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PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, October 19^th, 2024 — 

Milner Gardens & Woodland received a rating of 5 Blooms and a special mention for Natural Heritage Preservation - The Rhododendron Species Garden during the 2024 National/International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in the City of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Milner Gardens & Woodland participated in the Special Attractions - Evaluated category. 

Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to participating communities to evaluate the overall contributions of municipal council and departments; industry; businesses and the private sector – including volunteer efforts – regarding the following criteria: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape and Plant & Floral Displays.  

Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Tina Liu and Leslie Cornell wrote: 

“The Rhododendron Species Garden at Milner Gardens & Woodland stands as the only one of its kind in Canada and among the rare few globally. Since the site being gifted to Vancouver Island University in 1996, it has served as an invaluable educational resource. Students from the Horticulture Technician program collaborate with garden staff and local Rhododendron Societies to identify various rhododendron species and to propagate endangered ones. The garden boasts approximately 230 species, with many reaching over 30 feet in height. Some of these plants have been thriving there since 1960, showcasing the impressive longevity of rhododendrons in this unique environment.” 

Within the actual context of climate changes and environmental concerns, communities involved in the program can be proud of their efforts, which provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society.

For a complete list of the results, please visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca.

About Communities in Bloom

Communities in Bloom is a Canadian volunteer and partnership-driven non-profit organization that uses a multi-tiered competitive evaluation process to foster community strength, involvement and continuous improvement. This is accomplished by nurturing environmental sustainability, enhancements of green spaces, and heritage conservation, in cultural and natural environments encompassing municipal, residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. For more information about Communities in Bloom, visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca.

Communities are evaluated using a “bloom” rating determined by the total score of the evaluation:

0 to 55 %=1 Bloom  56 to 63 %=2 Blooms 64 to 72 %=3 Blooms 73 to 81 %=4 Blooms 82 % and over=5 Blooms

There are four (4) levels of 5 Blooms exclusive to the National and International Edition:

5 Blooms: 82 to 83.9%    Bronze: 84 to 86.9%    Silver: 87 to 89.9%      Gold: 90% and over

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THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS

Gold Bloom Sponsor

Bronze Bloom Sponsor

THANK YOU TO OUR NATIONAL SPONSORS & PARTNERS