WATCH: Don’t just stop and smell the flowers… count them! Ceilidh Millar reports.
Blossoming flowers are the first signs of a changing season, as well as an annual event in Victoria.
“A flower count in March showcases Victoria as a wonderful tourism destination,” explained Kimberly Hughes of Tourism Victoria.
For 43 years, the Victoria Flower Count has brought communities together to celebrate the Island’s mild climate and the start of spring.
In 2016, more than 138-million blossoms were counted across Greater Victoria.
“It brings people outside and it brings people together,” said Hughes. “We love the healthy competition between municipalities. Colwood is the city to beat this year.”
Last year, the City of Colwood reported more than 64-million blooms which earned them the title of “bloomingest” community in the region.
“We can’t share our secrets,” said Mayor Carol Hamilton. “We have a whole team approach to this. We also have nice exposure. Spring hits us a little sooner then everywhere else.”
As the blossoms begin to bloom, so do the tourists in the city.
“We have a garden culture here which is celebrated not only by residents but by visitors as well,” explained Brian White from Royal Roads University.
“We’re very busy in the summer but it’s our goal to increase tourism throughout the year,” Hughes said. “A flower count just showcases what incredible weather we enjoy 12 months of the year here.”
There are a few shortcuts people can use to estimate the number of blossoms:
- A small tree full of blossoms equals 250,000 blossoms
- A mid-sized heather bush has 1,000 blossoms
- Trees fully in bloom count for 750,000 blossoms
The Victoria Flower Count officially runs from March 7-14.
For more information, visit www.flowercount.com
Ceilidh Millar
