Province Proclaims Gardening Week

The province is partnering with the Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs to proclaim the first week of June every year as Gardening Week.

The special designation will help to recognize and promote Nova Scotia growers and greenhouses, and their products.

"Government supports building stronger, healthier and more beautiful communities across Nova Scotia," said MLA Clarrie MacKinnon, ministerial assistant of Buy Local, on behalf of Premier Darrell Dexter. "An important part of that is recognizing and promoting the top-quality food and plants grown locally by our friends and neighbours.

"I want to congratulate the Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs and all its members for being the driving force behind this great initiative. I'm delighted to have played a role in developing a special week that will be recognized by Nova Scotians for generations to come."

Earlier this year, the province announced it will increase its support for the Buy Local movement. Buying locally grown and produced products supports farm growth and farmers' markets, provides a boost to the local economy and helps beautify communities.

"This is both a significant and an exciting development in the history of our organization," said Don Butler, president of the Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs. "Knowing that the first week of June each year will be Gardening Week in Nova Scotia affords us the opportunity to showcase the tremendous work being done by garden clubs in their communities.

"It will also give us an opportunity to work in concert with the Greenhouse Growers Association of Nova Scotia, Landscape Nova Scotia and the Buy Local movement within our government to promote Nova Scotia products."

The Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs was formed in 1954 to promote landscape beautification throughout the province. The association now represents more than 50 local garden clubs and horticultural societies across Nova Scotia.