Garden tour underway in Kitchener

Gardeners across Kitchener are showing off their green thumbs by inviting the public on a special city-wide tour.

Kitchener in Bloom is underway, showcasing and celebrating green spaces throughout the community.

The program recognizes residents as well as business owners who are trying to make the city a more beautiful place.

Zack Stevens is the City of Kitchener’s neighbourhood development supervisor. He said the program serves as an “opportunity for neighbours to recognize other neighbours.”

“It creates a sense of connection among the neighbours,” he told CTV News. “The program itself, I think, really helps foster a strong sense of pride and strong sense of community.”

Stevens said more than 700 gardens were recognized in 2023, with even more submissions expected this year.

Some of the gardens were cultivated from a love of planting, while others are inspired by loved ones.

“My mom passed away two years ago. My mom loved flowers, especially lilies,” the owner of Unit 38 at 81 Eagen Drive wrote in their description. “My father was redoing the gardens and gave me a bunch. I have a love for roses. Between the two and all my fillers, I think the area is turning out well. Stop by for a look!”

Bonnie Chow has been growing her garden on Ellen Street for 30 years, slowly converting the space into a cluster of native species.

This marks the fourth year Chow’s garden has been recognized by the community. She said programs like Kitchener in Bloom help more people to appreciate their green spaces.

“[It makes] people reflect and concern themselves about our environment, and be able to come out and be able to be comfortable in our environment,” Chow said.

Kitchener in Bloom runs from April to September. Residents can submit their own garden, or recognize a neighbour, through the City of Kitchener’s website. 

An interactive map is available online for enthusiasts to plan their own route.