Kawartha Lakes’ fourth annual Bee A Hero Garden Challenge open for submissions

Bee City Kawartha Lakes and the Kawartha Lakes Environmental Action Committee (KLEAC) are excited to launch the fourth annual Bee A Hero Garden Challenge.

The Bee A Hero Garden Challenge is an opportunity for people across Kawartha Lakes to help improve the quality and abundance of habitats for native pollinators in the municipality.

“Every year we’re excited to welcome new and returning gardeners to the Bee a Hero Garden Challenge,” commented Deborah Pearson, chair of KLEAC. “The more people we have participate in this great initiative, the better life will be for all pollinators in Kawartha Lakes. From experienced gardeners to youth groups learning the importance of pollinator friendly gardens, we’re always excited to see what our pollinator friendly community in Kawartha Lakes is capable of!”

The contest is open from July 19 to September 15, 2023. All interested citizens need to do to enter is provide a before picture of their garden or container prior to it being planted, an after picture of their garden once it has grown, and a brief write-up telling judges about their garden and why they chose to be a Bee Hero.

Winners will be chosen at the end of the submission period and they’ll be recognized and honoured for their great work by the mayor and council at a future council meeting.

For more information, planting tips, and a native plants list, please visit the Kawartha Lakes Bee City website. Contestants are required to include at least one of the pollinator aids listed under pollinator-friendly gardens on the website.

Prizes will be awarded across a few categories, including:

• Children’s Garden (12 and younger)
• Adults Garden (13 and older)
• Container Garden

All participants will receive a certificate of recognition for their great work helping pollinators in Kawartha Lakes. Participants’ before and after pictures of their gardens, along with the write-up about their garden, will be included in a presentation at a future council meeting.

Applications for the Bee a Hero Garden Challenge can be found here.

Please submit any questions to .

Looking for ideas or inspiration? Read about the 2022 Bee a Hero Garden Challenge winners here.