Verona blooms again!

Debbie Lingen | Apr 28, 2011

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

The Verona Community Association (VCA) has provided over 36 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 five prizes. Fourth and fifth place will win $50. Third place prize $100, Second place prize $200 and the grand prize will be $300.

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 who are residents in the Verona and the nearby area. Entry forms are available at Local Family Farms, Nicole’s Gifts, and Verona Hardware. Entries must be received by May 14.

“This will be another exciting year,” says Joyce Casement, a director of the VCA. “The VCA was delighted with last year’s competition. The barrels looked spectacular all summer. Everyone who competed got caught up in the excitement of the competition. There were many friendly rivalries as to who would have the best barrel. Many of the businesses and private residents who participated had so much fun that they are adopting their barrels again this year. This area has so much real gardening talent. 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 can contact Debbie Lingen at 613-374-2091.

For more information on the Adopt-a-Barrel competition, please contact Debbie Lingen at 613-374-2091 or visit the Verona website at www.yourverona.com.