The City of Morden received four out of five blooms from the Communities In Bloom competition earlier this month. The annual awards ceremony was held at the International Peace Garden.

"What the Judges saw is our normal day to day operations," said Morden Mayor Ken Wiebe.

In order to receive four blooms, each community needed to achieve over 730 of the 1000 points available. Participating communities are evaluated on tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscaping and floral displays.

A number of improvements can be made to each area of evaluation with minimal effort, according to Mayor Wiebe and Director of Community Services, Clare Agnew.

"It just gives me the pride to be Mayor of a community that is so well viewed. Not only by its own citizens who are very proud of their community," said Wiebe. "It also makes me proud that people come from outside and view our community as a real bright spot on the Canadian prairies."

Agnew said after going through and understanding the presentation and scoring system they can make a few changes and put Morden's best foot forward. She added her own pride for the community grew during the tour.

Wiebe said some of the great commodities and attractions the City has are its golf course, campground and lake, Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, Arts Centre, and many other things that are the envy of other communities.

"We have a reason to hold our heads up high," said Wiebe. "We have a great community and other people think so as well."

City of Morden officials pose for a photo with the Community In Bloom judges