General comments are being posted from “Communities in Bloom” judges as a means of acknowledging and congratulating all the hard work and dedication our residents, businesses and local volunteers have put into our local green spaces.

Suggestions on how we can improve, made by the judges are posted as well to give us all something to work towards!

General Comments & Suggestions:

Rossburn is a community full of dynamic volunteers who have made their community an attractive place to call home.

Consider a comprehensive tree management policy for adequate tree canopy.

Comments & Suggestions – Tidiness:

Rossburn overall is litter free and tidy. There were some signs of graffiti which should be attended to. Businesses around local points of interest should be encouraged to keep their premises neat and tidy. Using the tax notices is a great way to communicate with residents on local issues/information. Nestor Rekunyk is to be commended on the great job of keeping the community litter free. Public and private buildings over all would benefit by a coat of paint. Annual budgeting for sidewalk repairs on dangerous and deteriorating sidewalk should be considered. Vacant building lots on Main Street should be maintained by the owner of the municipality.

Comments & Suggestions – Environmental Awareness:

Recent purchase of land for the landfill site should enable the clean-up of the existing site and establish a new area. Consider relocation of site and reclamation of the natural beauty of the existing site. Having students work at the recycling centre is a very unique fundraiser for the groups and of great benefit to the community. The centre is neat, clean and well organized. Great idea! Keep up the good work! The private use of Round-up was excessive at the elevator. New practices should be developed for weed control. Waste concrete could be used for subbase on future road and building construction.

Comments & Suggestions – Community Involvement:

Community involvement and volunteerism is alive and well in your community. Perhaps the Petal Pushers would consider adopting budding gardeners from the local school to teach and groom as future volunteers. Both the hospital and Lion’s Manor would benefit from a volunteer group to “spruce” things up! Don’t forget the sweet peas!

Comments & Suggestions – Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation:

The museum tour was great! Thanks to Madasson for the very informative tour. From the brochure the area is rich with heritage and culture. Future judges tours would benefit from the inclusion of a couple of these gems. Celebrations/inclusions of the first nations and hutterite people in the area could be included.

Comments & Suggestions – Tree/Urban Forest Management:

It is time that Rossburn adopted good tree management practices:

- a Dutch elm disease program

- maintenance issue on newly planted trees

- All trees would benefit from a good pruning practices

- Dead trees and limbs are a safety issue

- Diversity new tree planting

Being proactive on purchasing a chipper would benefit future pruning and mulching programs and save on landfill space.

Comments & Suggestions – Landscaped Area:

Street planting have a good selection of plants that soften the boulevards. They are low maintenance and drought tolerant. It is a good idea to replace the stones with mulch.

Consider using these practices in your future landscaped areas.

The rest stop is a great idea but the sign needs to be removed to a more visible location. Also, let travelers know that interesting tourist information is available at these locations.

Comments & Suggestions – Floral Displays:

Town signs would be greatly enhanced with floral beds at the bases.

Businesses have taken great pride in maintaining their floral charges this year. Great job! Petal pushers – take a bow, your efforts show in every planter and bed.

Local gardeners are doing great things and willing to be creative and adventurous with outstanding results.

Comments & Suggestions – Turf and Groundcovers:

During hot summer months mowing height should be raised to ensure stress free ground cover. School yards were generally well maintained in the front, back yards could use some work. With the increase in soccer activities, fields become more compact. Aeration, overseeding and top dressing programs annually would create a durable playing surface. The moving of portable nets annually from worn and dished areas would ensure safe soccer pitches.