The 51st annual Greater Victoria Flower Count is coming back to the capital region, and this year, the count aims to raise money for the City of Victoria hanging flower basket program.
Victoria, often referred to as the ‘Garden City,’ is unique in that while many parts of the country are currently being assailed with snow and ice-cold temperatures, our little oasis is welcoming cherry blossoms and renewed greenery.
The annual flower count is a fun way of encouraging community members to come together to admire the beauty of the city and to take stock of the thousands of blossoms around them.
Additionally, in the spirit of friendly competition, Greater Victoria’s many neighbourhoods and municipalities can compete for the title of the “Bloomingest” community.
This year’s count will take place between March 4th and 11th.
New this year, the count will coincide with the launch of a pilot fundraising program to collect donations that will help sustain Victoria’s iconic hanging flower baskets.
The hanging basket program needs funding because in fall of last year, Victoria city council cut some of the program’s budget in order to reduce property tax impacts.
In total, the program suffered a 50% reduction meaning this spring, the City will only foot the bill for 600 baskets, whereas before they funded 1,200.
“For generations, Victoria’s reputation as the Garden City has been rooted in the care shown by our community,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.
“Since the hanging basket program began in 1937, flowers have helped define the welcoming character of our downtown.”
The new ‘Hanging Basket Donation Program,’ created by Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) and the City, provides a voluntary way for residents, businesses and organizations to help sustain this longstanding tradition.
According to DGV, the fundraising target is $130,000, which would restore the program to its previous scale.
To help get the fundraising started, the Butchart Gardens is contributing $25,000, the Downtown Victoria Business Association is giving $10,000 and DGV is also providing $10,000.
Learn how to contribute to the Hanging Basket Donation Program online here.
