Springfield shines at AIB 10th Anniversary

Washington, D.C. (October 8, 2011) – The national beautification contest, America in Bloom, at its Symposium this weekend presented three awards to Springfield, Ohio for outstanding efforts through the Springfield in Full Bloom initiative.

Springfield was named the category winner for Floral Displays among 22 competing cities of all sizes across the country. In addition, Springfield took home awards for the “Best Program for Young People” for the Eco-Sports Corridor and “Best Fundraising Idea” for the Memorial Butterfly Release by Hollandia Botanical Gardens in partnership with Littleton & Rue.

“These awards belong to the residents of Springfield for the many hours people spend growing pride in their backyards and throughout the community,” said Crystal Justice, co-chair of Springfield in Full Bloom, the local steering committee that represents the community in the national contest.  “It’s reassuring to know that so many people and organizations are doing the right things and coming together to make a real difference.”

Springfield in Full Bloom is a local initiative that empowers residents and businesses to grow quality of life and pride in our community by fostering synergy among beautification efforts and linking those efforts to economic development and cultural resources.

As participants in the national America in Bloom contest for the last 2 years, Springfield has hosted judges – including the former horticulture director at Disney World – who toured the city evaluating assets in 8 categories: floral displays, heritage, landscaped areas, urban forestry, environmentalism, turf and groundcover, tidiness, and community involvement. In addition to on-the-spot suggestions, the judges compile a comprehensive evaluation report that provides expert insight into the community’s strengths and areas for improvement. Springfield was the smallest community this year in its population category, which included Fayetteville, Arkansas and Escondido, California. Only one community in each population category can be named an “America in Bloom City” but each receives a “bloom rating.” Last year, Springfield received “3 Blooms” out of 5 and was nominated for a category award for Heritage.

“The AIB judging process has given us outside eyes on our community-wide efforts, kudos for what we’re doing right and motivation to keep at work,” said Melanie Wilt, co-chair of Springfield in Full Bloom. “’Blooming’ is not about creating a new program, but creating energy and optimism around the assets we already have.”

The Springfield Foundation manages a non-profit fund for Springfield in Full Bloom and can accept donations on behalf of the effort.

Donate and get your SIFB Yard Sign today!

Summer has begun its course, and now is the perfect time for residents and businesses in Springfield to show off their community pride.  For the second year, Springfield in Full Bloom has entered the city into the national America in Bloom contest to showcase Springfield’s various assets in horticulture, community involvement and heritage preservation.

Along with doing your part to keep your property tidy and beautiful this summer, you can take the extra step to display pride by donating to Springfield in Full Bloom.  With every donation of $10, a resident or business will receive a yard sign which reads “The Judges Are Coming!” along with a checklist for keeping your property’s curb appeal high.

Donations can be made at the following locations, where you can also pick up your yard sign:

OSU Extension Clark County:  4400 Gateway Blvd., Suite 104, Springfield, OH 45502

Phone: (937) 521-3860

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce: 20 South Limestone St., Suite 100, Springfield, OH 45502

Phone: (937) 325-7621

Bonnie’s Nursery & Garden Center: 2604 Springfield Xenia Road, Springfield, OH 45506

Phone: (937) 322-4733

Harmony Farm Market: 4760 E National Rd, Springfield, OH 45505

Phone: (937) 324-3289

All proceeds from the sale of the signs will go towards Springfield in Full Bloom’s efforts in preparing for the judges’ visit on July 7 and 8.  For income tax purposes, the full value of your contribution is tax-deductible, since no goods or services are provided in consideration of the sign.  The Springfield Foundation has exclusive legal control over the contributed assests.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and stay up-to-date on everything that’s happening as the judges’ arrival gets closer.

From http://plantingpride.blogspot.com

Do you know the mission of Springfield in Full Bloom? In every decision that is made and action that is taken, the campaign strives to:

“build pride around the city’s community assets [and] energize the municipal, business, and private sectors of Springfield to actively take pride in the city where they live through education, personal commitment, and public action centered around horticulture, environmentalism, community involvement and heritage preservation.”

In other words, Springfield in Full Bloom wants to get every person in the community, from home owners to city officials to businesspeople, to take greater pride in Springfield.  Along with the municipal and private sectors, the business division of Springfield places a crucial role in accomplishing Springfield in Full Bloom’s mission.

Companies have a lot to offer in the way of building community pride. Cooperative efforts with the likes of local schools, service organizations and other businesses get beautification projects up and running.  Donations can be made to support special events such as the judges’ visit.  Even simple efforts to create curbside appeal of an office building or retail outlet contribute to the collective visual appeal of the city.

As with the citizens and municipality, businesses enjoy certain benefits from participating with community pride initiatives.  The following is a list of just some of the benefits Springfield in Full Bloom has to offer business owners:

• Positions the company as socially active in the community
• Increases public exposure and recognition
• Improves profit and return rates compared to competitors that are not invested in such projects (GoodCorporateCitizen.com)
• Expands a business’ market potential through tourism and national recognition
• Boosts employee job satisfaction by supporting and engaging in community projects

GoodCorporateCitizen.com has more information on why social involvement is crucial to businesses cooperating with programs like Springfield in Full Bloom.  If you are a business owner, consider the suggestions made above or contact Tyler Hall at 937-688-3878 or tyler@wiltpr.com for more opportunities to join in the campaign.  Businesses are an important piece to the community pride puzzle, and their actions work with the municipality and private community members to unify Springfield as one cohesive, proud city.

From HollandiaBotanical.com

Spring is gradually making its way to Springfield. With the warmer weather and the sprouting plants, beautification efforts have begun in anticipation for the judges’ visit on July 7 and 8.  As we send off the community profile to give the judges their first taste of Springfield’s assets in beauty, heritage and service, now is the time for property owners around the city to begin taking advantage of the warmer weather and beautify their own homes.  Here are a few tips that you can follow to prepare your property over the next couple of months:

        Edge around sidewalks, driveways and garden beds

        Aerate lawns

        Seed bare lawn areas

        Weed and mulch flower beds

        Plant annuals

        Power wash siding and other external features

        Clean windows

        Touch up paint on external property

        Clean patio furniture and landscape art

        Remove dead trees and bushes

        Treat lawn with herbicides as recommended

        Pick up loose branches, sticks and winter debris in yard

Several upcoming events can help get you started on the right foot.  Both the Hollandia Bulb Festival and the Garden Fling will showcase just a few of Springfield’s projects to enhance community pride and make Springfield stand out among other America In Bloom cities. 

Garden Fling (April 2, Kenton Ridge High School, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) – Master Gardeners of Clark County and Ohio State University Extension are sponsoring the 3^rd annual Garden Fling.  Featuring gardening programs, a keynote address and a garden bazaar, this event is a great way to get fresh ideas to jumpstart your spring gardening.  Admission: $7.00

Hollandia Bulb Festival (April 16-17, Hollandia Botanical Gardens, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) – this exciting spring festival will feature local entertainment and food vendors, gorgeous flower beds and displays, handmade crafts, an educational fun area for kids, the Shawnee Auto Club vintage car show and a sales tent where you can purchase high quality plants for your own garden. Admission: FREE

You can get more details about these events and what Hollandia Botanical Gardens and Master Gardeners are up to by visiting their websites. And don’t forget to start projects at your own home; with everyone actively doing their part, Springfield will bloom with community pride!

From AwakeningCharlotte.com

As one of America In Bloom’s major criteria for judging, environmental awareness includes the aspects of the city which promote sustainable living, reducing the city’s waste, reusing recyclable material and other green practices.  It’s important for city organizations, businesses and governing bodies to take an active role in encouraging eco-friendly practices.  Individual residents also have a role to play in taking up environmental actions where they live.

One method of reducing consumption behaviors is downshifting.  Practicing downshifting means that a person limits their intake of resources in favor of “voluntary simplicity.”  Downshifters don’t completely remove themselves from society all at once, but gradually reduce their consumption of certain goods and services. This in turn indirectly preserves resources.  An added bonus: it saves you money!

There are five main reasons a person might downshift:

1. Balance your life and reduce stress
2. Embrace personal values
3. Pursue a more fulfilling life
4. Save limited financial resources
5. Help environment and reject consumerism

Essentially, downshifting is rejecting the old saying, “keeping up with the Joneses.”  Downshifting means a person reflects on their needs and wants; they try to only consume those things they need while strictly limiting the wants in certain areas of their life such as recreational hobbies or dietary choices. 

Remember, downshifting doesn’t mean you become a hermit or drifter.  Rather, the downshifter focuses on one part of their life (for example, clothing and apparel) and works to only use what is necessary to get by.  If downshifting sounds like something you’d be willing to try, here are some easy starter tips:

• Downshifting is NOT self-denial—don’t give up something you love. Rather, look to reduce your consumer spending in places that you can do without.
• Limit how much you eat out.  Buying food to prepare at home will control your portion sizes and reduce your waste.
• Take part in common green practices. Recycle, reuse, and conserve what you have.
• Take up a craft or hobby that will allow you to make commonly used goods or grow produce.
• Cut impulse purchases made while in the store. Plan what you’ll purchase and stick to a list for the majority of shopping trips.

You can find out more about downshifting and tips to get you started at GreenLivingTips.com and ChoosingVoluntarySimplicity.com.

Downshifting is just one way you can play your part in environmental awareness in Springfield, so find what works best for you and encourage others to do the same.

From www.clientsolv.com

Despite popular belief, Springfield In Full Bloom is not just about horticulture and cleaning up garden beds.  The activity of the people within the community is just as important.  Volunteering serves as a type of community glue:  as residents come together to improve the condition and image of their city, the members of that place find a sense of identity and pride. 

There is a selfless, altruistic value behind volunteering.  But aside from this “feel-good” effect, several other benefits come from giving of oneself for the greater good.

Learn or develop a new skill.  If you’ve been looking for an excuse to learn home renovation, care for flowers and trees, or even learn a thing or two about Springfield’s history, getting involved with bloom projects can be just the place to expand your knowledge. 

Get motivation and a sense of achievement.  Pick a volunteer position that plays on your interests and passions.  By serving in this way, your desire and enthusiasm for volunteer work is sincere.  This is a simple way to find the joy in giving of oneself.  Seeing your hard work result in a finished project or another person’s happiness gives you a sense of achievement that will encourage ongoing meaningful work.

Boost your career options. By adding a volunteer experience section to your resume, employers will get a sense of your interests and values on top of your professional strivings.  Employers want to know their employees are active, influential citizens of the city where they work.  It doesn’t hurt to show them you have the drive to take on your own personal endeavors.

Meet new people.  You might be surprised at the type of people you can meet digging up weeds, picking up litter on city streets or serving at local events.  Serving alongside other residents and community members can form lasting bonds that not only expand your social group and network where you live, but increases community identity as well.

Have new experiences.  It’s true—service can be FUN! Whether you’ve done a lot of serving in the past or you’re looking to jump in for the first time, you can always find something new to do to give back to your city and your fellow neighbor.  So find something that sparks your interest; you can even suggest new projects to serve in new, exciting ways.

Find out more on how volunteering can benefit you at Wolrd Volunteer Web.

This year, Springfield In Full Bloom projects need volunteers to help promote the great aspects of the community.  By giving of your time, your energy, your passions and your skills to beautification efforts, you’re sure to find numerous reasons to take pride in the community you live in.

Want to know how you can get started? Contact a local organization that is already involved in community efforts; these include 4-H, Clark County Waste Management District, Springfield Kiwanis, Springfield Rotary, the Council of Neighborhood Associations, Master Gardeners, Keep Clark County Beautiful and more.  Keep checking back on this blog for helpful tips and news on upcoming opportunities to support Springfield In Full Bloom’s mission to increase community pride.  You can also follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/springfieldinfullbloom) for all the latest news and to share your suggestions and ideas.

From www.DenverGov.org

Perhaps you’re an individual who tries to live by green standards. You minimize your water and electricity use, you carpool and ride your bike when you can, and you even have a recycle bin for paper, plastics, and glass.  But what should you do with all that garbage that can’t be recycled?  Yard scraps, fruit skins, coffee grounds–you can’t throw these in the recycling, so what can be done?

Even if you aren’t practicing the latest green techniques, reusing your kitchen and yard waste can make your home’s gardens and floral displays healthier and more vibrant.  Composting takes the trash from your kitchen and lawn and turns it into usable fertilizer that makes it easier for your plants to grow. 

To learn more about composting as a way to reduce waste, attend the Waste Reduction 101: Introduction to Composting workshop on Wednesday, March 16, from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.  The class is free to attend and will feature information and tools to make waste reduction simple and easy.  The workshop will take place in City Hall Forum, located at 76 E. High Street.  In order to register, call (937) 521-2025 or you can email your name, phone number, and home address to ccompton@clarkcountyohio.gov. 

If you want a better idea of what you’ll be in for at the workshop, here’s a brief rundown on composting practices:

What is compost? – From grass clippings to hair trimmings, there are numerous materials that can enrich your garden and make it easier for your plants and crop to grow. Other examples include:

• Coffee grounds
• Tea bags
• Raw fruit and vegetable scraps
• Wood chips
• Corncobs and stalks
• Shredded newspaper

How does composting work? – Nutrients from scraps can be absorbed by microbes in the soil of your garden, plant box and pots.  This gives the microbes added energy and material to function more effectively, which also helps plants grow. The material also loosens up the soil and allows air and water to travel to the roots of plants better.

What are the benefits to composting? – When you use compost in a garden or floral box, roots can penetrate the soil better.  The soil is able to hold water and nutrients more effectively, and the compost itself provides some of those nutrients. All of this improves the overall health of your plants.

What shouldn’t I use as compost? – Here’s  a quick list of things to avoid putting in with your plants:

• Food with meat, dairy or oils
• Pet feces (dog, cat or bird)
• Diseased plants
• Weeds gone to seed
• Ash from charcoal or coal

There are lots of different ways to go about composting. If you’re wondering where to start, the Clark County Waste Management District has a lot of information on composting and other ways to reduce, reuse and recycle around your home and in the community.  These are great tips as you start to prepare for spring, especially if you’re looking to make your home stand out during this summer’s Springfield In Full Bloom and the judges’ visit.  By turning your garbage into “garden gold,” you can help the environment while making your home look good.

From www.americainbloom.org

You may not have known it, but Springfield In Full Bloom is a locally organized campaign of a larger organization called America In Bloom.  So what exactly is this organization all about?

America In Bloom is an independent, non-profit organization that has been around since 2002, working to beautify our nation and implant a sense of national and community pride in towns and cities throughout the United States.  This is accomplished through their annual beautification competition.  Their mission is to “promote nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements.”

This will be Springfield’s second year entering its locally-branded initiative as part of the contest amongst other similar cities across the country.  Each city is visited by judges, who evaluate the beautification efforts of the community.  If you think this contest is all about flowers and gardening, consider the eight criteria that the judges use in determining a city’s beauty:

• Tidiness – the cleanliness of the city
• Environmental Awareness –the city’s sustainability efforts and green practices
• Community Involvement – citizens’ roles in bettering their town
• Heritage Preservation – the maintenance of historical and cultural hallmarks of an area
• Urban Forestry – the green spaces and municipal policies regarding nature
• Landscaped Areas – the appearance of locations such as homes, businesses, etc.
• Floral Displays – plant arrangements and accents around a city
• Turf and Ground Cover Areas – upkeep of recreational and other green spaces

America In Bloom is about more than encouraging pretty city practices.  The yearly program strives to develop a sense of community and identity in American towns.  While the contest only takes place over the summer, the objective aims to spur on beautification efforts year-round.  The achievements of each entered city is celebrated and awarded at the following Symposium and Award Ceremony. 

While America In Bloom looks at the municipal and business sectors, it also stresses the importance of private properties and the individual citizen’s role in making their town beautiful.  As plans come together for Springfield In Full Bloom 2011, consider what you might do to play your part in making Springfield shine. 

Not sure where to begin? Join us on March 2, at 6:30 p.m.  in City Hall’s forum room to brainstorm and discuss what the 2011 initiative could look like. 

For more information on America In Bloom, check out www.AmericaInBloom.org.

The Springfield community is invited to join current committee members on March 2 to begin making plans for this summer’s Springfield in Full Bloom contest. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 in city hall’s Forum Room, located at 76 E. High Street in downtown Springfield.

Springfield in Full Bloom, the local name of Springfield’s entry into the America in Bloom competition, seeks to promote the city’s sense of community through education, environmental enhancements of the city and lifestyle enrichment of local citizens.  This grassroots movement accomplishes these goals through encouraging the use and care of flowers, plants, trees, and landscaping, as well as community involvement and volunteerism.

Community members are called to join the discussion over this year’s initiatives and project ideas.  Residents are encouraged to share their own ideas for potential projects to increase the city’s aesthetics and boost community pride.  

“This city has many aspects that set it apart from other competitors,” said Pam Bennett, Ohio State University Extension horticulturist and the Master Gardeners state coordinator.  “There were great initiatives started last year, and this year has the potential for even more community involvement in new and continuing beautification efforts.”

Last year, Springfield in Full Bloom featured such efforts as the Buck Creek Ecocorridor Project, the new hospital located downtown, the city’s Graffiti Removal Unit, and the individual efforts of citizens and businesses “sprucing up” their own properties. 

“We have high expectations this year,” said Melanie Wilt, the committee chair for Springfield in Full Bloom. “Last year we received a 3 out of 5 Bloom rating; this year, we’re hoping to increase that rating as more community members take part.”

Once the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four days in a row, you know it is time to start preparing for the months to come. Take a day to organize your plan of action and follow these simple steps to prep your garden for the cold.

• Evaluate your garden. Evaluate the success of your garden this spring and summer. Decide what you will replant next year and what plants you will no longer plant. Base your decisions off of what plants flourished this past year and start to research plants that have similar growing needs.

• Neaten your garden. Remove any remaining weeds and fallen leaves from your garden area. This will ensure that you will not attract any insects or diseases that could harm your garden’s health. Remove any remaining plants that will be unable to survive wintery conditions.

• Care for your trees. Remove any dead branches that still remain after the leaves have all fallen.  Support any young trees by wrapping them and supporting them with a post. This will help them survive the blustery winter conditions.

• Lay mulch. Lay down about ten centimeters of mulch to blanket your plants from the freezing conditions and snowfall of winter. Make sure that all of the insects are gone before laying the mulch.

• Ward off slugs. Pick up some slug detergent from your local nursery in order to ward off slugs. Slugs can be detrimental for your garden.

• Clean up gardening tools. Clean up your tools and bring in your garden hose and place them in dry area protected from wintry conditions. Leaving them out in the cold may ruin tools and supplies that can could be used for years to come if taken care of properly.