North Bay Blooms winners were surprised by the committee Thursday. From left. Blooms Chair Geri Openshaw, Reg Mitchell, Shirley Deibel, judge Robert Wiemer. Photo by Brenda Turl. See our photo gallery below the story.
It was a big surprise Thursday morning for avid gardeners Shirley Deibel and Reg Mitchell.
The retired couple learned they are this year's North Bay Blooms Front Yard Garden winners in an am"bush" at their home at 1449 Vanier St.
The couple wins first prize of a $300 gift certificate. Judges said it showed "good colour combinations, a great focal point, and a welcoming garden".
Blooms Chair Geri Openshaw told BayToday that 90 nominees were received this year.
"Postal workers do the original nominations and people could go to our website http://www.northbayblooms.com and nominate, or do it by phone. Judges will also add names if they see a nice garden," she said.
"It's been an odd summer, but gardens are thick and lush. They're looking great."
Deibel and Mitchell have, for the past 22 years, taken down hedges and trees, built a patio and planted plenty of gardens.
They say they have much more work to do yet.
The couple plans to take down three diseased trees and plant more gardens.
Second place went to Carol and Don Laperriere of 29 Killare Street, "wonderful selection of plant materials, good use of motion, height and subtle colours", and third was Donna and Jim Sinclair of 975 Jane Street, "perfect country garden, a great mix of perennials".
Vicki Doucette of the North Bay Master Gardeners complimented all the gardeners.
"It was not an easy task to chose three. Every garden had something special and inviting, displaying hard work and a strong desire to beautify their neighbourhoods. The garden at 1112 Fraser Street had milkweed and had a visit from a Monarch butterfly while we were there. Now that is special."
Front garden of 1449 Vanier St. Photo by Brenda Turl.
