America in Bloom - Planting Pride in Your Community
Photo Credit
Lewes, Delaware
2010 Winner 2,001-4,000 Population Category


American Garden Award Voting is Now Open

After almost 11,000 consumers voted in the 2010 American Garden Award contest, the program is back and bigger than ever for 2011. There are now 24 participating public gardens displaying 7 stunning new varieties (produced from both seed and vegetative cuttings) for the gardening public to choose as their favorite. All 24 gardens can be viewed on the AGA web site.

Click here to view this year's entries and to vote for your favorite. 

Getting the Business Community Involved in Beautification Programs

There are a number of ways a business can benefit from being an active member of the community. Call it public relations or community involvement, those who take part in the beautification and enrichment of their surrounding community are more likely to not only sleep better at night, but also to see a boost in business.

Click here to read more.

Two AIB Cities Competing in International Challenge

Research ProvesArroyo Grande, California, and Echo, Oregon, are participating in this year's International Challenge, coordinated by Communities in Bloom in Canada.

Arroyo Grande is competing against seven communities from Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Echo is competing against eight cities from Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Good luck to both cities!

Click here to read more.

Nominations Being Accepted - John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award

This award recognizes an individual who exemplifies community leadership through actions that reflect the mission of the organization. The award recipient, who must be from a city that has participated or is currently participating in the program, will have demonstrated a vision and selfless commitment to moving the community forward. Register someone that you think is deserving. The deadline to nominate someone is July 31.

Click here to nominate someone today.


2011 AIB Symposium & Awards - Registration Open!

October 6-8, 2011
Washington, D.C.

The annual symposium and awards is more than just awards. It is a educational event developed specifically for communities to help them succeed in their beautification efforts.

This year's symposium offers three days packed with excitement! Not only does it offer great educational sessions to help you drum-up participation in your community, but you'll have the opportunity to hear from White House Chief Florist, Laura Dowling as she presents "Flowers at the White House."

Click here to visit the AIB web site for more information and to register.

Life Lessons: Starting to Garden
By Marvin Miller, AIB President

When I was six, my father led me to the side of our rented house and gave me my first lesson in gardening. We were planting tomatoes, and I learned about spacing, staking, and exposure. Years later, I still plant tomatoes. 'Better Boy' has replaced 'Burpee Big Boy,' 'Beefmaster' has replaced 'Beefsteak,' and the cherry tomatoes now are named varieties 'Juliet' and 'SunSugar.'

Click here to read more.

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Find America in Bloom on the web at www.americainbloom.org.
Have a story to share? 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