Gardens can be cultivated for the nose, and then the eye takes care of itself.
Such is the case for the Trail in Bloom(TiB) 2013 Garden Contest with categories that feature a little something for everyone to see.
Trail in Bloom 2013 Garden Contest has almost 30 entries for its 13th annual contest but the committee is always on the lookout for new entries. Deadline for application is today and the contest begins Wednesday when two judges arrive from Castlegar.
“What do the judges look for?” said Annette Gallatin, TiB chair. “Little scenes that catch your eye and make you say ‘ah,’” she said.
Balance and contrast of colour and foliage are also taken to account as winners are selected in categories that range from rose gardens, bed and borders to water features and garden architecture.
There is no restriction to size or greenery of the garden as rock gardens and patio terrace entries are also featured.
“There is no limitation to the size of the garden,” said Gallatin.
“There are some wee backyards that are little pieces of heaven that just need to come out of hiding.”
Gallatin said that quite often the garden committee must convince the backyard greenthumbs to share their gardens for showcase in the contest.
“Most people feel that their gardens are an extension of themselves and it says who they are on the inside,” said Gallatin. “Once they know that we are here to share and admire, not to criticize, entering the contest is no longer a problem.”
Culmination of all the gardeners’ hard work will be on July 16 at the Colombo Piazza, 7:30 p.m. when category winners will be announced.
Maps for “The Garden Tour” will be available by donation at Ferraro Foods in downtown Trail on the July 25 and 26.
“The garden tour will showcase the winners and the map will include the category of win,” said Gallatin.
“So you can pick and choose what you would like to see, or I suggest going for it and see them all.”
Teck’s Mad Hatter’s Tea, which includes lunch and entertainment in the garden at Teck Guest House will be July 27 from noon until 2:30 p.m., tickets $10.
For more information, email trailgardencontest@gmail.com.