America in Bloom - Planting Pride in Your Community  
Photo Credit
Lakeside, Ohio
2012 Winner - 3,001-4,500 Population Category
Blood Pressure, Cortisol, and Trees


For the initiated, new research coming out of Japan may seem to be just another form of supporting evidence. But for the analytical science types, it breaks new ground, redefining the role of nature on a molecular level. Researchers are evaluating the human response to walking among trees/nature compared to walking in a strictly urban environment, and they're quantifying it with brain-imaging technology, blood pressure, hormone analysis, and heart rate. The findings are striking.

Click here to read this story and more from greenTalks, a sustainable e-newsletter from GrowerTalks and Green Profit.

"Paint Your Town with Blooming Baskets" and "The Economic Benefits of Trees"

Didn't get to take part in the last two AIB webinars? Never worry, "Paint Your Town with Blooming Baskets" and "The Economic Benefits of Trees" are both available for viewing anytime on AmericainBloom.org/Webinars. And while you're there, don't forget to register for our next webinar, "What Judges Look for in Heritage Preservation, Environmental Awareness, and Overall Impression" being presented Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 2 p.m. EST.

Click here for details and to start watching today.
  
Earn the AIB Circle of Champions

At the 2012 America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Program, we announced a new honor that recognizes AIB-participating communities that have shown excellence in their beautification and community development efforts.

The new "Circle of Champions" designation honors the achievement of communities that have won a combination of three population and/or criteria awards over the years. Only NINE cities (out of nearly 200) have earned this distinct honor (listed below).

  • Arroyo Grande, CA*
  • Greendale, IN*
  • Fayetteville, AR*
  • Holland, MI*
  • Tipp City, OH
  • Bexley, OH
  • Eureka Springs, AR
  • Lewes, DE
  • Ocala, FL
Click here for more information.
Learn the value of proper propagation techniques at our new web site.  
Are They Real?
By Marvin Miller, AIB President

Last month, AIB Board members Katy Moss Warner, Doug Cole, and I manned a booth in the Boston Convention Center to tout the message that floral displays, urban forestry, landscaped areas, environmental efforts, heritage preservation, and overall impression were important to cities and towns across America. Thanks to plant contributions from Nunan Florist and Greenhouses, Olson's Greenhouses, Patrick Lyons Greenhouses, and D.S. Cole Growers, the America in Bloom booth at the National League of Cities' annual Congress of Cities Exposition was reportedly the prettiest in the show. It certainly was the only booth touting the importance of horticulture to a city's economic prosperity, and the only booth bragging about the ability of plants to improve the environmental conditions in and around a city. Our booth was also the only space that argued about the ability of plants to improve the sociological and psychological well-being of the citizens within a community.

Click here to read more.
Thank You to All AIB Supporters

The AIB Board of Directors would like to thank everyone for their support this year! From our enthusiastic communities, to dedicated judges and volunteers, to all of the sponsors - we couldn't do it without you! As 2012 draws to a close, please remember that America in Bloom is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit program that will appreciate your tax deductible contributions.
Get in on the Excitement & Community-Building Momentum

It's time to register your community to participate in the 2013 America in Bloom contest. The deadline to register is February 28, BUT if you register by December 31 we'll give you a FREE "Best Ideas Book" ($25 retail value) that outlines the best ideas from AIB cities over the years. 

Register now.

To learn more about the contest, the benefits of participation, and how to make the most of your experience, click here. 
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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.