Although the City of Steinbach’s hanging baskets and gardens are looking great, the City’s Landscape Technician, Joyce Purchase, says there have been a few issues this year that have made it more challenging for plants to grow.
“It was so cold when we hung the baskets in June, I was scared they would freeze!” said Purchase.
The cold and wet weather at the beginning of summer delayed the City’s planting schedule by at least ten days. The continuous cold and rainy weather also prevented any significant growth and blooming.
“For example,” said Purchase, “the canna lilies at City Hall should all be two feet taller than they are. It is always our goal to have them in full bloom for the August long weekend and there are only a handful of them that have open flowers right now.”
Unfortunately, vandalism is another unpleasant issue the Beautification Department have had to deal with.
“We have had numerous incidents of vandalism, including 500 pound concrete planters tipped over, plants ripped out and/or stolen, bikes being driven through flower beds, and people neglecting to clean up after their dogs.”
Purchase quickly adds that things are looking up.
“Our hanging baskets look fabulous, the turf areas seem to like the cool, damp weather and the trees and shrubs look lush too.”
