It's time again to plan for Westlake In Bloom
By Thea Steinmetz
happenings
Published Date, 2005

Recently I was invited to an America in Bloom organizational meeting at Westlake City Hall. Westlake's own Delilah Onofrey is taking a leading role for this Ohio based initiative. The organization's headquarter is in Columbus and the cost is underwritten by the Green Industry.

It is the fourth year for this friendly contest and by all accounts, it has been a success. America in Bloom has kicked off the 2005 competition. The aim is to encourage revitalizing communities of all sizes from coast to coast via beautification, starting with the beautification of neighborhoods.

Judges will start to visit cities and towns this spring and summer and the results will be announced in Cleveland this September. The city of Cleveland, with the encouragement of the Cleveland Botanical Garden, is entering in the large city competition. A three day symposium will be held in conjunction with the awards ceremony.

In the friendly competition, communities are matched by population and evaluated on their efforts. The nine areas for competition are related to landscaped areas, turf and groundcover, floral displays, urban forestry, environmental awareness, tidiness, heritage conservation and community involvement.

To date about 90 communities in 30 states have come on board, with a deadline for entering still two weeks away. The contest chair is Alex Pearl and he says: "The America in Bloom program is more than a competition but a showcase for municipal services, businesses and citizens to shout civic pride."

He also stresses that the umbrella criteria demonstrates the depth and sustainability of a community being encouraged to rediscover its resources. Communities are made up of people.

The communities entering are grouped according to population density and Westlake is paired with a same size city. Westlake has been a consistent winner and Mayor Dennis M. Clough is once again encouraging local residents to "start thinking about what comes out of the ground instead of what comes out of the sky." He also stresses that the residence and business owners should take pride in the appearance of their properties.

He states: " I am pleased to announce that our fourth annual Westlake in Bloom competition will take place in June 2005."

Local garden centers are once again offering a one time only 10% discount for flowers to be planted on properties to be submitted for the various categories, when an entry form is presented. The entry form then has to be mailed or dropped off at the reception desk at Westlake City Hall, 27700 Hilliard Blvd. By June 15.

This date may sound far out in the future, but plans may be made now on what is eligible for entering. Lynn Brady, the economic development assistant for the City of Westlake, administers this program on behalf of the city. She has expressed the hope for residents with lovely gardens to enter the competition in the spirit of community pride.

Westlake already earned national and international recognition for the "Bloom" efforts in the past. Lynn is encouraging everyone to suggest to friends and neighbors with good gardening skills, to enter the 2005 competition. At times, a little encouragement is all it takes to be part of this friendly competition.

There are more than 10 different entry categories. This opens the field of possible types of gardens, from large to medium to small. Schools and churches are also encouraged to submit entries,. Commercially maintained properties, homes and businesses may enter for their own awards. It is hoped that some Century Homes will enter in the landscaping category. Patio gardens at condominiums and apartments, as well as entrances for developments and cluster homes have their own way to compete. Even ponds and water features may be entered in their own category.

As you look out over your landscape with the snow blanketing the earth, think ahead and make plans for a beautiful summer. It might spur you on to plant that lovely garden you have always aspired. After all, you have until June 15 to tweak it, fertilize it, prune it and do your best to get it out there to show it off to your neighbors in the best community spirit.