No matter how hard we work, and how clever we are, sometimes something goes right. A perfect example of this was NOTL In Bloom last weekend. Not one person had even the slightest complaint.

Every comment was as positive as the previous or subsequent comment. “This is all so perfect” was the universal comment, from local folk and from visitors to our area.

With the marketing muscle of the Vintage Hotels organization, followed up and quarterbacked by its professional, understated hospitality team, NOTLers and thousands of visitors were able to put aside the usual discussions for a few days and enjoy the lingering and tardy arrival of spring.

The theme of this second annual NOTL In Bloom was “All Creatures Big and Small,” and we certainly had plenty of creatures in town. All largely made from fresh flowers.

Polar bears, dolphins, lions, red vested bunny rabbits, caterpillars. And more. And more. Not to mention a large sushi display made of flowers on Queen Street. Dogs. Cats. Gyro’s on the Lake created floral animals and an owl. Beau Chapeau and NEOB Lavender were on theme, as ever. The Irish Design shop went above and beyond creatively, with floral sheep and flowers.

There were 10 more florists involved this year. The sky seems to be the limit as we bloom into the future.

Not many years ago, effervescent Niagarian Cheri O’Reilly had flown over Newfoundland to London. Ever the observant student and always on the case, she came upon Chelsea in Bloom. It was centred around ever-so frou-frou Sloane Street and King’s Road, in its 19th year. She was intrigued, somewhat gobsmacked by the event. Her creative wheels started turning.

She made notes and when back in Niagara, presented the vision to Vintage Hotels. Bob Jackson, Michelle Miller and their co-workers along with Jennifer Holmes of Clippings quickly grasped the potential. They realized this could be the much-needed transition from winter to spring to summer here in our town.

NOTL. Or is it Niagara-on-the-Lake? Let’s make a decision on this “branding.”

Over the 12 months of the year, I am downtown a lot. I listen and read and observe. With the always accurate benefit of hindsight, the progress of NOTL In Bloom, as it marched to a triumphant and effulgent event, was a marvel to observe.

“All Creatures Big and Small” was the result of so much hard work, imagination and collaboration.

But frankly, it snuck up on me. A month or so ago, the driver of a Clippings vehicle assured me that In Bloom was developing as planned, and it was going to be awesome.

In past years, I have been involved with many events. In Ontario, in Canada, and around the world. Attending trade shows, enjoying international sporting events, and working at some of them.

I understand Gantt charts, and how to track preparatory progress.

Remember, I was not involved in NOTL In Bloom in the slightest. But I intently observed. I had no reason to fret, because the professionals at Vintage “were on it.” I didn’t even make a quick call to Cheri, and didn’t ask any questions of Vintage pals.

I thought having NOTL In Bloom over four days coincident with Mother’s Day would prove to be a really brilliant or a really dumb idea. Talk about wishy washy.

As an awkward and stretching aside, rambling somewhat, I have always had a warm feeling about the word bloom. As a teenage lad, I worked for two summers as a cook at Pioneer Camp, 10 miles south of Huntsville on the shore of Lake Clearwater.

My boss, one of the most memorable people I have ever chanced to meet, was a Toronto Bible College student named Peter Bloom. About 25 years old, give or take. He also cut our hair for five bucks.

He was talented enough to be the head cook at a camp for about 250 boys. Stern with us, fair, non-judgemental and sometimes funny. Boss Bloom was one of those people you always remember. One of his mantras was, “If you’ve got time to lean, you’ve got time to clean.”

Truly, a Christian who always walked the talk.

Enough said? I guess I have always had a soft spot for the word bloom.

After a long and very cold winter, this town was in need of a jolt of positivity. Tulips, daffodils and countless other horticultural masterpieces. I was being told by my friends in the agricultural business that the warm weather was about a week behind. Whatever. The weather was destined to be perfect for In Bloom long weekend.

Subtly and without fanfare, things rolled out for the May 8 opening of NOTL In Bloom. Several times, I was intrigued by the enthusiasm and creativity of our neighbours in the downtown core. It was as if gardening maestro Chris Allen had invited people to join him in beautifying “the prettiest town in Canada.”

Rambling off topic again, the abundance of flowers reminded me of my days in the 1960s in St. Catharines. Each Spring, my mother and her friends at Mountainview United Church worked hard to present a fundraiser called the Geranium Tea. Way back then, we were introduced to the concept of beautiful flowers creating a mood. An atmosphere. Ambience.

Each year, the south end of St. Catharines was suddenly beautified with the planting of hundreds of geraniums purchased at the Mountainview Geranium Tea. Flower beds and window planters became effulgent, and the world seemed to smile a bit more.

And now I come to my slightly stretched lesson taken from our recent NOTL In Bloom triumph. We have just observed what can happen when everyone gets behind a project, with positive attitudes and energy. Of course, we needed the marketing muscle of Vintage Hotels, and the professional leadership and acumen of their hospitality team.

And indeed, the creativity and enthusiasm of so many local merchants and residents.

Wasn’t it inspirationally wonderful to see everyone pulling together? See what can be done in our beautiful part of the world? In our Niagara?

Let’s all get more positive. Quit sniping and start synergizing.

From tulips and daffodils to high tea in the Pillar and Post barn, to horticulturally themed workshops at the Pumphouse. Plein-air painting. So many local vendors proudly selling their creations to visitors from hither and yon. Yes, there were so many components had to come together.

Absolutely an economic push as summer threatens to arrive in our precious and unique Niagara-on-the-Lake. So many people doing so many things in our town. And over Mother’s Day weekend. Mum’s Day? Grandmum’s Day? Aren’t mums a beautiful flower?

I beg your indulgence as I wax a bit poetic to bring this edition of Ross’s Ramblings to a conclusion.

Not that long ago, this was a pretty sleepy village. We hadn’t even thought of the acronym NOTL.

Hats off to Jimmy Lai. His incredible vision, business acumen, determination, family and colleagues inspiring so many others to take part in the development of Niagara-on-the-Lake as we are lucky enough to know it today.

Please, stop what you are doing and say a prayer for Jimmy Lai and his family.