Communities in Bloom
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes civic pride, environmental responsibility, and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program. The program involves the evaluation of communities' efforts to enhance their environment through a variety of criteria, including community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, plant & floral displays and landscaping.
2024 Colour of the Year
This year's colour is orange, tangerine, apricot, peach, or coral. The color orange is associated with warmth and enthusiasm, often utilized in gardens as a representation of energy. It also signifies creativity, determination, and a touch of extravagance. Various flowers and plants showcase orange blossoms, such as marigolds, zinnias, poppies, cosmos, daylilies, begonias, dahlias, gerbera daisies, tulips, and helenium. From cosmos to marigolds, spanning from coast to coast, let's infuse the nation with the vibrant shade of orange!
Communities in Bloom's Purpose
Communities in Bloom has long harnessed the power of engaging, passionate people – community-minded people with a vested interest in making their communities a better place to live.
Climate Change
Climate change is affecting our cities, our communities, and our homes and is changing the way we must design and build our urban landscapes. Yes, climate change is a global problem, but the effects hit us locally, where we live. Each city, town and community must then seek solutions and develop initiatives that are specific to their needs – on their streets, in their parks, playgrounds and schools, at all their green spaces, at every opportunity. Never have our living landscapes been so crucial to our collective health and well-being – thriving, contributing, working green spaces and places for people to gather and enjoy.
Urban green spaces such as gardens, parks, transportation corridors and woodlands provide a multitude of benefits to urban human populations and a vital habitat for wildlife. Here are some of the benefits of our urban green infrastructure:
- improve air and water quality
- limit the impact of heat waves by reducing urban temperatures
- provide a place for physical fitness and reduce urban stress
- enhance the health and well-being of people living and working in cities
- filters air and water, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change in our cities and reducing the likelihood of flooding by slowing and storing excess rainwater
October's Favourite Orange Plants
As October arrives with its crisp air and autumn hues, these striking plants take centre stage:
- Echinacea: Also known as coneflower, Echinacea offers bold, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for fall gardens. Echinacea is known for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing late-season colour that lasts well into autumn. Their distinctive seed heads also add visual interest even after the blooms fade.
- Celosia: With its uniquely textured blooms, Celosia adds a touch of drama to October landscapes. Available in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, these flame-like flowers are perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers. Celosia flourishes in sunny spots and prefers well-drained soil, continuing to bloom until the first frost. Their striking appearance makes them a standout choice for adding height and texture to your autumn garden.
- Gerbera: Gerbera daisies bring cheerful pops of colour to the garden with their large, bold flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. These bright blooms are ideal for sunny garden beds or containers and can continue to flower throughout the fall. Gerberas thrive in well-drained soil and make excellent cut flowers, allowing you to bring some of that vibrant October beauty indoors.
Enter our Store Locator to search for a nearby independent garden centre.
How to Participate in Communities in Bloom?
Many communities, organizations and groups can participate in a Communities in Bloom program, with recognition and awards to showcase their accomplishments and efforts in maintaining or improving the environmental and aesthetical quality of the location.
Get Involved
If you're looking to get involved in your community and make a positive impact on the environment, Communities in Bloom is the perfect opportunity. Join the effort to create beautiful and sustainable communities across Canada and add a touch of orange to your community's garden.