossomed into the largest of its kind in Canada. In 2017, Front Yards in Bloom received 6,148 nominations from around the Edmonton area.
“Front Yards In Bloom is a terrific event that adds to the beauty of our community and gets people involved,” said Edmonton city councillor Mike Nickel. “It’s a great way for people to recognize their neighbours for their hard work, getting their hands dirty and brightening their neighbourhood.”
Eligible front yards must contain at least 25 per cent nonturf plants and be in full view from the sidewalk, without any obstructions like fences or gates. Yards are nominated in one of five categories: general category, natural front yard, edible front yard, public spaces, and tiny yards, a new addition for 2018.
The general category includes appealing front yards that display a variety of plants, colours, textures, heights, decorations, and unique features. Volunteer judges trained by the Edmonton Horticultural Society will inspect nominated yards and decide on finalists in the general category.
Natural front yards feature native plants that attract local wildlife. At least 60 per cent of the plants featured must be native to Alberta, and yards in the natural category will be judged by the Edmonton Native Plant Group.
Edible front yards feature edible fruits, flowers, and leaves. At least 60 per cent of the plants in these yards must be edible, and yards will be judged by Sustainable Food Edmonton. Tiny yards are less than 600 square feet, and can include anything from infill lots to townhouses.
The top 24 yards in the general category will be determined by July 20. The Edmonton Horticultural Society and a set of VIP judges will whittle those 24 down to the top six finalists and winners by August 2. Winners will be recognized at the Edmonton Horticultural Society’s awards gala in late August.
CANNABIS TALK
Cannabis has been one of our most vilified and celebrated plants, and the recent passing of Bill C-45 has paved the way for nationwide cannabis legalization later this year. But what exactly is cannabis, where did it originate, and how is it cultivated?
Jim Hole, horticulturalist and owner of Hole’s Greenhouses in St. Albert, will address those issues in a presentation called Reefer Madness Revisited: The history and cultivation of cannabis on Monday, June 25 as part of the Edmonton Horticultural Society Speaker’s Series.
To date over 540 compounds have been identified in cannabis, many of which combine to give this fascinating plant both psychoactive and medicinal properties. Attendees will receive timely information about the history of cannabis, how it’s used and grown, as well as the new rules for home gardeners.
The event will take place at the Central Lions’ Recreation Centre, located at 11113 113 Street NW on Monday, June 25 at 7 p.m. Entry is free for members, $10 for non-members. For more information, please visit the Edmonton Horticultural Society Speaker’s Series website at edmontonhort. com/speaker-series.