Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 26/05) - The best of Yellowknife's blooms have been selected for the city's seventh annual lawn and landscape contest.

Brian Kelln, community services program manager, said that despite the cool, wet summer there were 32 entrants in six categories.

Balconies in bloom: Jennifer Holden Neighbourhood in bloom: Debbi Ross Business in bloom: Adam Dental Best vegetable garden: Ron and Becky Messier Best lawn: James Gill Best landscape: Kathryn Roy

"There are some beautiful gardens out there," said Keln, who would like to attract more entries to the competition.

"Many don't enter because they are shy or don't think their gardens are worthy, but we'd like to encourage people to enter."

"Our summers are so short here that we want lots of colour and green," Krista Sansom said on behalf of the Adam Dental Clinic.

"Dr. Adam really puts a lot of time and effort into making his property look as beautiful as it can be.

"It makes everybody smile," she said, and many passersby stop to admire or photograph the property on Franklin Avenue.

Kathryn Roy has devoted years to landscaping her yard with shrubs, flowers and berry bushes. She has won an award every year the contest has been held.

"I feel great about it. I enjoy doing what I do."

For Becky and Ron Messier, recognition for their shared hobby came as a pleasant surprise.

"I've got tomatoes, celery, green peppers, beets and quite a few carrots," Becky said.

Keln said the categories allow for a variety of circumstances, including homeowners who may not have space for a traditional garden.

"It's more about how they make use of their space and how they can make it warm and friendly and beautiful," he said.

"We try to give everyone an equal opportunity."

The beautiful blooms at the home of Kathryn and Michael Roy are part of the vast landscaping effort that earned them top prize in the City of Yellowknife's annual lawn and landscape competition.