Yorkton In Bloom was created to encourage people in the city to make the the area more beautiful through the power of gardening. Annually it presents awards to homes judged to have the best grounds.
Myrtle Zatwarniski was one of this year's winners, taking the prize for Best Home Grounds (Front Yard) as well as an honorable mention for Best Home Grounds (Back Yard). She says she wanted to put together a front yard that was tasteful and inviting, and she says that it's something she has noticed that people enjoy.
"It actually brings people to stop and have a look. It's unbelievable, the people who walk past here, even the people who drive by, they stop and they have a look at this," Zatwarniski says.
She notes that the two areas of her home are meant for different purposes. The front yard everyone can see, so it's something that can be enjoyed. The back yard is meant to be a more private place.
Zatwarniski focuses her attention on flowers, which she enjoys growing and tending to all summer.
"I could be all day out there with them, and it makes me feel good."
Getting recognized by Yorkton In Bloom is something which Zatwarniski says left her speechless, and she never expected to be recognized for her yard. She says that she's proud of her home and the space she has created, but that she never expected to get an award for it.
"I feel that someone noticed how much time I spent out there, and how much I like doing this type of work," she adds.
Yorkton In Bloom is also an inspiration for Zatwarniski, and she says she has looked at other homes in the city to see if there are good ideas that she could do in her own yard.
She says that there are many beautiful yards in Yorkton and local gardeners are improving the look of the city.
This year's Yorkton In Bloom winners are:
Best Home Grounds (Front Yard): William and Myrtle Zatwarniski, 150 Manitoba Avenue.
Best Home Grounds (Back Yard): Laurene Jemieff, 40 Elmwood Place. Honourable Mention William and Myrtle Zatwarniski, 150 Manitoba Avenue.
Best Mobile Home Grounds: Margaret Lachowsky, 56 Westshore Greens.
Best Vegetable Garden: Vi Protz, 80 Irwin Avenue.
Best Senior Housing Unit: Les & Dorothy Taylor, 147 Jubilee Crescent. Honourable Mention: Florence Matechuk, 140 Jubilee Crescent.
Best Senior Housing Complex: Fisher Court, 115 4th Avenue North. Honourable Mention: Allan Bay Manor, 25 Allan Bay.
Best Senior Housing Courtyard: Queen Elizabeth Court, 133 4th Avenue North, Bill & Elsie Radysh. Honourable Mention: Fisher Court/Victoria Court - Shared Courtyard, Ev Wotherspoon & Erma Craig.
Best Senior Housing Deck/Balcony: Queen Elizabeth Court - 3rd Floor Balcony, 133 4th Avenue North, Mary Bielinski. Honourable Mention Queen Elizabeth Court - 2nd Floor Balcony, 133 4th Avenue North, Flora Duffy.
Best Commercial Grounds, Luna Experience, 42 Sixth Avenue North, Rhonda Bailey.
Best Residential Street, Jubilee Crescent.
Golden Bloom Awards, for individuals 75 and older.
Best Home Grounds - Front Yard, Joyce Muir, 155 Jubilee Crescent.
Best Home Grounds - Back Yard, John & Sylvia Bodnar, 5 Delaere Drive.
Best Vegetable Garden, John & Sylvia Bodnar, 5 Delaere Drive.
Best Senior Housing Unit, Betty Golling, 163 Jubilee Crescent.
