Year of the Garden event

KINGSVILLE – The Town of Kingsville has announced “Celebrate 2022 – The Year of the Garden” with a free community event on Sunday, May 1.

Organized by the town’s Communities in Bloom Committee, this family-friendly event honours Kingsville’s rich natural heritage, promotes environmental stewardship, and highlights the love of gardening.

In June 2021, the federal government declared 2022 the Year of the Garden.

Earlier this year, Kingsville joined 48 other municipalities – from Victoria, B.C., to Torbay, NL – proclaiming 2022 as the Year of the Garden.

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association initiated the concept as a centennial celebration of Canada’s ornamental horticultural sector. The intention is to commemorate Canada’s rich garden heritage, celebrate today’s vibrant garden culture, and create important legacies for a sustainable future.

Several municipalities are planning to celebrate the Year of the Garden with a local project or event to acknowledge the benefits that gardens and gardening provide. Kingsville’s project includes a full day of activities on Sunday, May 1.

“Kingsville is so fortunate. As Canada’s most southern town, we enjoy a mild climate perfect for gardening, and our citizens are very enviro-conscious,” said Councillor Thomas Neufeld, Chair of Kingsville’s Communities in Bloom Committee. “We wanted to celebrate these attributes with a day of fun and learning along themes of gardening, love of nature, and care for the environment that will appeal to the whole family.”

Starting at 10:00 a.m. at Lakeside Park’s Pavilion, exhibitors and vendors will offer hands-on craft workshops using natural and recycled materials.

Workshops continue throughout the day, and the 2nd Kingsville Scouts are providing refreshments and a barbecue.

There will also be a series of short presentations on diverse topics, such as: forest bathing; soil enhancement techniques; how to grow your own microgreens; and the trees of Lakeside Park. A guided nature walk to identify the trees within the park will follow, and the Arts Society of Kingsville (ASK) has organized a Plein Air Painting demonstration by local artists.

The event is free to attend. All are invited to come out and help Celebrate the Year of the Garden.

See other upcoming initiatives of the Communities in Bloom Committee at www.kingsville.ca/cib.