A bank in Cleveland, Ohio, wants to see vacant lots bloom as community gardens, urban farms, pocket parks, or orchards, so they developed a loan program for the greening of their community.

Nature is (and ought to be) all around us, nearby and readily accessible. That's one key premise of the concept of Biophilic Cities. We should not have to make long trips to enjoy birds, trees, and greenery. Increasingly, cities are finding creative ways to transform leftover spaces, pulling up pavement and impermeable sidewalks, and installing verdant gardens, planting on rooftops and building facades. In Montreal they have embraced nature in alleys.

For the fourth year in a row, America in Bloom (AIB) will have a stunning display garden at the world famous Philadelphia Flower Show. Held from February 27 to March 8 in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest, oldest and most prestigious in the country. This year's theme is "Celebrating the Magic of Movies."

AIB's display garden coordinators, board member Evelyn Alemanni and Delilah Onofrey, one of AIB's founders, partnered with Proven Winners, Spring Meadow Nursery, and Schubert Nursery to supply plants to support the theme. Eckert Nursery is providing their custom-designed poles that support banners and hanging baskets, and Gardener's Supply is providing a pea trellis from which stars representing each AIB participant will be hung. Display designers from Longwood Gardens, Jim Sutton and Trilbey Smith, developed the design of the garden as a gift to America in Bloom.

Alemanni commented, "Our display garden will showcase the star power of America in Bloom participants who know the benefits of quality landscapes to enhance quality of life. We are so proud of our participating cities and all they have accomplished."

The display will feature plants from Proven Winners include re-blooming double pink Azaleas, variegated Deutzia, Arborvitae, Bidens, Calibrachoa, Nemesia, and Lobularia. AIB judges Katy Moss Warner, Evelyn Alemanni, Jim Sutton, and Barbara Vincentsen will also serve as flower show judges.

As the country's oldest and largest flower show, the Philadelphia Flower Show attracts more than 250,000 people each year. It is a great opportunity for America in Bloom to build brand recognition, and at the same time, it offers fantastic visibility to organizations that help sponsor our display garden. We're grateful to Proven Winners, Spring Meadow Nursery, Schubert Nursery, Eckert Nursery, and Gardener's Supply for their support. Your company's name could be in this list, too. Check out the website for details on sponsorship benefits.

The theme of the America in Bloom display garden at the Philadelphia Flower Show is "Our Cities are Stars." It will feature a star for each of our participants. In addition, on February 27, Evelyn Alemanni, AIB judge, board member, and author of the Best Ideas books, will be giving a talk with the same title. 

 But we need your help. 

Is your town home to a celebrity? How does AIB participation give your town "star power"? For example, Estes Park, CO was the site of a movie which starred Marilyn Monroe. The town where The town where AIB board member and judge, Evelyn  Alemanni, grew up was home to Michael Landon who played "Little Joe" on the long-running TV show, "Bonanza". His real name was Eugene Orowitz. What's your town's story? Send your stories, anecdotes, celebrity encounters, etc., to Evelyn at alemanni@allea.com.

In cooperation with the Great Lakes Stewardship, teachers and students at the K-8 charter school are turning symbols of blight and disinvestment into an opportunity for students to make a difference in the community while also learning core curriculum content. Nina Ignaczak has written an interesting article on how students are learning and making a difference. Check out the article through the link below. 

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