While the Winkler Horticultural Society has planted upwards of 20,000 plants in the past, a number of new permanent displays have brought the total down to 12,000.

However, the task before them for the annual planting blitz is still daunting.

Volunteers are invited to join them Monday, May 29 at 8:30 a.m at the Winkler Arena.

"We would like to see a good group of volunteers come out," Horticultural Society's Margaret Penner says.

In keeping with Canada's 150th anniversary, the society is ordering red and white themed flowers, as well as planting a number of the Canadian Shield roses specifically developed for the occasion.

The new Butterfly Garden coming to the Winkler Arts and Culture Centre is also taking shape this summer.

A variety of pesticide-free plants will attract ten butterfly species, including the Monarch.

The certified butterfly site will only be the second of its kind in Manitoba.

"It should attract a lot of people," Penner says.

The site will also be perfect for elementary school classes to track the butterfly metamorphosis process.

A large Monarch butterfly sculpture with an eight-foot wingspan will be the capstone of the project, created by Tim Klassen of Envirotech.

"We have seen it, it's just stunning," she says.

Work also continues on the Parkside Pioneer Park North of Highway 14.

The antique farming equipment will be outfitted with planters filled to overflowing with blooming flowers, including the Canadian Shield roses.