The Greater Victoria region is almost in full bloom, but one municipality has more flowers than the rest according to the 49th edition of the Greater Victoria Flower Count.
The annual flower count encourages community members and schools to get out side and enjoy nature by counting the new blooms in their neighbourhoods.
READ MORE: ‘Bragging rights’: As buds already bloom, Greater Victoria Flower Count kicks off 49th year
For the second year in a row, Sidney takes home the title of “Bloomingest” community with a total of 17.4 billion blossoms counted.
The runner-up community this year is the City of Victoria, with 15.9 billion blossoms counted.
“Sidney’s community pride is in full bloom today,” Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith said.
“The Town’s extraordinary number of blossoms reflects our residents who put so much care into their gardens, and our Town staff who beautify the parks, downtown business district, and neighbourhood boulevards. All of these efforts help make Sidney a warm and welcoming community.”
While the “Bloomingest” community title went to Sidney, the winning elementary school class for counting the most flowers went to Victoria.
Joanna Lake’s Grade 4/5 class at Margaret Jenkins Elementary School counted 8.049 billion blossoms.
“With students’ help, we have once again highlighted the natural beauty of the region that is part of what makes Greater Victoria a destination of choice,” ” said Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria.
The class won a special trip via L.A. Limousines to the ultimate floral experience at The Butchart Gardens.
In total, 38 billion blossoms were counted across the region over the week long event.
“The only thing more impressive than the number of flowers counted, is the enthusiasm and joy this tradition brings to our region,” Bruce Williams, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO, said.
Mackenzie Read
