On a steamy morning in July, I headed toward Amelia to meet participants in the national beautification effort and competition called “America in Bloom.” I wanted to see how a community gathered its talent and resources to plant community pride — and a huge number of flower beds and baskets, too.

A collaborative effort like this usually begins with the dream of one In this case, it was Donna Amann, a member of the Log Cabin Herb Society who works in Amelia. She admired the way the city of Montgomery looked and wondered if something similar could be accomplished in Amelia.

That is when Christy Bard of Bard Nurseries & Landscaping in Amelia told her about “America in Bloom” (AIB). She had heard about it from Kathy Benken of H.J. Benken Florist & Greenhouse in Silverton, who is vice president of the Ohio Florist's Association.

The association is a sponsor of “America in Bloom,” which has its roots in Europe and Canada. The Canadian program, called “Communities in Bloom” grew from 29 communities in 1995 to more than 400 in 2001.

The AIB pilot program began in 2001 with four American cities paired with four Canadian cities of like size. In 2002, 40 towns, cities or counties in the United States entered the competition.

The judges make their decisions based on eight categories: tidiness, environmental awareness, heritage, urban forestry, landscaped areas, flora displays, turf and groundcover areas and, most importantly, community involvement.

In March, Ms. Ammon began meeting with Amelia's mayor, Mark Menz, council member Pam Troxell, master gardeners and other volunteers. They attended business associations and city council meetings, and several groups helped cover the AIB registration fee. A kickoff was planned for May.

Silverton also participated this year. Program leaders are attending an awards banquet and symposium this weekend in Reston, Va.

Interesting in the “America in Bloom” program? Contact www.americainbloom. org. Or, attend a seminar 1 p.m. next Saturday at H.J. Benken, 6000 Plainfield Road, Silverton. Information: 891-1040.

Contact Peg St. Clair by phone: 541-4680; Web site: www.gardenersnetwork.org.

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