The 49th annual Greater Victoria Flower Count kicks off this week

The first signs of spring are emerging as residents of Greater Victoria eagerly anticipate the return of the annual tradition: the Greater Victoria Flower Count.

Now in its 49th year, this beloved event, sponsored and organized by local businesses, Destination Greater Victoria, and The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, brings together communities in a lighthearted celebration of Vancouver Island’s beauty.

Despite recent snowfall and cooler temperatures, the region has been witnessing the gradual awakening of spring.

Over the past month, blossoms have been bursting forth, painting the landscape with vibrant colours and delicate fragrances.

And now, with the arrival of March, it’s time to officially kick off the flower count festivities.

This year’s count will commence at the picturesque Abkhazi Gardens, marking the beginning of a week-long celebration of floral abundance.

From Wednesday, March 6th to March 13th, participants are encouraged to take part in the count by submitting their flower tallies via the event’s official website.

More than just a fun activity, the flower count serves as a means to bolster community pride and raise awareness of Greater Victoria as a premier shoulder-season tourism destination.

It highlights the region’s natural beauty and showcases its allure as a place to live, work, and play.

“Our goal in 2024 is to spread spring cheer to the residents of Greater Victoria and encourage them to stop and count the flowers while out in their communities,” reads the events website.

“This is a great time to #ExploreVictoria and appreciate the wonders of nature all around us.”

Participants are invited to join in the counting festivities, which will be taking place from 7 a.m. on March 6th until 4 p.m. on March 13th.

Whether strolling through neighbourhood parks, exploring urban gardens, or simply admiring the blooms lining the streets, everyone is encouraged to contribute to the collective tally.

Last year’s flower count saw impressive numbers, with Sidney claiming the title of “Bloomingest Community” with a staggering count of 7,580,503,851 blooms.

North Saanich followed closely behind as the community runner-up, boasting an impressive tally of 7,558,368,163 blooms. Hillcrest Elementary emerged as the winning school, showcasing the enthusiasm and participation of young flower enthusiasts.

In total, an astonishing 33,386,900,082 blooms were counted across the municipality, underscoring the widespread engagement and excitement surrounding the event.

As the 49th Annual Greater Victoria Flower Count returns for another year, residents and visitors alike are invited to revel in the beauty of spring and join in the celebration of nature’s renewal.

So grab your tally sheets, dust off your gardening gloves, and get ready to count some blossoms—it’s time to welcome spring in style!