Over the last two years nearly 200 Springfield-area residents and businesses have stepped up to participate in the Yard to Yard Challenge—many making dramatic landscape improvements to their properties. To expand this beautification program to reach out to more of our neighbors and avid gardeners, Springfield Green is bringing “Springfield In Bloom” to you in 2007.

Much like Yard to Yard Challenge, Springfield In Bloom is a landscape improvement program geared to inspire participants to improve the street-side portion of their property with plants, trees and landscaping. In order to not leave our seasoned gardeners out who have existing landscapes that they maintain and add to year after year, nominations are also being taken for these gardens also to ensure that no beautiful space is excluded! The program is open to homeowners, businesses and neighborhood gardens for both new and existing projects. Entrants will be judged on their project’s visual impact, composition and originality.

“We’re very excited about the new opportunities with the 2007 Springfield In Bloom program,” said Mayor Tim Davlin. “Being able to recognize our friends and neighbors for their individual efforts in business and neighborhood landscaping projects will hopefully inspire others to do more in the area of beautification, building on the success that this program creates.”

Nominations of up to three gardens per entrant can be made in the Springfield In Bloom program. The public along with Springfield In Bloom official judges will make the final determination on winners for those who would like to compete in four different categories: Home Gardens, Neighborhood Gardens, Business Gardens and Container Gardens.

Entering or nominating a property is easy. Those wanting to participate can visit www.springfieldinbloom.org and fill out an online form or pick up a copy at any of the 10 Illinois National Bank locations, Chapman Stone & Marble or Illinois Times office at 1320 South State Street. Projects may be entered through July 5. Because the public and judges will be voting on the best projects, photos are encouraged for the most exposure for projects.

Mark your project with pride

All entrants may receive a beautiful Springfield In Bloom sign to mark their landscaped areas so everyone in the neighborhood will know they can vote for your property or perhaps decide to take on the challenge alongside you. Additionally, Illinois Times and Insight will feature some projects as the “Yard of the Week,” to showcase area landscapes.

Prizes Too!

The 2007 Springfield In Bloom program, which is sponsored in part by Illinois National Bank, The Farmer’s Market and Chapman Stone and Marble, will award a wide array of prizes in each of the entry categories. Look for specific prize announcements later at www.springfieldinbloom.org.

Garden Planning Seminars Saturday

Gardeners wanting some inspiration for the 2007 contest are invited to attend the Springfield In Bloom “Get Your Garden Growing” seminar this season to be held on Saturday, April 28^th. At 9 a.m. Mark McWilliams, Springfield Green Project & Design Chairman and also with Copper Tree Outdoor Lifestyles, will speak on incorporating the Springfield Green theme into your garden. At 10 a.m., Executive Mansion Gardener Tom Martin will speak on container gardening. This seminar is being held at the Illinois Nurserymen’s Association Conference Center at 2900 Greenbriar Drive. Admission for these seminars is $5 and free to Springfield Green members. Call 789-2116, ext. 529 for more information.

Springfield Green is a City- and community-driven program to beautify Springfield with plants, flowers and trees through neighborhood projects supported by individual and corporate donations and grants.