Communities in Bloom

Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility, beautification and to improving the quality of life through community participation and the challenge of competition.

Drought & Deer Resistant Perennial Recommendations

Why plant drought tolerant and deer resistant plants?

• At times our water supply can be unpredictable, selecting plants that are drought-tolerant reduces demand on local water supply during the growing season significantly.
• With a drought tolerant landscape, you will spend less time watering, fertilizing and tending to your plants.
• In our area, we have no shortage of deer .By gardening with plants they don’t like, you save money and time on your landscaping.

Download the pdf here: Drought & Deer Resistant Pereniial Recommendations

Town of Pincher Creek - A "Community in Bloom"

History
Pincher Creek became involved in a beautification movement after the impact of the Flood of '95. A public meeting was held in spring 1996 to see what could be doone to 'spruce up' the town and build commuinity pride. In the fall of that year, a group of volunteers (which later became known as the 'Pincher Planters') started on their first project by creating a flower bed around the metal 'pincer' statue on Main Street. In 1998, the Planters went on to beautify Cenotaph Park, Pioneer Cemetery and the Museum grounds. The Planters' efforts were contagious and soon businesses and residents were out gardening, planting flowers, and improving their properties. Other volunteer groups got involved with parks and community improvements.

In 2000, the Town of Pincher Creek and Pincher Planters decided to enter the Provincial Communities in Bloom competition, and in 2001 the Town won the category, earning 5 Blooms and an invitation to Nationals.

The Journey Continues
To complement the work of the Pincher Planters and to promote the Communities in Bloom program, a formal Committee was organized in 2002. The role of this group was to prepare for the annual judges visit each year and to encourage ongoing community initiatives in areas such as tidiness, tree planting, environmental awareness, etc.

Pincher Creek has continued to compete at a Provincial and National level, winning a National title in 2009! In 2010, Pincher Creek was honoured with the National Home Hardware "Community Involvement Award," recognizing the many groups and organizations that contribute to the betterment and beautification of Pincher Creek. Our latest achievement is winning the 2015 Class of Champions and special recognition of our Lebel Mansion Rose Garden. We also competed in the International Challenge in 2016, receiving an Honourable Mention.

How are we evaluated each year?

Each summer, Pincher Creek is evaluated by a volunteer jury of trained professionals. The Town Council, Staff, and Communities in Bloom Committee Members meet with the judges to highlight and tour the many accomplishments of the community in the following areas:

• Tidiness - clean-up litter, weed removal, etc.
• Environmental Action - composting, recycling, pest management, community waste reduction, etc.
• Heritage Conservation - preserving the legacy of yesterday and today
• Urban Forestry - tree management, planting and maintenance
• Landscape - environment showcasing parks, grounds and green spaces
• Floral Displays - design, arrange and maintain flower beds, containers, baskets and window boxes
• Community Involvement - volunteer programs, Pitch-In week, Tidy Tuesdays, etc.

Other Committee Projects: