Communities in Bloom
Communities in Bloom (CiB) is a Canadian non-profit registered charity that fosters civic pride, environmental responsibility, and community beautification through the challenge of a national program. Communities are evaluated on their efforts in community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, and plant and floral displays.
2026 Theme of the Year
Gone are the days when healing gardens were limited to quiet corners of hospitals or wellness centres. Therapeutic plants deserve a place front and centre in any outdoor space. Many calming or mood-boosting plants, such as lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm, offer soothing fragrances and gentle textures that rival traditional ornamentals. Others, like rosemary, mint, and sage, stimulate the senses and invite mindful engagement through touch, smell, and taste.
Incorporate these wellness-supporting plants into your borders, container arrangements, and even hanging baskets. Mix them with ornamentals to create a garden that nurtures both the body and the mind. For example, pair calming chamomile with cheerful calendula to combine golden blooms with gentle aromatherapy benefits, or let scented geraniums trail alongside classic bedding plants to add a relaxing sensory layer.
A therapeutic garden doesn’t just look beautiful—it's a living space designed to restore, comfort, and inspire.
Growing Great Places
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:
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Improving air and water quality
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Reducing the urban heat island effect and limiting the impact of heat waves
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Providing spaces for physical activity and reducing stress
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Enhancing the mental and physical well-being of residents
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Filtering air and water, helping mitigate climate change impacts
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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.
March's Favourite Therapeutic Plants
With March’s arrival, these therapeutic plants come into play:
- Holy basil (Tulsi) is a sacred, stress-relieving herb traditionally used to support emotional balance and resilience. Its clove-like aroma is grounding and uplifting, making it ideal for mindfulness and wellness gardens. Tulsi prefers warmth, full sun, and well-drained soil. Starting it indoors in March gives it the heat and light it needs to thrive before moving outdoors later in the season.
- Feverfew is a medicinal perennial best known for supporting head and nerve health, particularly in relation to tension and migraines. Its delicate, daisy-like flowers add a calming visual softness to the garden. Feverfew grows well in full sun and average soil and can be started indoors in early spring for earlier establishment.
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a powerful therapeutic plant traditionally used to promote deep sleep and nervous system calm. While its flowers are light and airy, its roots hold the strongest benefits. Valerian prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. March is a good time to start it indoors, as it takes time to develop before transplanting.
How to Participate in Communities in Bloom?
Communities of all sizes can participate in the Communities in Bloom program, earning recognition and awards that celebrate their efforts to cultivate civic pride and celebrate their community’s unique identity.
Get Involved
Looking to make a difference in your community and support the environment? Communities in Bloom offers the perfect opportunity! Join the movement to create beautiful, sustainable spaces across Canada, inspiring pride and enhancing quality of life through people and plants.