Flower power prevailed at Salt Lake City Hall when budget time came. The proposed 2011 fiscal budget will keep roses, mums, and more at the showcase International Peace Gardens, Liberty Park, Washington Square and the monument plaza in Sugar House. "Those are important places that are used regularly and give an indication of where the city is in terms of beautification," says Councilman Soren Simonsen.

While the flower program survived the 2011 budgeting process, the municipaly-operated greenhouses that grew them will be shuttered, and plants will be purchased from local growers. Read the full article.

 

America in Bloom has been named to the 2010 Associations Advance America Honor Roll, a national awards program sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives & The Center for Association Leadership in Washington, D.C.
 
The prestigious awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward - with innovative projects in education, skills training, standards setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and community service. Although association activities have a powerful impact on everyday life, they often go unnoticed by the general public.
 
"America in Bloom's program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society," remarked Associations Advance America Committee Chair Ping Wei.

 

 

Each banner is hand painted by a high school art student, hung on brackets fabricated by the high school's welding class, and sponsored by a local person, family, or business. What a perfect example of getting multiple facets of the community involved!

Additionally, each banner includes the student painter's name and has become a source of pride for the students and their families, as indicated by the numerous family picture posings beneath the banners. Interested in starting a banner program like this? E-mail Alicia, awells@ofa.org, for more details.

All cells in a tree have the same genetic information, whether it's in a leaf or a root. However, how that genetic information is translated into the various tree structures is based on a complex set of interactions. Research revealed that certain gene networks are active only within specific parts of the tree. Meanwhile, other gene networks were active throughout the tree.
 

While similar genetic network mapping has been done of human cells, this represents the first time that this level of understanding has been reached in the plant world.

Knowing which genes are expressed only in some parts of the tree and which are expressed throughout the tree is key to researchers and breeders attempting to develop trees and other plants best suited for biofuel, pulp, paper, and timber production. Read the full article.

 

This year's AIB Symposium & Awards will be in St. Louis, Missouri, September 30-October 2. Mark your calendars for this unique learning opportunity designed to educate, motivate, and inspire.

The symposium is open to everyone, not just for contest participants. If you are interested in beautifying and celebrating your community you should attend! For details on the educational sessions and tours visit the AIB web site, www.americainbloom.org.