Baldur Flower Committee release strategy for 2025

We were fortunate to avoid most of the snow from a recent storm that hit Manitoba, but our area did experience freezing rain, ice pellets, and slippery roads.

As Manitobans, we are used to March ending with a fierce winter storm, yet it still feels like a kick in the shins each time it happens. Just when it seems winter is starting to lose its icy grip, warmer weather gets delayed.

On a brighter note, Tammy McIntosh, Chair of the Baldur Flower Committee, is excited to share the Baldur Flower Committee’s (Committee) strategy for 2025.

Each year, Communities in Bloom chooses a different theme that the Flower Committee adopts. For 2025, the theme is “Edible Gardens.”

Communities in Bloom issued the following statement in support of their decision:

“As food insecurity continues to impact communities, this theme shines a light on the many benefits of growing your own food. From vegetable to herb gardens to fruit-bearing plants like berries, tomatoes and peppers, edible gardens are a powerful way to encourage sustainability, support local ecosystems, and foster community connections. By nurturing these spaces, we nurture ourselves and our environment.”

The Committee is pleased to be able to support this initiative, and Tammy mentioned they have already ordered flowers and plants for 2025, including several varieties of edible plants, including basil, oregano, and parsley. These edible plants will be added to planters around town, and community members will be invited to help themselves when ready for harvest.

Fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables are a delicious and healthy way to boost your diet.

You might even consider planting some vegetables, fruits, or herbs in your indoor window box or other indoor planters to enjoy fresh foods throughout the winter. If this interests you, before you start, talk to a Flower Committee member or nursery specialist for tips and tricks to ensure a good harvest.

Tammy also noted, “the food forest is progressing quite well, and we plan to add several fruit trees this year. We hope people will help themselves! We will post on Facebook when things are ready for harvesting.”

The Committee also plans to transition the west bed to resemble the east bed with low-maintenance, heat-tolerant plants.

Other exciting plans include adding seasonal decorations at the planter by the Tommy Johnson sign.

If you have any seasonal outdoor decorations you would like to donate, please contact Tammy directly.

Due to the hot, windy, and arid summers we have been experiencing, the Committee has decided to transition some hanging baskets to seasonal banners. Any monetary donations or sponsorships from the public or local businesses to help fund this project would be greatly appreciated. All donations should be made through the RM of Argyle.

Baldur will participate in Communities in Bloom as a non-evaluated community this year. Being a non-evaluated community means we can still attend the annual conference and receive literature.

This gap year will give the Committee time to work on the ideas and suggestions made by the Communities in Bloom judges, to maintain and improve our score from last year.

“We were very pleased with our score from last year, and we thank the residents, volunteers, businesses, and Baldur School for working with us to achieve 5 blooms. We never could have achieved the score we did without your assistance!”

One of the Communities in Bloom judges’ suggestions was to convert the seasonal washrooms in Veteran Park to year-round, fully accessible facilities. Stay tuned for some big news on that in our next edition!

Other news:

Another community clean-up week is being planned for later in the spring. It will be advertised closer to the date. Last year, clean-up week was a huge success, making Baldur shine!

The annual perennial giveaway will also take place at the Baldur Rec Centre during Solstice Days. Many different plants will be available, so you won’t want to miss it.

If you have some time to spare and would be willing to help the Committee, please let Tammy know. Volunteering for the Committee allows you to contribute as much or as little time as you wish.

Remember to get your rain barrels out when the weather permits to ensure they are full and ready to water your plants.
Spring is almost here! Are you ready to grow?

PHOTO CAPTION: Some big news on a year-round, fully accessible public washroom facility in Baldur will be coming in the near future. FILE PHOTO