Edmonds in Bloom
Most of us conveniently forget our gardens throughout the cold and wet winter months. And when spring arrives, or when we start to plan an outdoor party, we rush to the nursery for colorful planters or hanging baskets for the patio. But there is a network of dedicated gardeners who cultivate their yards all year long! And each one is waiting for that special invitation from Edmonds in Bloom to be a part of the Garden Tour and Competition this year.
It all began in 1994 when two British tourists, Jenny Crosland and her husband Denys Hodder, visited Edmonds. They both had been deeply involved in beginning a London in Bloom competition, and Jenny had judged gardens all throughout Europe. During their visit, they were very impressed with the flowering neighborhoods of Edmonds. They approached the visitors’ bureau about planning such an event for Edmonds. The “in Bloom” experience was known to encourage tourism and promote neighborhood pride. Soon all were on-board, and the Edmonds in Bloom officially began in 1995. They celebrated 20 years of garden and flowery awareness in March of this year. Their very first event was a Patrons Garden Party, held at the Dominican Reflection Center, laying the groundwork for the now annual Garden Competition. The first competition had only six gardens. Now the board of seven organizes and produces three events a year.
In May, on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, volunteers help children choose a plant, decorate a container and create a living, growing gift for their moms (or grandmas!). This year, volunteers helped each child choose a pot to decorate and a special flower to sow. The children were thrilled – and so was mom! A donation of $10 for materials is gratefully accepted at this annual event.
The next Edmonds in Bloom event is the Garden Competition, which is only open to zip codes 98020 and 98026. Entry forms are available at Garden Gear and the Frances Anderson Center or online at www.edmondsinbloom.com. Entries were accepted through July 3. Single or multi-families can enter as well as youth groups. Gardens with fruits and vegetables can also now enter in a special new category. All gardens must be visible to the judges from the street. Even stores can compete in the Business Recognition Category, allowing them to proudly display their Edmonds in Bloom flag in their windows. Look through town to patronize those shops that have made this special effort to beautify our town.
Last year, there were more than 700 visitors partaking of the Garden Tours. This year, the tour will take place on July 19 from 11am to 4pm. There are seven beautiful gardens to visit. Tickets (with a map) are available from our local merchants, nurseries, garden centers and also online at www.edmondsinbloom.com. When the judging is complete, tour gardeners wait anxiously to be notified as a winner. The much coveted Garden of Distinction Award is the reward for a year or more of toiling in the soil in all weather. The awards ceremony is scheduled for August 5 at 7pm at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.
Let’s take a look behind the scenes at what the aspiring gardener does to make the garden tour list. Throughout the winter, plants must be protected from too much water; after all, this is the Pacific Northwest! And tender sprouts may also need covering for protection from frost. In the spring, the steadfast gardener gets out the clippers to trim the verges and pull those weeds. How dare they pop-up uninvited in a “show” garden?! The garden tour committee encourages smaller gardens to compete too. In other words, how well did you use the space you had to work with? For instance, are there water features like a fountain or maybe a special sitting area? Gazebos or rose gardens are also unique ideas. Sometimes consideration is given to a gardener who effectively worked around hazards, like a steep slope or a deep, shady area.
And last, but not least, is the important factor: What led competing gardeners to the “green thumb” vocation? Pursuing a mild interest to this level takes devotion and skill. This is the heartfelt purpose of the Edmonds in Bloom organization, promoting a love of flowers and plants, and creating community pride in beautifying our neighborhoods.
The funds generated from Edmonds in Bloom annual activities manifest directly into the community. Foremost are the scholarships made available to students pursuing careers in horticulture. Another recipient of “in Bloom” funds was the landscaping upgrade at the Edmonds Center for the Arts. And those lovely hanging baskets will soon start appearing around town all courtesy of “Bloom” volunteers. The baskets hanging from street light poles are glorious with the abundant colors of trailing fuchsias, impatiens and petunias. It is obvious to all of us who enjoy flowers that the mission of the Edmonds in Bloom has a far reaching effect for the tourists as well as the residents of Edmonds. These dedicated volunteers are helping young people become involved in flowers and plants for the future while providing a scenic and colorful panorama to beautify our town. Hooray for the Edmonds in Bloom organization!
