It should be a beautiful evening to plant some flowers on Tuesday, as the annual Mile of Flowers plant-in takes place along Cliffe Avenue.

The event runs from 5 p.m. until about 7 p.m., covering both sides of Cliffe Avenue from 8th to 21st Streets.

The event began in 1967, when Kathleen Kirk, marking Canada’s centennial, planted nearly 8 thousand seedlings as a welcome to visitors.

Since then, the event has grown into an annual community effort, with tens of thousands of flowers planted each year along one of Courtenay’s busiest streets.

The City says the project not only helps beautify the community but has also become more water-efficient over time through the use of compost, mulch, drip irrigation, and drought-tolerant plants.

Anyone can help out. Residents are encouraged to choose an open spot and start planting; just bring along garden gloves, a trowel, and drinking water.

For details, visit City of Courtenay.