Note: America in Bloom judges will visit Bluffton July 19-20. To help viewers understand the Bloom judging process, each week on the Icon the Bluffton in Bloom board will describe one of the "Bloom" categories. Questions can be emailed to [email protected].

Did you know that two judges from America in Bloom will visit Bluffton on July 19-20 to evaluate what kind of town we live in? They will be judging Bluffton on several categories.

Last week Environmental Efforts was highlighted.  Another judging category is Landscaped Areas, which is defined as:  “Plants and related programs for the leadership, design, installation, and maintenance of landscape (shrubs, ornamental grasses, vines, evergreen topiaries), turf, and groundcovers.”

How would you rank Bluffton on these Environmental Efforts?
Management of planting of public landscaped areas
Municipal landscape ordinance requires landscaping and maintenance for new and/or improved commercial development
Planning for restoration of natural areas
Program for management of invasive plants
Promotion and installation of demonstration/display gardens with interpretive signage; i.e. pollinator, wildlife, native, low-water use
Distribution/Locations: Landscaping found throughout the community and at key locations

Last year was the first year that Bluffton participated in the America in Bloom program, earning three out of five possible blooms.

This year, Bluffton in Bloom has been created to make Bluffton a more welcoming village for our residents and neighbors through charitable contributions that benefit our heritage, gardens, parks, trees, clean environment, health and fitness, schools and businesses, ensuring future community vitality and prosperity.

Bluffton in Bloom board
Bloom board members are Tom Schmidt, chair, Nancy Benroth, Denise Fett, Becky Ramey and Mark Simmons. Jesse Blackburn, village administrator, is the village liaison to the board.

Click here for previous articles in this series.