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.
2025 Theme of the Year
Gone are the days when vegetable patches were tucked away at the back of the yard. Edible plants deserve a place front and centre in your garden design. Many edibles, like kale, Swiss chard, and rainbow carrots, have colourful foliage that rivals traditional ornamentals. Herbs like lavender, basil, and thyme bring fragrance and texture, while fruiting plants like strawberries and tomatoes add beauty and bounty.
Incorporate these plants into your borders, container gardens, and hanging baskets. Mix them with ornamentals to create a garden that’s as productive as it is stunning. For example, pair edible nasturtiums with marigolds for a burst of orange blooms while attracting pollinators.
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.
July's Favourite Edible Plants
With July's arrival, these edible plants come into play:
- Hazelnut shrubs produce tasty, protein-rich nuts that are excellent for snacking, baking, or making nut butters. These hardy shrubs thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they also support local biodiversity. Canadian gardeners should choose cold-tolerant varieties and plant more than one cultivar for cross-pollination. With proper care, hazelnuts will begin bearing within 3–5 years.
- Grapes are vigorous climbing vines that produce juicy clusters ideal for fresh eating, juice, jelly, or wine-making. Hardy cultivars such as 'Valiant' and 'Frontenac' are well-suited to Canadian climates. Grapevines need full sun, good air circulation, and a sturdy trellis or arbor. They benefit from annual pruning to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.
- Wild garlic, also known as ramps, is a woodland perennial with edible leaves, flowers, and bulbs that offer a pungent garlic-onion flavour. It thrives in shaded, moist soil and naturalises easily in forested or shady garden areas. Wild garlic is harvested in early spring and is excellent in pesto, soups, or sautéed as a side dish. Sustainable harvesting is important to maintain healthy colonies.
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.