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| Rain Gardens Incorporated into Street Reconstructions |
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The handsome gardens along Rushmore Drive in Burnsville, Minnesota draw the eye with their maroon sedums, purple asters, and waving ornamental grasses.
All the gardens are near the curb, and all drop a foot or two below street level at their lowest point. They're rain gardens.
Planted in 2003, they've attracted national attention for their success in diverting storm water that would have gone directly into a local lake. About 90 percent of the water that flows off Rushmore Drive now filters into the ground instead, trapping debris and pollutants.
Read the full article. |
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Random Thoughts From Hershey, Pennsylvania |
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 During the almost four days I spent in Hershey, Pennsylvania, earlier this month for the America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Program, my mind kept bouncing from thought to thought. During past visits, I might have blamed that on the smell of chocolate, but I really didn't detect the aroma of chocolate in the air during this trip. I have been to Hershey at least "umteem" if not 20-some times previously, but it had been over 35 years since I last visited. (Thought 1: As much travelling as I do, I'm not old enough to have been somewhere about 20 times and to not have been there in over 35 years.)
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Organizing Your Entry for 2010
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By Evelyn Allemani, AIB Judge and Board Member
 Who should be on your committee? Who should help? There's a simple answer... the more, the merrier. Having said that, your goals will be easier to accomplish if you divide the work.
Fortunately, by simply following the framework provided by the America in Bloom evaluation grid, the job is easy. For example, you can name an overall chairperson for your entry, then co-chairs who have responsibility for each criterion. You can also name cochairs for other functions, like fundraising, treasurer, publicity, subcontests and celebrations. Subcontests? Sure - they're an exciting way to generate interest, involvement, and notice in the press.
Some years ago, Goshen, N.Y., which won its population category, organized contests for the best block, best garden, best front gate, even the best front door decorations. It was endearing to learn about neighbors who worked together to help each other win the best block contest.
Celebrations? Of course!!! Celebrating achievements large and small is one of the joys of meeting and exceeding your goals. Celebrations motivate volunteers and everyone likes to hear those two magic words: THANK YOU! |
| Get In On the Excitement & Community-Building Momentum! |
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 It's time to register your community to participate in the 2010 edition of America in Bloom. The deadline to register is February 28, BUT if you register by December 31 we'll give you a FREE "Best Ideas" book ($50 retail value) that outlines the best ideas from AIB cities over the years. So register now ( online or download the dorm) to get this valuable resource at absolutely no cost to you. |
| Have a Story or Photos to Share? |
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We would love to hear from you! Tell us about AIB activities in your community, or let us know about a community you have visited that should get involved with AIB. E-mail your story to Laura Kunkle, LKunkle@ofa.org. | |
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October 28, 2009
