Registration for the 2011 America in Bloom program closes next Monday, February 28. Registration forms can be downloaded from www.americainbloom.org.

by Evelyn Alemanni

In California, spring includes the opportunity to visit the "Spring Trials" where growers introduce new plant cultivars in stunning displays. They work extra hard to have specimen plants grown to stunning size by the beginning of April, to enthrall nursery owners, garden centers, growers, and purchasing agents from the "big box" stores. Visiting the Spring Trials is an exciting experience and opportunity to learn about new cultivars while being awed by the quality of the plantsmanship.

This year, one of those companies contacted me about doing some photography of their mixed containers. Selecta First Class, based in Stuttgart, Germany, developed the concept of planting several varieties of rooted cuttings together, to create a hanging basket in which all the plants are tightly interwoven. They wanted to show the impact of these plants in a "lifestyle" setting, so they loaded my pickup truck with containers similar to those that would soon make their way to the local Costco stores and on to the gardens of some smart consumers.

Selecta has offered to provide plants to decorate tables and the stage at AIB's national symposium and awards September 30 - October 2. They are providing the "Old Glory" mix of red, white and blue calibrachoas. From the experience I've had with them in my garden, they are sturdy, floriferous, forgiving and a remarkable addition to the landscape. They even survived my being out of town for five days and being watered by "the chainsaw gardener" aka Mr. Joe.

Here are some photos - let me know what you think. Of course, Sami was involved in the photo shoot.

BTW, we're still accepting sponsors for the symposium. Contact the AIB office at aib@ofa.org if you'd like to showcase your product to hundreds of people who are passionate about making a difference in the quality of life in their hometown. 

Good gardening,

Evelyn

by Evelyn Alemanni

Beginning early in May through the end of August, America in Bloom judges will experience the epic adventures of judging 28 towns and cities throughout America. To keep the playing field level, a team of two judges is assigned to evaluate one population category. They spend two days in each town, touring, meeting with local movers, shakers and horticultural enthusiasts, and giving presentations to groups when asked. They also take copious notes and photos.

At the end of the touring, the judges start the process of scoring and writing the evaluation. Although they are supposed to have a minimum of three to four hours in the host city to start the evaluation, writing can take many more hours, days, weeks... to generate the 20 to 30 page evaluation which lists noted accomplishments and suggestions to consider for the future. Mayors of many towns have told us that their America in Bloom evaluations are more valuable than consultants' studies which have cost much more than the AIB entry fee.

During the past eight years, I have judged more than 60 towns in five countries. It has been a remarkable experience to meet so m any smart and talented people who are passionate about the places where they live. I have learned so much from them, and it is my honor and pleasure to share with towns gleanings from places I've visited.

The Best Ideas book was born from these adventures... if you don't already own a copy, you can order it online at www.americainbloom.org.

But, as I was saying, the host towns and their people are simply wonderful. Sami is ready to party with them, too bad I can't bring her along.


Good gardening,

Evelyn