The heat dome and punishing hailstorms didn’t prevent the Town of Turner Valley from recognizing its top gardeners for beautifying the town, attracting bees, and lifting spirits.
The winners of the 2021 Bloomin’ Turner Valley were named last week. It is the second year the gardening contest, spearheaded by Turner Valley Coun. Jonathon Gordon, has awarded residents, community groups and businesses.
The inclement weather made a dent this year, Gordon said, but they were still able to carry on.
“A couple of residents reached out to me and said I don’t know if I can participate this year,” he said. “It was a lower participation this year. It’s going to be expected. These kinds of events do go up and own. There are a lot of external variables.”
This year’s challenges haven’t dampened enthusiasm for the contest to continue, he said.
“One change I would like to see is more of a curb appeal,” said Gordon. “I noticed even people are very much taking care of their front yards and care about what they look like. I want to make it simple to consider the younger generation.
“Just a simple email to the town without having to fill out such a long document.”
Colourful blooms make a big difference to the feeling in the town, said Gordon.
“I think what I was more impressed with was overall the town looks really good, even our businesses,” he said.
Alexandria Farmer won the Environmental Award for her pollinator bee garden, full of native plant species. She says being recognized by the town for turning her side yard into a bee habitat was unexpected, but much appreciated.
“I don’t know who nominated me – it’s a mystery,” she said. “I was really excited. Anything where I can raise awareness about gardening for pollinators makes me happy.”
Farmer said she makes sure her flowers get an early start and is lucky to have shaded parts of her yard that could withstand this year’s high temperatures.
“The biggest thing was to make sure I have flowers blooming as early in the spring as possible and always have constant flowers bloom throughout the spring, summer and fall so there are always lots and lots of flowers for all of the pollinators,” she said.
The effort has paid off for Farmer and the bees.
“I saw western bumblebees in my garden this spring,” she said. “Last time I saw them was eight or nine years ago. I’ve got nest boxes and nest logs all over my property. I haven’t had so many colonies as I have this year.”
Winners of the 2021 Bloomin’ Turner Valley Contest are:
Home Grown Favourite: Melodie Wight and Beth Ohlson
Community Spirit: The Turner Valley Community Garden c/o Bill and Sharon Bieber and volunteers. Conservation and Environmental Award: Lexi Farmer
Business/Non-Residential: The Turner Valley Golf and Country Club
With Files from Tammy Rollie
