We're pleased and excited that demand for our Best Ideas book has warranted the creation of a brand new edition. This volume features more than 2000 of the best ideas from nearly 200 America in Bloom participating towns and cities in 38 states. The book is 242 pages and includes an index so that you can easily find the activities of participating towns.

Here's a review by Christa Kolster-Frye:



“Clearly should be a must-have read for every community, every town, every city across America.”

America in Bloom’s “Best Ideas” book could well be called the “America the Beautiful” book. A quick leafing revels nearly 200 stunning photographs of participating America in Bloom (AIB) towns and cities. AIB’s “Best Ideas--Planting Pride in Our Communities” is a valuable handbook for communities who are considering joining the nationwide beautification program, and for those already involved, and for those who really want to make their town a better place to live. This inspirational book showcases the efforts of the many, many volunteers across the country who work together to keep America beautiful--in the motto of AIB: one community at a time.

The book features more than 2,000 ideas from the participants which can be adopted, copied, or modified by other communities wishing to enhance their own hometowns. Pleasantly compact, the book travels effortlessly in handbag or briefcase and can be used as a valid aid in presentations or programs. Easily referenced through color-coded pages, AIB’s eight evaluation criteria are introduced and described in detail. Each section includes an anecdotal story about the impact AIB has had in various communities; as well, tips and suggestions for each category from the judges. The “Best Ideas” from towns, cities and universities are grouped in their population categories for further clarity and easy identification.

The Best Ideas book also offers suggestions on how to work with the AIB judges from the perspective of the judges themselves. AIB Judge Katy Moss Warner speaks directly to the reader in describing how the program works and the benefits awarded to individual communities. Although AIB is, in part, a friendly competition, the focus is really on what following the program’s guidelines can do for those cities and towns involved.

“Whether you have been part of the AIB contest in the past or are considering joining for the first time, I encourage you to go for it!” Moss Warner writes. “As an AIB judge, I have seen first hand how cities benefit just by being part of the America in Bloom experience, whether they win the big prize or not. I look forward to visiting your community!” she concludes.

In the book’s foreword, editor and AIB judge, Evelyn Alemanni, states that “citizens are becoming actively involved again in their communities” through a grass roots urban renewal movement. Many have adopted the AIB program as the framework for addressing urgent needs in their communities. The book’s examples from these communities demonstrate the many varied benefits of the program including civic pride, tourism, preservation of America’s history and the many benefits to be gained from excellence in civic horticulture.

“America in Bloom encourages you to plant pride in your city,” Alemanni writes. “We hope you enjoy the book and find many useful ideas and programs.”

Books cost $50 (including shipping) and can be ordered from the America in Bloom website at www.americainbloom.org.They will also be available for sale at the America in Bloom symposium in St. Louis, September 30 - October 2, 2010.