The gardening trend that took root during COVID-19 isn't going anywhere, even as Canada begins to recover and approach a post-pandemic life.
The Canadian Garden Council (CGC), a non-profit corporation that fosters awareness and development of the nation's garden culture, has proclaimed 2022 as the Year of the Garden with the support of a declaration by the House of Commons, making it the first country to do so.
"The Canadian garden culture is transforming itself," CGC executive director Michel Gauthier said in a press release.
"Our landscape and weather allows for some of the most unique gardens in the world. Recently we've seen a rise in Canadians rekindling their relationship with plants through edible gardens, indoor gardens, Indigenous gardens and more."
Research shows a significant increase in gardening interest among Canadians over the past two years and a survey reveals that 80 per cent of Canadians are in favour of the Year of the Garden designation, which kicked off on the first day of spring March 20.
The horticulture celebration honours the country's rich garden heritage, vibrant garden culture, and comes on the heels of the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.
Canadians are already beginning to embrace the new declaration.
"The support we've received has been overwhelming," said Alexander Reford, president of the CGC and director of the Reford Gardens, a national historic site in Grand-Métis, Quebec.
"In the coming weeks and months, Canadians will have opportunities to celebrate our unique garden culture. Our first garden invitation is to plant red in honour of front-of-the-line workers, an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic and show our garden pride."
To learn more about the 2022 launch of the Year of the Garden and invitations to get involved, visit yearofthegarden.ca/.
