Neepawa receives five blooms

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Published on Thursday, November 1, 2012

myWestman.ca

Neepawa, a finalist in the international challenge category of the 2012 National Edition of Communities in Bloom, received a five bloom rating and a special mention ­for re-established community garden during the national awards ceremonies in Edmonton last Friday and Saturday.

Volunteer judges Lorna McIlroy and Diana Weiner had great things to say following the evaluation of the community.
 
“Located in an area known as ‘Beautiful Plains’ and named ‘Manitoba’s Most Beautiful Town’ more often than any other town, the ‘Lily Capital of the World’ takes a lot to further impress a visitor.

However, the newly re-established community garden did just that. In its new location, the garden is flourishing. Untreated water from a shallow well will be used for watering. Diverse groups, families and individuals are gardening there with great success. Newly arrived residents are growing their traditional plants.

Boy Scouts are maintaining three plots and are donating their produce to community groups. In Cree, Neepawa means “Land of Plenty” and that is a good descriptor for Neepawa’s community garden.”
Communities in Bloom is a national organization dedicated to the promotion of green spaces in community settings.

Within the actual context of climate changes and environmental concerns, communities involved in the program can be proud of their efforts, which provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society.