Springfield in Bloom — the community-wide beautification program that challenges homeowners,
businesses and nonprofit groups to bring beautiful new color and life to their
street-side yards — is now in its fifth year.
Since 2004, hundreds of projects have been completed in this friendly
competition, creating lush new landscapes in neighborhoods and central city
boulevards, and bringing new life to previously boring commercial lots.
Projects of every size and scope are welcome to join the fun as we make
Springfield beautiful, one yard at a time.
Here come the judges!
Although Springfield in Bloom is free to enter and open to anyone within a
25-mile radius of Springfield, residents of the capital city have an added
incentive to participate in SIB this year. Springfield is competing for
national recognition in the America in Bloom competition. In mid-July a team of
AIB judges will evaluate the city’s efforts in nine different categories, including historic preservation, tree
management and such. But one of the key aspects of this national competition is
community participation. Springfield in Bloom is expected to help the city
shine in this category. It is hard to imagine a U.S. city that has worked
harder to clean and green its neighborhoods and business districts. The goal is for judges to see hundreds of Springfield in Bloom signs and
colorful landscaped areas when they tour the town.
Plant the town red
The local America in Bloom committee is encouraging gardeners to “Plant the Town Red” by adding red-blooming flowers to their new or existing gardens. Area nurseries
are displaying specially marked plants in red, and other colors in eye-catching
combinations, including annuals and perennials for both full sun and shade
options. It doesn’t matter whether you incorporate lots of red or just a little. Families and
friends are encouraged to team up and improve their gardens or start new ones.
Entry forms are available at Illinois National Bank locations, the Springfield
Home Builders Association and online at www.springfieldinbloom.org or
www.illinoistimes.com. Completed applications should be delivered to Illinois
Times, 1320 South State, where entrants will receive a colorful yard sign to
identify the property as a part of the contest. Each entry will need to submit
photos of the completed garden (taken when it is at its peak). Deadline to
submit photos is July 6. Voting begins online in mid-July. A team of SIB judges
will make the final determination of winners, which are announced in early
August. Questions can be directed to Sharon Whalen 217 / 753-2226 x137 or
info@springfieldinbloom.org.
This article appears in Apr 16-22, 2009.
