America in Bloom is a national program that encourages towns and cities to take stock of the assets of their home community, provides an independent professional assessment of benefits and possibilities, and ways to bring entire communities together to work together for the betterment of all.
Judges review and evaluate each participating community (view the evaluation form) in the seven categories listed below. Efforts are evaluated in four sectors: municipal, commercial, residential, and community involvement.
Flowers
Flowering annuals, perennials, bulbs, tropical plants, flowering topiaries, and colorful foliage and/or cut plant material for season-round interest in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, raised planters, trellises, and in-ground beds
Landscaped Areas
Plants and related programs for the leadership, design, installation, and maintenance of landscape (shrubs, ornamental grasses, vines, evergreen topiaries), turf, and groundcovers
Urban Forestry
Trees and related programs for the leadership, management, design, installation, and maintenance on public and private lands
Environmental Efforts
Environmental leadership, policies, plans and programs for resource conservation; pollution control; trash, recycling, and reuse; and alternative transportation
Celebrating Heritage
Recognition, designation, protection, commemoration, and celebration of historical, cultural, natural, agricultural, and industrial resources
Community Vitality
Policies, programs, and outdoor activities and facilities that lead to a vibrant community and a sense of well-being
Includes parks, playgrounds, dog parks, sports fields, water activities, trails, and other outdoor recreational opportunities
Overall Impression
Adequate and effective amenities are provided in good condition, and the community is welcoming and beautiful
Notices/posters appropriately displayed, vandalism not evident
Maintenance of the hardscape: sidewalks, walls, lamp posts, benches, playgrounds, etc.
Appropriate use and placement of graphic elements such as banners, signs and murals
AIB Lexington 