Verona Adopt-a-Barrel flower competition

Debbie Lingen | Apr 22, 2010

This summer, Main Street in Verona will showcase the gardening skills of dozens of volunteer gardeners in the First Annual “Adopt-a-Barrel” flower growing competition.

The Verona Community Association (VCA) has provided over 35 flower barrels lining Main Street, located in front of businesses, private homes and public spaces. Each of these barrels will be “adopted” by individuals or groups who will apply their gardening skills while competing for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes of $300, $200 and $100.

The participants will provide the plants, the tender loving care and the creative skill which they hope will impress the independent judging panel sometime in August. In the meantime, residents and visitors to Verona will have the opportunity to enjoy the floral displays all summer. Winners will be announced at the Annual Garlic Festival, the first weekend in September.

The competition is open to any aspiring gardeners/resident in the Verona and nearby area. Entry forms are available at the following locations in Verona: Local Family Farms, Jitterbugs, Nicole’s Gifts, Main St Mercantile and Tea Room, Verona Hardware. Entries must be received by May 7. If there are more entries than barrels available, a draw will be held to assign the barrels.

“We’re really excited about this”, says Joyce Casement, a director of the VCA. “This area has some real gardening talent, and I am sure that the participants are going to put a lot of skill and pride into it.” (All the barrels will have the “Adopter’s Plaque” prominently displayed unless they ask to remain anonymous). “It’s going to be fun watching our favourite displays take shape over the summer, and cheering on our friends and neighbours as they turn Verona into a Garden of Blooms”.

The VCA is a volunteer organization that sponsors projects and events that enhance the Verona community through celebration, beautification and community support. New volunteer members are always welcome. Anyone interested in helping to make Verona an even better place to live may contact Marcel Quenneville at 613-374-1982.

For more information on the Adopt-a-Barrel competition, or for an interview, please contact Debbie Lingen at 613-374-2091. For more information on the Verona Community Association, please call Debbie Lingen or Marcel Quenneville at 613-374-1982.