Gardening - It's a neighbourly thing

For Immediate Release June 3, 2018

                                             Donna Kirchen and Edie Warren

Gardens really are for all to enjoy, and sometimes everyone in a community reaps the rewards.

A fine example is the community at Sienna Kawartha Lakes Retirement Residence. Residents there, at 60 West Street in Bobcaygeon, are showing their community spirit by pitching in to support the Bobcaygeon Communities in Bloom village project.

                                         Nancy Hickling and Pat Hebert

                                                         Noreen Dixon

Staff, volunteers and residents kicked into high gear on May 22nd at their Garden Party & BBQ. The party-style planting event was arranged by head of the resident gardening committee Don Patterson, Activities Director Meghan McLoughlin, and volunteer Donna Kirchen. People got busy, including residents Noreen Dixon and Edie Warren who passed the day planting annuals of all colours in the raised beds. 

Several gardens receive the care and attention needed to produce the flowers everyone enjoys all summer long. The front entry and courtyard gardens are planted and maintained by residents. Ed “Eddie” Lehman has taken charge of the tomato garden and, as in past years, when the crop is harvested it will be very welcome for all to share in the dining room. Residents and their families have also been busy planting the beds by their own patios, and planters are being displayed with pride. 

A “think pink” garden was started several years ago by the family of resident Nancy Hickling in celebration of an important milestone – her 20-year survival after breast cancer. Nancy lovingly cares for the garden and annual urns, and says she enjoys people stopping to chat and sit awhile when she's outside tending the plants. 

Bobcaygeon Community in Blooms volunteer co-ordinator Ann Adare says, “The judges and trolley will be touring our town on July 11th and 12th. Why not plan a gardening event in your neighborhood and have some fun getting ready for the judges' visit? We would love to hear what you are doing and be sure to tell us if you, or someone you know, have a garden that we should know about. Let’s all work together to help Bobcaygeon put our best foot forward this summer to show the judges just what a vibrant village we are.“
 

You can reach the Bobcaygeon Communities in Bloom team at  bobcaygeoncib@outlook.com and you can find more information on the project at www.BobcaygeonCommunitiesInBloom.com

                      Eddie Lehman and Noreen Dixon working together, Don Patterson planting yellow begonias, and garden highlights