King Township was blooming in August, and it's doing even better now.

The Township received the report over the weekend from the Communities in Bloom national competition, and it received an impressive five blooms, and 831 out of a possible 1,000 points.

"Just fabulous," was the reaction of Nobleton resident Lynda Rogers, who coordinated the local effort. "We improved in every category."

"There's good news and we can all celebrate."

Mayor Margaret Black made the announcement at the start of Monday's council meeting, heaping praise on Rogers and her committee, along with residents and businesses who pitched in to spruce things up around King. She also extended thanks to Parks, Recreation and Culture Director Catherine Purcell.

Communities in Bloom judges David Urquhart from Fredericton and Edgar Toop from the Edmonton area toured King in August, and clearly went away impressed with what they saw.

"A visitor must experience the Township of King to appreciate the green rural farms and forests," they reported. "Here, there is an oasis from the fast food and coffee shops, the pace of life is slowed and traffic is reduced to mainly that on the through highway leading to Toronto or Barrie."

"At first, the visitor is surprised that the Township of King is not encouraging growth, does not want subdivisions and box stores, will not allow new development on existing farms, will not allow the forest to be cut or even individual trees cut without a permit. These things are so foreign to those of us who

are living and travelling in other municipalities , however, the judges experienced a different atmosphere in the Township of King and enjoyed this rural life. Everyone seemed to know one another and the warm sense of friendship that exists."

King was competing with 11 other Canadian municipalities in the 10,001 to 20,000 population class. The top place was Parksville, British Columbia. There was a lot of tough competition, as all but two of the entries in the class managed five blooms.

The King Township Museum was cited for honourable mention by the judges. Rogers said they were impressed with the way a number of features, like the old train station, church and the old dredging barge from the Holland Marsh, have been brought together onto one property. "they thought that was just a marvelous feat," she commented.

Entries were judged in eight categories, with up to 125 points being available in each.

King's highest score was in community involvement, where it got 109. The judges were impressed by the number of people who turned out for the volunteer recognition evening at the

conclusion of their tour. They stated the Township council, staff, volunteers and service groups are united in a common goal; "That being to promote community spirit and stewardship for the land."

They were also taken with the various local events, such as Victoria day celebrations, fairs, festivals, museum concerts, clean-up campaigns and efforts to protect marshes and wetlands. "The Lions club works closely with the community to spearhead recreational needs, such as contributing to the arena building fund, lighting at the baseball diamond and the construction of the swimming pool," the report stated. "Volunteers helped to fund the elevator at a local seniors' building, renovations to the old community hall and the list goes on - wonderful dedication."

They also pointed to the work of Rotary clubs, including their contribution to the new gazebo in Nobleton. The work of local churches, including the food bank and efforts to support mothers in Africa and those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

The tidiness category earned King 106 points. The whole township made a positive impression.

"This is not an easy thing to achieve in such a wide spread area," Urquhart and Toop wrote.

They were also encouraged by the clean-up campaigns carried out by numerous local groups.

King drew its lowest grade in the environmental awareness category with a score of 96 (76.8 per cent). There were a number of positive and encouraging comments made.

"The judges understand you desire to protect the environment of the Township of King and all surrounding areas," they wrote. "It is hoped that through your planning department, and budgets allowing, solutions will be developed for seniors who no longer are able to maintain large acreages as well as young families who wish to remain in their community and have affordable housing. It is important that the family unit have the option to call the (Township) of King their home."

In the natural and cultural heritage conservation category, King got 107 points. The judges pointed to the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area. They suggested more could be done at the museum to provide a greater sense of the activities and culture of First Nations people. They also learned that artifacts from the past, including involving the Lloydtown rebellion, are available, and steps should be taken to acquire them before they are lost.

King got 102 points in the area of urban forest management. Urquhart and Toop were pleased that the Township has hired an arborist.

They also pointed out there are a number of tree committees in the municipality, and wondered if it would be possible to form one group as a tree commission. As well, they suggested there would be enough interest in holding public meetings to instruct people on proper pruning methods for trees and shrubs. "There are some beautiful private gardens that had very poor pruning, which will cause damage if not corrected," they stated.

The score was 100 points in the category for landscaped areas. The judges stated they visited two private residences, and concluded most people in King are very proud of their properties. They also cited a number of properties, including The Kingbridge Centre, the gazebo in Nobleton and Seneca College.

King got 107 points for floral displays. The judges were impressed with the number of hanging baskets and planters in various locations, and hoped more will be added over time. "Perhaps local merchants could be asked to contribute more toward the purchase and/or maintenance of these floral displays to relieve the burden on Township staff," they wrote.

The turf and groundcovers category drew 104 points.

"The Township is to be commended for its Integrated Turf Management program," the judges stated. "You are fortunate in having a high water table that greatly reduces the need to irrigate."