Julie Atchison

A fresh new garden takes root, celebrating London’s peony heritage and Bicentennial spirit
The City of London officially unveiled the Bicentennial Peony Garden today at Rayner Gardens in the Civic Gardens Complex, marking a meaningful milestone in London’s Bicentennial celebrations and honouring the city’s long-standing connection to the peony as its Civic Flower.
The new garden features three interpretive signs that highlight London’s rich horticultural heritage and the contributions of notable Londoners A. Percy Saunders and Lyman Cousins, whose work in peony hybridization in the 20th century helped establish the city’s international reputation in plant cultivation.
The Bicentennial Peony Garden is designed as a living legacy space that will continue to grow and evolve over time, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to connect with London’s horticultural history while enjoying one of the city’s signature floral traditions.
“The Bicentennial Peony Garden is a celebration of who we are as a city,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “It honours our history, our Civic Flower, and the remarkable individuals like Percy Saunders and Lyman Cousins whose work helped put London on the map as a leader in horticulture. This is a legacy that will continue to grow for generations to come.”
“This garden and its new signage help bring London’s horticultural history to life,” says Cheryl Smith, Deputy City Manager, Neighbourhood and Community-wide services. ”It connects residents and visitors to the stories behind the peony, the people who shaped its development, and the lasting legacy they’ve left in our community.”
The Bicentennial Peony Garden is part of the City’s broader Bicentennial programming, which celebrates London’s past while investing in meaningful public spaces for the future.
Residents are encouraged to visit Rayner Gardens throughout the growing season to experience the evolving garden as it matures in the years ahead.
For more information about London’s Bicentennial initiatives, visit getinvolved.london.ca/london200.

MANITOBA

Devastating thunderstorms...some with reports of
tornadoes...affected much of Southern Manitoba on Tuesday. While it
will be some time before the full extent of the damage is known, the
following is some preliminary information regarding this severe
weather outbreak.

Tornadoes...Reports of tornadoes were received from the vicinity of
Ste Anne and Otterburne. Numerous reports of funnel clouds/possible
tornadoes were received through much of the Red River Valley, and
the Parklands area of Western Manitoba.

Rainfall: Torrential rainfall was reported in Stonewall, with over
250 mm reported by 3 am accompanied by major flooding. Woodlands
reported over 120 mm, and the Forks in Winnipeg reported 117 mm.
Many other stations reported over 50 mm of rain. Numerous reports of
flooding.

Winds: Dand and Deloraine both reported gusts of 130 km/h, and many
other sites reported wind gusts over 100 km/h. Brandon had a gust to
100 km/h, with Winnipeg clocking a gust to 94 km/h.

Hail: Tennis ball sized hail was reported in parts of Winnipeg,
Sanford and Otterburne. Numerous reports of golf-ball sized hail
were received from other areas of Southern Manitoba

Wildfire Risk

🔥 Wildfire Risk Increasing Across Southern Ontario with Widespread High to Extreme Danger Expected Thursday

Heads up! While we’ve been enjoying a stretch of warm, sunny and dry weather, those same conditions are causing wildfire danger to steadily increase across much of Southern Ontario.

Over the past few days, wildfire danger ratings have already climbed into the “high” category in many areas. By Thursday, the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS) is forecasting widespread “extreme” wildfire danger across Southern Ontario.

An extreme wildfire danger rating means fires can start very easily, spread rapidly, and become difficult to control. Even a small spark from a campfire, cigarette, ATV, trailer chain dragging on pavement, or outdoor equipment can quickly ignite dry grass and brush.

If you’re planning any outdoor burning, be sure to check with your local municipality first. Fire bans and burn restrictions may already be in place, or could be issued as conditions continue to worsen.

You can also help reduce the risk by properly extinguishing campfires, avoiding the use of fireworks where permitted, disposing of smoking materials safely, and keeping vehicles off dry grass whenever possible.

The good news is that slightly cooler temperatures and the chance of more widespread rainfall this weekend should help lower the wildfire danger, at least temporarily. However, current forecasts suggest next week may trend fairly dry again after the weekend rain, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see the wildfire risk climb once more.

Stay safe and be extra cautious with any activity that could create a spark. 🔥

- Brennen

Source: CWFIS