London Downtown finalizes America in Bloom plans

By Dean Manning

Members of the military are ingrained to pay attention to small details. London Downtown officials are encouraging downtown property owners to do the same in an effort to impress American in Bloom judges, who will be in London June 22.

At Tuesday’s London Downtown meeting, organizers told business and property owners, London has made a lot of progress following the 2007 competition, noting Releaf London’s effort to plant 38 trees around downtown, including 28 trees in front of London Elementary, to address the lack of urban forestry judges highlighted.

“In 2007 the judges told us we had nothing going on in urban forestry or environmental,” Rocky Binder said.

In addition, work is continuing on the Main Street streetscape project. Workers have been busy near the London Community Center and Farmers’ Market, installing the new pavers.

Jane Rice Williams, chair of the recycling committee said the judges also noted London’s lack of recycling. Not only has the city improved its recycling efforts since then, downtown property owners have the opportunity to help conserve water by purchasing rain barrels, which may be hooked to the gutter down spouts. The 55-gallon barrels are topped with a flower planter to improve curb appeal and have a hose connection to access the water.

“You still have time to get out and plant hanging baskets and flowerpots,” Williams said.

Officials have scheduled a last-chance cleanup on June 19 to ensure downtown is ready for the judges. Property owners are asked to clean up any trash outside their properties and ensure the properties are presentable.

“It doesn’t cost anything to be tidy,” Binder said.

America in Bloom, a nationwide contest, which promotes urban beautification, has London competing against other towns of similar size for the prestigious America In Bloom distinction. Each city will be judged on eight criteria, including floral displays, environmental awareness, landscaping, tidiness, urban forestry, heritage preservation, turf and ground covers and community involvement.

“This is something that can put our community on the map,” Binder said, noting the contest is a big deal to communities in Europe and Canada

Staff writer Dean Manning may be reached at dmanning@sentinel-echo.com.

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