Courtenay residents are being invited to take part in one of the community’s largest planting events.
The Mile of Flowers Plant-In event will take place May 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. and will see volunteers fill garden beds on both sides of Cliffe Avenue from Eighth to 21st streets with flowers provided by the City of Courtenay.
City horticulture supervisor Tyler Johns said the event is a strong example of community spirit.
“Every year, volunteers of all ages come to help plant along Cliffe Avenue and their work helps brighten the community for the months ahead,” said Johns.
No prior experience is needed and the event typically requires between 200 and 500 volunteers.
Volunteers are asked to bring garden gloves, a trowel and drinking water.
Parks staff will be on site to direct volunteers and answer questions.
Youth groups are encouraged to take part and will be entered in a random draw to win a free private pool party if they volunteer.
The Mile of Flowers tradition dates back to 1967, when Kathleen Kirk planted 7,800 seedlings alone to mark Canada’s centennial year.
Now, the event involves hundreds of volunteers and about 30,000 flowers.
The flower beds are maintained by the city using compost and mulch to improve water retention.
Water-efficient drip irrigation systems have been installed in some beds, while others have been converted to water-efficient perennial blooms and shrubs.
Following the event, a free barbecue will be held at Standard Park.
