Communities in Bloom
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes civic pride, environmental responsibility, and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program. The program involves the evaluation of communities' efforts to enhance their environment through a variety of criteria, including community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, plant & floral displays and landscaping.
2024 Colour of the Year
This year's colour is orange, tangerine, apricot, peach, or coral. The color orange is associated with warmth and enthusiasm, often utilized in gardens as a representation of energy. It also signifies creativity, determination, and a touch of extravagance. Various flowers and plants showcase orange blossoms, such as marigolds, zinnias, poppies, cosmos, daylilies, begonias, dahlias, gerbera daisies, tulips, and helenium. From cosmos to marigolds, spanning from coast to coast, let's infuse the nation with the vibrant shade of orange!
Communities in Bloom's Purpose
Communities in Bloom has long harnessed the power of engaging, passionate people – community-minded people with a vested interest in making their communities a better place to live.
Climate Change
Climate change is affecting our cities, our communities, and our homes and is changing the way we must design and build our urban landscapes. Yes, climate change is a global problem, but the effects hit us locally, where we live. Each city, town and community must then seek solutions and develop initiatives that are specific to their needs – on their streets, in their parks, playgrounds and schools, at all their green spaces, at every opportunity. Never have our living landscapes been so crucial to our collective health and well-being – thriving, contributing, working green spaces and places for people to gather and enjoy.
Urban green spaces such as gardens, parks, transportation corridors and woodlands provide a multitude of benefits to urban human populations and a vital habitat for wildlife. Here are some of the benefits of our urban green infrastructure:
- improve air and water quality
- limit the impact of heat waves by reducing urban temperatures
- provide a place for physical fitness and reduce urban stress
- enhance the health and well-being of people living and working in cities
- filters air and water, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change in our cities and reducing the likelihood of flooding by slowing and storing excess rainwater
November's Favourite Orange Plants
As November ushers in cooler days and shorter daylight hours, these vibrant plants take centre stage:
- Celosia: Known for its unique, flame-like flowers in brilliant shades of red, yellow, and pink, Celosia adds warmth to the garden as temperatures drop. These hardy blooms thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil, making them ideal for borders and containers. Celosia’s striking texture and long-lasting flowers can brighten up late-season garden beds until the first frost.
- Snapdragon: With its tall spikes of colourful, dragon-shaped blooms, Snapdragon continues to impress well into November. Available in a rainbow of colours—red, pink, orange, yellow, and white—Snapdragon adds both height and drama to garden beds and containers. These cool-weather flowers thrive in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a light frost, making them perfect for late-fall displays.
- Zinnia: Zinnias provide a burst of bold, cheerful colour in shades of red, yellow, orange, and pink. These daisy-like blooms thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, extending their bloom time into the cool days of November. Zinnias are a favourite of pollinators and make excellent cut flowers, bringing the beauty of your garden indoors.
Enter our Store Locator to search for a nearby independent garden centre.
How to Participate in Communities in Bloom?
Many communities, organizations and groups can participate in a Communities in Bloom program, with recognition and awards to showcase their accomplishments and efforts in maintaining or improving the environmental and aesthetical quality of the location.
Get Involved
If you're looking to get involved in your community and make a positive impact on the environment, Communities in Bloom is the perfect opportunity. Join the effort to create beautiful and sustainable communities across Canada and add a touch of orange to your community's garden.