Marylaine de Chantal and Larry Hall from Communities in Bloom came to Boissevain on July 19 to judge the town and the International Peace Garden for the beautification competition. Boissevain is in the Canada 150 category, while the Peace Garden is competing in Special Attractions.

Larry Hall is a retired educator from Buena Vista, Saskatchewan. In 1999, he retired from a long career in teaching, which included time as an elementary school science teacher, planting mustard seeds that had been in space and selling bedding plants as a fund-raiser. He spent time as a volunteer speed skating coach, which allowed him to work with eventual Olympians and an opportunity to coach in China.

He was the mayor of his village, and during that time got involved in Communities in Bloom. He and his wife have been provincial level judges for the past six years.

He will be joined by Marylaine de Chantal, a coordinator-activities director for the Quebec Institute for Ornamental Horticulture Development (IQDHO). She has 30 years experience in ornamental horticulture and has been a member of the Quebec Order of Agronomists since 1987. She was a member of the research department of Premier Tech Biotechnologies in Riviere-du-Loup, being responsible for the development of value-added products and her work led to her involvement in product marketing and technical support in North America. She has been with the IQDHO since 1996, now serving as a coordinator of an advisor team, and provides training on various subjects around Quebec.

From 2006 to 2008, the organization was an official classifier for the first edition of the Fleurons de Quebec program. De Chantal was a classifier for three years and also coordinated the team of classifiers.

The pair were evaluating the Peace Garden on Thursday, July 20 and will be evaluating Boissevain on Friday, July 21.

Story by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff

Photos by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff