__ C N A Te
2004 was the first year for Southwest
Middlesex in the Communities In Bloom
Program. We achieved three blooms out of five for our efforts in the areas of:
Community Involvement
Environmental Effort
Floral Arrangements
Heritage Conservation
Landscaped Areas
Tidiness Effort
Turf Areas
Urban Forestry Development
Communities In Bloom competitions are at two levels—provincial and national.
Southwest Middlesex currently competes at the provincial level.
The benefits to participating are endless.
By doing things like cleaning up the environment, preserving historically significant structures and restoring balance and variety in our public gardens we greatly improve the quality of life in our municipality and provide a sense of unity and strength to those who visit or look at Southwest
Middlesex as a potential new location.
Whatever time, ideas or support you can provide are welcomed. We can only grow from the experience. Help make Southwest
Middlesex ….. someplace special .
A PROJECT OF COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM

Here’s How To Help/Get Involved
Organize a spring clean-up
Paint a fence
Refurbish a vacant lot
Cut your lawn
Repair, restore and preserve heritage sites
Conserve trees
Plant a tree
Water your trees
Plant a garden
Remove stakes and wires from trees
Add a planter to the front of your business, home or patio
Recycle
Involve citizens, local groups and businesses
Children can help through schools or youth organizations with environmental programs to plant trees/gardens, clean up school yards and playgrounds
Town workers can hang baskets and create curb gardens
Businesses can start up an “Adopt a
Garden” program
Involve your firm in a
Beautification/Environmental project
Stoop and scoop after your pet
Rake and compost lawn clippings
Don’t litter/pick up litter
Build or buy a rain barrel
Clean up outdoor storage areas
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10 Tips To Successful Gardening
1. Plan your lawn and garden well in advance of sowing and planting.
2. Know your soil’s makeup and add suitable organic matter and fertilizer.
3. Southwest Middlesex planting zone is
#5, be aware of your micro climate and adjust your plan accordingly.
4. Choose appropriate seed, bulbs and plants for your location.
5. Take light levels into consideration when selecting plants.
6. Water plants at night to conserve water.
7. Use mulch to conserve water and control weeds.
8. Use tools in a safe manner and keep them well maintained.
9. When pests and diseases cross threshold levels take appropriate steps to control them.
10. Follow best management practices when applying fertilizer.
Additional Advice And Ideas Can Be
Obtained Through The Following
Web Sites: www.communitiesinbloom.ca www.cwf-fcf.org
Contact our Recreation Department at:
Phone: 519-287-2839
Fax: 519-287-5165