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Red plants — and 10K trees — part of Coquitlam's latest national gardening bid

Plant the town red, in honour of frontline workers and those lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer
CoquitlamPlantRed2022
Coquitlam is joining the Communities in Bloom campaign once more for 2022 — and this time, red plants will sprout in local gardens.City of Coquitlam

There will be a new colour of plants covering Coquitlam parks and gardens this year as part of an annual national contest.

And the city is also introducing a new goal it believes is reachable before the end of the year in the hopes of uniting the community through nature.

Communities in Bloom is set to see Coquitlam staff and volunteers plant thousands of red-coloured flowers, as opposed to yellow the last several years.

The 2022 theme is Year of the Garden, which, according to parks manager Kathleen Reinheimer, aims to honour frontline workers, remember those lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and/or celebrate their country.

She explains the activities are to "inspire residents to garden, plant trees, support pollinators and engage in their community."

As well, Coquitlam is hoping to plant 10,000 trees on public and private property by the end of 2022 — which is double the city's yearly target, Reinheimer says.

Known as Tree Spree, the program is set to showcase the benefits of tree canopy, such as cleaner air, storing carbon, managing rainwater runoff and potential flood prevention.

"As part of the Year of the Garden, Coquitlam is installing signs at city parks and gardens to educate and inspire gardeners," Reinheimer adds.

"As well, the Park Spark park engagement program is conducting garden tours, volunteer planting sessions, pop-up events and other activities throughout the season at local parks."

Throughout the campaign, local residents can check out several floral displays in three locations, including:

  • Centennial Rose Garden (624 Poirier St.)
    • Created and maintained by the Fraser Pacific Rose Society
  • Inspiration Garden at the south end of Town Centre Park
  • Display garden at the north end of Mackin Park

The city also encourages local green thumbs to consider sharing their gardens on social media and on Gardens Canada's Plant Red page.

Coquitlam has won several awards for its Communities in Bloom initiative, including three provincially and one nationally.

For more information on how to get involved, you're encouraged to visit the city's website.