Communities in Bloom

Climate change is reshaping our cities, towns, and homes, demanding a new approach to urban landscape design and maintenance. While climate change is a global issue, its effects are deeply felt at the local level, where we live, work, and play. Each community must find tailored solutions, developing initiatives to address challenges on its streets, parks and playgrounds, and across all its green spaces.

Now, more than ever, our living landscapes are essential to our collective health and well-being. These thriving green spaces are beautiful and provide places for people to gather, connect, and enjoy the outdoors.

The Power of Urban Green Spaces

Urban green spaces — including gardens, parks, transportation corridors, and woodlands — offer countless benefits to people and wildlife. Our green infrastructure plays a key role in:

• Improving air and water quality

• Reducing the urban heat island effect and limiting the impact of heat waves

• Providing spaces for physical activity and reducing stress

• Enhancing the mental and physical well-being of residents

• Filtering air and water, helping mitigate climate change impacts

• Managing stormwater by slowing and storing excess rainwater, reducing flood risk

By investing in and maintaining our green spaces, communities can create resilient, vibrant environments that benefit people and nature. Communities in Bloom continues to support these efforts, encouraging innovative solutions for a greener, healthier future.

With September's arrival, these edible plants come into play:

• Mint is a fast-growing perennial herb known for its refreshing flavour and wide culinary uses, from teas to salads to desserts. It prefers moist soil and partial to full sun but can spread aggressively, so it’s often best kept in containers or dedicated garden beds. Hardy and easy to grow, mint is a must-have herb for any kitchen gardener.
   
• Ostrich fern produces edible fiddleheads—young, coiled fronds harvested in early spring. When properly cooked, fiddleheads have a flavour similar to asparagus or green beans. The plant thrives in moist, shady environments and is often found near streams or forested areas. Only harvest fiddleheads from known edible species, and always cook thoroughly before eating.
   
• Nasturtiums are colourful annual flowers with edible leaves, petals, and seeds, all of which have a peppery, slightly spicy taste. They're great in salads, sandwiches, or pickled like capers. Nasturtiums thrive in poor to average soil and full sun, making them easy to grow. Their cheerful blooms also attract pollinators and beneficial insects.