Gonna Make This Garden Grow

Jennifer Polanz

I grew up in central Ohio near Columbus and went to school at Ohio University. One small town in between those two locations is Logan, known by most for its gorgeous access to the Hocking Hills. The downtown, however, was always like many small towns in Ohio and needed a little TLC. Enter local residents and businesses who pulled together for beautification efforts that eventually led to entering America in Bloom.

It’s lovely to see young people working alongside older adults to restore beauty and pride to this town, and even more lovely to hear their voices come together in song as they detailed their efforts (GO HERE to watch their winning entry as the YouTube People’s Choice Award). Logan also was recognized as Best Pollinator Habitat in 2022 and they’ll be the host for the 2024 America in Bloom Symposium. Guests will stay in Columbus and travel to Logan to learn about the town’s revitalization program. It’s difficult not to be inspired by everyone involved here.

But you don’t have to wait until 2024 to help beautify your community—you can do it today. AIB has an easy process with three levels of involvement:

Level 1—Activate: Start with a mini Self-Assessment of your community.

Level 2—Build: Dig deeper with a full Self-Assessment, where you can access an America in Bloom advisor for help.

Level 3—Celebrate: This is the National Awards Program, which is celebrated every year during the Symposium. This is where you become a full member of America in Bloom and register before February 28 to be visited and assessed by two AIB advisors. 

Find out more at www.americainbloom.org. GP