Judges have high praise for Nikka Yuko gardens

By Lethbridge Herald on July 26, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is participating in the 31st Edition of Communities in Bloom, a nationally recognized program that celebrates community enhancement through environmental sustainability, garden development and cultural heritage preservation. 

Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes community revitalization and sustainability through friendly competition and educational support. Their mission to “Grow Great Places Together” aligns beautifully with the ongoing efforts at Nikka Yuko to foster pride, inclusivity, and environmental harmony.

This year, Nikka Yuko is being evaluated under the National Special Attractions category, and as part of the judging process, Larry Hall from Buenavista, Sask.and Christine Isaac from Leduc visited the garden on Friday to evaluate the garden’s horticultural practices, environmental initiatives, heritage preservation, and community involvement.  

Isaac and Hall told reporters on Friday that they were given a tour of the garden and then a tour of the Bunka Centre, and Issac said that even though she has lived in Alberta for a long time, she didn’t know about the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and was blown away by the picturesque nature of the Garden. 

“But the stories being told are so moving, I was literally getting goosebumps the entire time we were coming through here,” said Isaac. 

Hall added that the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden has accomplished what their goal of offering a relaxing environment. 

“It’s a very relaxing place. I think that’s their goal and they have certainly achieved it. Most gardens you would see lots of flowers, but they intentionally don’t do that as it’s all green and green is very relaxing,” said Hall. 

He added that he loves the way the trees are pruned to make North American trees look like Japanese trees. 

In terms of how the garden is being judged, Issac explained they were given an evaluation grid that looks at attraction appearance, environmental action, natural and cultural heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, plant display and visitor experience. 

“We look for observations and our ultimate goal is to give meaningful and real recommendations to the garden so they may continue with their success,” said Issac. 

Hall added that they hope they can provide a report that has “a lot of meat in it,” in terms of the grid they follow. 

“In each category, we have five recommendations and five observations that we provide. Sometimes that can be tough because some of the places we go to are really good, but we still try to come up with five things they can consider,” said Hall. 

On Friday, during their visit there was a wedding taking place in the garden and Issac mentioned that seeing the garden being utilized in that way, added to her experience. 

“I personally love seeing activity like that, because it makes it a part of the community. We are getting to see that is not just pretty and we polished up for you, but we are seeing how it is really used in this community,” said Issac. 

Hall added that while they were having lunch during their visit, a garden staff member was pruning some trees close by. 

“That’s all part of running a garden and being a part of your community, contributing to your community and the community contributing back to the organization,” said Hall. 

The garden is aiming to receive a rating of 1 to 5 Blooms, with the potential for bronze, silver or gold distinction within the 5-Bloom category. Results will be announced during the National Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Stratford, Ont.. from Oct. 16-18.