We created an award-winning garden.

This fall, Communities in Bloom presented the Okanagan Xeriscape Association's demonstration garden with its prestigious Showcase Award, presented annually to exceptional community gardens or projects.

The City of Kelowna also received an “evaluated” Grow Award for its Clean Team Program “fostering a positive safe environment,” and an award for community appearance.

When the B.C. Communities in Bloom evaluators arrived at the Okanagan Xeriscape Association demonstration garden this year, they found themselves standing in what one judge called "a living classroom for sustainable landscaping."

The recognition that followed, the prestigious Showcase Award, represents more than just another accolade for our organization. It is a validation of the vision by co-founder Gwen Steele who began decades ago and continues to reshape how Okanagan residents think about their relationship with water, native plants, and the landscape itself.

Communities in Bloom, Canada's premier horticulture organization, has celebrated community beautification and environmental action since 2005. Its vision is to inspire all communities to enhance the quality of life and our environment through people and plants in order to create community pride.

The program's showcase awards highlight exceptional projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and community engagement—qualities that the Okanagan........

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