Boyle - Some of the best gardeners in Boyle were recognized for their hard yard work, as the Boyle Betterment Committee handed out prizes and accolades for this year’s winners of the annual village-wide floral contest.
The 2020 edition of the contest, which is also organized with the help of the Boyle Ag Society, with prizes donated by CIBC, saw residents nominate their neighbours for their green thumbs and for bringing more beauty to the village. Winners were declared Aug. 21.
This year’s first place winner of a $100 gift certificate that can be used at various stores in the community was Mariette Nayowski. Randy Hupka was the second-place gardener and was awarded a $50 gift certificate, and Marion Madsen took home the third-place prize of a $25 gift certificate.
Alice Wlos, who is a director on the Boyle Betterment Committee, praised organizer Kathy Wlos-Proctor for her hard work in putting the annual event on as well as the judges, and CIBC for providing the prizes.
Entries are judged on their appearance, obviously, but also how their floral creations interact with the remaining green space in the yard, said Wlos. Variety is also a factor, and trees and shrubs are another must-have, while neatness is the final thing considered by judges.
Other criteria include: “an appealing front yard that catches your eye, inspires smiles and invites visitors to enjoy its beauty. It may include a variety of plants, colours, textures, heights, decorations and unique features. One entry had a family of rabbits underneath one grove of plants.
“The yard should also include 25 per cent non-turf plants over the area, with pots, containers, flowering trees, shrubs, mosses and grasses are all included,” said Wlos.
The idea to start the floral contest came out of Communities in Bloom four years ago, said Wlos. It has been a popular event over those years, and does a lot for community spirit.
“It started with Communities in Bloom. A group of us went to a couple of conferences and we got a lot of knowledge and some of them came to the community later and gave us some tips on what we needed to do to beautify our community,” she said.
Eight yards were nominated for this year’s contest, but there are a whole lot more that, although they were not nominated, endeavor to make their yards and flower beds just as lovely as those who are. It really brings out the beauty of the village and brings the community together.
“I know that the winners over the last few years have really instilled an inspiration for others and the neighbours are starting to get their yards all fixed up, and it looks so nice,” said Wlos, who directed specific accolades to the seniors in self-contained units who “have really done a wonderful job around their yards.”
“We appreciate all the added beauty to our village.”
Chris Zwick, TownandCountryToday.com
