America in Bloom 2010
America in Bloom 2010 By Danny Takao, president

American Garden Award Voting Opens

The 2010 American Garden Award, a unique opportunity for the general public and professional horticulturists alike to vote for their favorite plant, is now open for voting. Previous coverage of the award is available at www.lgrmag.com.

There are a number of ways to vote: by texting a given code to a polling number, visiting www.americangardenaward.com and clicking on the voting button, returning postage-paid voting postcards available at most gardens or connecting with the American Garden Award on Facebook.

For anyone who is unable to visit one of the 18 gardens, online voting is another way to view and vote. Voting will be open until Aug. 31, 2010. Winners will be announced in September.

The 2010 America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program, which will take place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in St. Louis, Mo., has been set, with a full program of education and events.

This year’s host city was recognized with the ASLA International Award for Urban Revitalization, and its community pride and environmental initiatives are a perfect example of the AIB philosophy.

Two industry leaders — Anna Ball, CEO of Ball Horticultural Co., and Peter Raven, president emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden — will present keynote addresses.

In addition to a two-day educational program, participants also can attend one of three focused tours covering environmental opportunities; secret neighborhoods and community gardens; and area AIB towns.

Early registrants receive a 25 percent discount if signed up before Sept. 10, and all registered participants will receive a pass to the Missouri Botanical Garden. For more information, visit www.americainbloom.org.