Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter

Kirkland residents received awards and participation prizes at the Kirkland sports complex recently as the “Kirkland in Bloom” season came to an end.

Kirkland Mayor Michel Gibson brought back the “Kirkland in Bloom” contest. It had not been staged for several years.

For Gibson, the activity is ultimately geared to heightening a sense of community amongst neighbours. “It was important to me to bring this activity back to Kirkland. It brings new residents and current residents a sense of pride in their property and their city. The participants that decorate, maintain or manicure their property encourage and inspire their neighbours to do the same,” Gibson told The Suburban.

Winners for each district and category were announced after all participants received a certificate and an 8” x 10” photograph of their home and garden handed to them by their respective councillors. Winners received a plaque with a laminated photo of their property, a trophy and a gift.

Photos of each participating household were placed on display, sparking jovial gardening discussions amongst attendees. Kirkland also posted photos of all winners and their gardens on its social media pages for residents to view.

Prizes were handed out in categories voted upon by residents, in addition to district winners voted upon by Kirkland’s horticultural team, such as the “Coup de coeur” prizes for “south side” and “north side” as well as an “overall winner”. n